Uther Pendragon, King Arthur’s Father

by BluSphere in Folklore, March 15, 2010

Uther was one of two younger brothers, sons of king Constans.

Uther Pen-dragon

Uther Pen-dragon was a legendary English king from approx. the 500th century and King Arthur’s father.

Uther is the brother of Ambrosius Aurelianus who becomes king after the king Vortigerns death. Uther becomes king after Ambrosius’s death.

He falls in love with the beautiful Igraine (also called Ygerna) who is married to Gorlois of Cornwall. With Merlin’s help, Uther takes appearance as Gorlois and sneaks into Igraine while Gorlois is in combat with Uther’s army that kills him. Arthur is conceived that night.

Uther’s story is first told by Geoffrey of Monmouth. He writes the book “History of Kings of Britain”. Uther was one of two younger brothers, sons of king Constans. Their father was murdered and they fled to the Royal Court which was leaded by his cousin “King Budic 1st”. Here he was raised. When he grew older he returned to his homeland, Britain with Ambrosius, his elder brother, and fought for their ancestral rights. They won the battle and placed Ambrosius on the throne.