Like all truly legendary figures, the historical reality of King Arthur lies tantalisingly out of reach. Lost in the mists of time like the man himself - knights, round table and all.

Although no contemporary account of his life exists, Arthur’s name first appears in early Welsh texts. He is thought to have led the indigenous Britons to several notable victories over the Saxon invaders.

There is some archaeological evidence to suggest that Saxon migration to Britain declined, or was even reversed, at about the time Arthur probably lived. This may suggest that he did exert a significant- though not lasting- influence on the course of history.

By the time Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote his History of the Kings of Britain in1136, Arthur was already a dim and distant figure. That did not prevent Geoffrey from weaving a colourful tale about his life, introducing the wizard Merlin, Morgan le Fey and other staple features of Arthurian lore.

French writers grafted on the remaining mythological components- including the mighty sword Excalibur, the Holy Grail and Camelot. As the living embodiment of chivalry, Arthur’s influence was Europe-wide.

While the South West of England has traditionally been regarded as the setting for his exploits, an alternative case can be made for Wales as King Arthur country.

It has been argued that he was based at Wentloog outside Cardiff and that St Dyfrig crowned him at Caerleon. Camlan, where Arthur met his end, could be near Dolgellau while Coed Y Mwstwr outside Bridgend may be where he was secretly buried. Perhaps he’s still there now, waiting to return in our hour of need.

Of course the truth or otherwise of any of the multiplicity of Arthurian theories hardly matters. Because- as his medieval hagiographers so vividly demonstrated- Arthur can be whatever you want him to be. The Arthur of legend was British fiction’s first superhero, and is still probably its greatest.