Tintagel Castle by Nilfanion from Wikimedia Commons
The lines between history and myth tangle as they weave the tale of Tintagel’s claim to fame. According to legend, the castle by the sea was the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous men: King Arthur.
When Uther Pendragon first laid eyes on Igraine, the strong grip of love laid siege upon his whole heart, and a longing for her could not be denied. Devising a daring plot, Uther waged a war against Igraine’s husband to win the woman as his wife. Aware of the king’s ignominious intent, Gorlois sent his wife to Tintagel Castle, the most secure in the land, while he fought Uther on different ground. Uther defeated Gorlois, and upon hearing of Igraine’s safe keeping at Tintagel Castle, lamented greatly. The castle was impenetrable by any force.
A new coup was devised, and Uther summoned the wizard Merlin, persuading the magician to change Uther’s appearance into the likeness of Gorlois. Unaware of the deception, the guards at Tintagel allowed him passage through the entrance, where the disguised Uther shared a bed with the beautiful Igraine. That night Arthur of Camelot was conceived under the sheets.