Arthur's birth
Arthur was the son of the powerful Briton king, Uther Pendragon. Arthur's birth is shrouded in mystery and magic.
At a feast celebrating a great victory over their Saxon enemies, King Uther fell in love with Igraine, the wife of one of his lords, Duke Gorlois of Cornwall. War broke out between Uther and Gorlois, and while the battle raged outside the walls of Tintagel Castle (see picture above), Uther disguised himself as Gorlois with help from Merlin, his wizard adviser. Uther then snuck into the castle and slept with Igraine, but unbeknownst to them Gorlois had just been killed outside in the battle.
Uther then married Igraine. He became stepfather to Igraine's daughters, Morgause, Elaine, and Morgan le Fay. Nine months after the battle, Arthur was born. However, as a condition of Merlin's help sneaking into Tintagel, he took the child while still a baby and hid him with one of the king's vassal's, Sir Ector, for protection.
Shortly after Arthur's birth, his mother died, perhaps from grief. Not long after her death, King Uther was killed by his Saxon enemies. Britain fell into chaos for a number of years after his passing.
Find more information here and here and here and here.
At a feast celebrating a great victory over their Saxon enemies, King Uther fell in love with Igraine, the wife of one of his lords, Duke Gorlois of Cornwall. War broke out between Uther and Gorlois, and while the battle raged outside the walls of Tintagel Castle (see picture above), Uther disguised himself as Gorlois with help from Merlin, his wizard adviser. Uther then snuck into the castle and slept with Igraine, but unbeknownst to them Gorlois had just been killed outside in the battle.
Uther then married Igraine. He became stepfather to Igraine's daughters, Morgause, Elaine, and Morgan le Fay. Nine months after the battle, Arthur was born. However, as a condition of Merlin's help sneaking into Tintagel, he took the child while still a baby and hid him with one of the king's vassal's, Sir Ector, for protection.
Shortly after Arthur's birth, his mother died, perhaps from grief. Not long after her death, King Uther was killed by his Saxon enemies. Britain fell into chaos for a number of years after his passing.
Find more information here and here and here and here.