Guardian of the Grail: A New Light of the Arthurian Legend

354 pp. "The story of King Arthur and his legendary exploits has been a subject for speculation and controversy for centuries. The legend is known to countless millions through Sir Thomas Malory but the facts are obscured by the mists of time. In Guardian of the Grail John Whitehead has developed a new and revolutionary theory as to the true identity of King Arthur. Whitehead argues that Arthur was Arwirag the Briton, who contended against the Roman Emperor Claudius and later endowed Glastonbury, the historical Caractacus. The pagans Arwirag opposed were Romans, not Saxons. Three times fearlessly in the arms against Rome, and three times beaten, yet each time appointed by the victors as a native king, Arthur earned the admiration of all Celtic Europe and the respect of Rome itself. Arthur's attempts to unite the Britons, through the fellowship of the Round Table, and his far-sighted support of Joseph of Armanthea's church are examples of both political wisdom and great courage. His death in squalid party strife was a tragedy. But the legend continues; Arthur's spirit still live. He now rests in Avalon, waiting for Merlin to call him back; when that happens Arthur will appear again."