The Sword in the Stone
When the Romans withdrew their legions from Britain they left behind their heavy cavalry.
These were stationed in Yorkshire and were the only really heavy cavalry in Europe at that time.
It is quite possible that a Celtic leader like Arthur could have enlisted their support
and this could explain his victories against the Saxons.
The horsemen who made up this heavy cavalry came from a region in what is now Russia. They had
a custom of placing a sword upright in a stone as part of their religious
ceremonies. This ritual may be the origin of the legend of Arthur drawing a sword from
a stone to become King of Britain.
See also Some notes on Merlin
Thanks to Jeff Wall for graphic
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