This very uneven book undertakes an analysis of two romances by Chretien de Troyes, Le chevalier de la charrette and Le conte du graal, that seeks to uncover Welsh sources for the stories. The work was written as a doctoral thesis, we are not told where. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

There are three archetypal and widespread Arthurian stories--the abduction of Guinevere, the Holy Grail, and Tristan. Through the author's painstaking research of the literature and comparative literature of the stories, and by studying the history, laws, and archaeology of the post-Roman period, a new methodology was found for approaching sources. This led to strong reasons for making a number of groundbreaking conclusions. Arthurian literature is a potential wealth of information on Arthur's Britain. More importantly, the nature of the holy grail has been in the grail literature and related materials all along.

Making use of the methodology developed in his Origins of Arthurian Romances (McFarland, 2012), the author explores the question of King Arthur's existence in several original approaches to the subject. Examining the extant literature and other evidence, the author searches for the truth of the who when and where of King Arthur. These explorations are grouped into historicity, geography and the years in which he flourished. The conclusion is that Arthur was indeed an historical entity and the author places him in a specific area and narrows the time frame of his period of activity.

Drawing on historical documents, legends, archeology and literature, this history describes the disintegration of Roman Britain that reached a climax in the decades after the Britons overthrew Constantine's government and were refused Roman rule. Beginning with the weakening of Roman Britain, the author chronicles the breakdown of the empire's social, political and economic order and the re-emergence of British political, economic and social structure as well as a parallel development among the Germanic invaders. The roles of religion, disease, the military, the Irish and the Picts during the 4th through 7th centuries are examined. This study synthesizes advances in post-Roman studies since Leslie Alcock's 1971 classic Arthur's Britain.

King Arthur was not an Englishman, but a Celtic warrior, according to Loomis, whose research into the background of the Arthurian legend reveals findings which are both illuminating and highly controversial. The author sees the vegetarian goddess as the prototype of many damsels in Arthurian romance, and Arthur's knights as the gods of sun and storm. If Loomis's arguments are accepted, where does this leave the historic Arthur?

Follow the Mythic Map into Modern Practice The path of the Avalonian priestess is as unique as those who walk it; learn how to apply the nine energies of this path in service to the Goddess, the community, and the self in pursuit of inner wholeness and connection to Avalon within. Jhenah Telyndru explores Avalon's legacy through history and lore: examining Arthurian legends; myths from Wales, Brittany, and Ireland; and the accounts of Celtic priestesses recorded by Roman historians. Presented in two parts, this book first delves into the rich historical and cultural information that forms the Avalonian Stream of Tradition, especially the Ninefold Sisterhoods found in Celtic lands and beyond. Then, you will be introduced to nine modern priestess pathways inspired by ancient ways: Lorekeeper, Lawspeaker, Emissary, Artisan, Hearthtender, Guardian, Seer, Healer, and Ritualist. You'll use specialized workings to connect with Avalon's energetic currents, reclaim your sovereignty, learn to be in priestess service as a bridge between the worlds, and find your way home to Avalon within.

Theses on any subject submitted by the academic libraries in the UK and Ireland.