Posted by Gabriel Stein on December 02, 1998 at 08:32:48:
In Reply to: Historical date of Lyonesse trilogy posted by Rohan on November 29, 1998 at 12:33:42:
I don't think you can try to set the Lyonesse stories in an "historical timeframe". In fact, your own question shows up some of the problems. You point out that arthur couldn't have ruled before 600, since that is when Christainity was introduced in England. But actually, it was re-introduced, because it certaniyl was present during the Roman Empire, which officially left Britain on its own in 410. And if Arthur existed, his reign took place in the mid-400s, in fact. That would give Lyonesse a time-frame of the late 4th Century (380-400 or so). But on the other hand, the military technology of Lyonesse is closer to the 12th Century.
Rather take a leaf from another Arthur-centred story, Prince Valiant, which is set at this time but full of - very consciuos - temporal inconsistencies. And enjoy the tale.
Gabriel