If Arthur existed, he is easily envisioned as acting as he does in this tale. Thus, Derfel is in a position to shed light on many aspects of medieval life – rituals, superstitions, and celebrations.Ĭornwell attempts to peel away the layers of myth, resulting in a tale that conveys a feeling of authenticity. Many religions are colliding at this time, particularly various pagans, Druids, and Christians. In his later years, Derfel converted to Christianity, but at the time of his service to Arthur, he was a pagan and Mithraist.

Derfel was a Saxon slave brought up by Merlin in the Celtic traditions. It is told from the perspective of Derfel, looking back on his life as one of Arthur’s commander-warriors. It envisions them as real people living in a real time, without employing elements of fantasy or magic. All the key players are here, including Guinevere, Mordred, Galahad, Lancelot, and Merlin, though some are not in their traditional roles. It is epic in scope, and contains a wonderful mixture of history, strategy, battles, political intrigues, alliances, and relationships. This is one of the best books I have read on Arthurian legend.

The silver horn, so pure and clear, called again and again, a hunting call to the slaughter, and each time it sounded our men pressed forward into the branches of the felled trees to cut and stab and scream at the enemy who, suspecting some trickery, glanced nervously around the vale as they defended themselves.” “Our whole line surged forward and scarred swords hammered at the enemy with a new energy. This book is probably the closest to the 'real' Arthur that we'll get, and it's a fabulous series that I highly recommend. Cornwall has used what sources he could and embellished with fantasy elements to fill in any gaps. While not much is known about 600 AD Briton, the era known as the Dark Ages, Mr. It's an outstanding book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The story is told by Derfel, one of Merlin's orphans who becomes one of Arthur's warriors and later a Christian monk. Arthur is a Briton warlord trying desperately to unite the various warring kingdoms against the invading Saxons.

In fact, this may be the first one I've read where Lancelot is less than heroic, and I can't wait to see where this goes in the series. Cornwell does include Lancelot, Excalibar, and other late embellishments. This is not one of the chivalric versions, though Mr.

I've read many versions of the Arthurian legends, from Tennyson and Mallory to Stewart, E.B. Bernard Cornwell is lauded for his historical fiction, and justly so.

Bernard cornwell the winter king series