- Political Legitimacy: Norman rulers in England sought to legitimize their rule by connecting to an illustrious British past.
- Social Cohesion: The Arthurian legend provided a shared cultural framework that bridged divisions between Norman rulers and Anglo-Saxon subjects.
- Moral Instruction: The tales modeled ideal behavior—loyalty, courage, honor—for knights and nobles.
- Entertainment: Courtly audiences craved romantic and adventurous tales, and Arthurian stories provided thrilling narratives.
Understanding these motives helps explain why the myth persisted and evolved over centuries.
King Arthur and the Concept of “Fake News” in the Middle Ages
While "fake news" is a modern term, the deliberate use of misleading or fabricated stories for political or social advantage is hardly new.
Could the Arthurian legend be considered medieval fake news?
- Intentional Fabrication? The legends likely mixed historical events with fiction knowingly; authors such as Geoffrey of Monmouth may have blended fact and invention with clear political intent.
- Belief and Skepticism: Medieval audiences often accepted such tales as truth or as allegory, and skepticism varied widely.
- Propaganda and Myth-Making: The use of myth to shape perceptions is a form of information manipulation comparable to propaganda.
Therefore, King Arthur’s legend can be seen as a medieval "fake news" phenomenon—stories crafted to influence public opinion and legitimize power. shutdown123