The Sword in the Stone : England didn't even exist at the time

England didn't even exist at the time

They keep referring to the country as "England" in the film, but in fact, England didn't even exist at the time. Before the Germanic invasions that occurred beginning in the 6th century, Great Britain was inhabited by Celts, who were influenced by Roman culture to varying degrees. After the Germanic tribes, most notably the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, invaded and displaced the local populations, their country in the British Isles became known as "England" ("land of the Angles") and their Germanic language, Anglo-Saxon, became known as "Old English".

King Arthur was, in fact, a Celtic ruler who defended Britain AGAINST the Germanic invaders. Thus, he was specifically NOT English, nor did he speak English.

Re: England didn't even exist at the time

I think this interpretation (and most pop culture depictions of the Arthurian legends) take place sometime in the medieval period—that is, after the Anglo-Saxons and Normans, etc. This Disney version has a practice jousting horse, and castles with moats, etc., so I would place it after 1066... Therefore I think it makes sense to be talking about "England."

That's interesting that Arthur was a Celtic ruler—I didn't know that. I know more that he was popular in Norman/French literature about chivalric ideals, etc. It's interesting how different cultures and legends mix. Certainly Disney wouldn't be particularly historically accurate. :)

Re: England didn't even exist at the time

Merlin says something about that the first edition on The London Times will be in 1200 years... So it can't be 1066 in the movie. It must be set before that date.

Re: England didn't even exist at the time

England has been around FOREVER.

Re: England didn't even exist at the time

In the movie it's not the 6th century but the medieval period.

Re: England didn't even exist at the time

It's too bad you weren't around to tell them. You could've let them know their cartoon movie based on a book (which was based on myth and legend) featuring shapeshifting wizards and witches, a talking owl, and a holy sword that determines kingship was historically inaccurate.

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