CHAPTER XIII.
THE ROUND TABLE.
Fortunately "the question of the actual existence and acts of Arthur has very little to do with the question of the origin of the Arthurian cycle." But although some authorities entirely deny his existence, it is probable that he was a Briton, for many places in Wales, Scotland, and England are connected with his name.
On the very slightest basis, many of the mediaeval writers constructed long and fabulous tales about this hero.

Such was the popularity of the Arthurian legends all over Europe that prose romances concerning him were among the first works printed, and were thus brought into general circulation.

An outline of the principal adventures of Arthur and of his knights is given here.

It has been taken from many works, whose authors will often be mentioned as we proceed.
King Uther Pendragon, as we have already seen, intrusted his new-born son, Arthur, to the care of the enchanter Merlin, who carried him to the castle of Sir Hector (Anton), where the young prince was brought up as a child of the house.
"Wherefore Merlin took the child, And gave him to Sir Anton, an old knight And ancient friend of Uther; and his wife Nursed the young prince, and rear'd him with her own; And no man knew." TENNYSON, _The Coming of Arthur_.
[Sidenote: The magic sword.] Two years later King Uther Pendragon died, and the noblemen, not knowing whom to choose as his successor, consulted Merlin, promising to abide by his decision.

By his advice they all assembled in St.Stephen's Church, in London, on Christmas Day.