Arturus
Arturus, also known as the Bear-King, was a 6th-century CE Gurahl. He united the Britons as their high chief. His reign eventually ended, but according to legend, Arturus is merely hibernating until the Apocalypse.[1]
Biography
The sixth century in Britain saw the rise and fall of many petty chiefs. Warring tribes of Saxons, Angles and Goths all vied for territory after the departure of the Roman armies. One of these chiefs, known as Arturus, sought more than power for himself and glory for his tribe. Decrying the bloodlust and battle-madness that afflicted so many other leaders of the Britons, Arturus embarked on a campaign to bring together as many of the warring tribes as possible, seeking to unite them into one large tribe that could bring healing to a ravaged land.
From his boyhood, Arturus had known that a great destiny lay before him. Born in the summer, when Urrsa Major and Ursa Minor ruled the heavens and marked by the Sign of the Bear, Arturus experienced his First Change during the initiation ceremony that marked his coming of age. Led by a vision to seek out a teacher to explain the transformation that had taken place, Arturus traveled for a year and a say in the company of his Buri-Jaan - an elder Gurahl who instructed him in the ways of the Children of Bear.
Returning to his tribe at the end of his Gallivant, Arturus quickly became a leader among the warriors of his people. When the old chief died, the druids of the tribe appointed him as the new chief.
Almost immediately, Arturus put into practice the lessons he had learned from his year of wandering. He campaigned across Briton, bringing a message of peace and prosperity through cooperation to the other warlords. One by one, he united his rival chieftains under his banner - with words when possible, with swords when necessary. Arturus assumed the title of High Chief and taught those he ruled to work in harmony with nature. To many, he became the focus of a religion which endorsed worship of the Great Mother while it advocated both peace and strength. For a time, the land and its people prospered under his leadership.
Some stories tell of how Arturus aroused the jealously of a mighty Garou chieftain to the north and how a great battle raged for seven days and seven nights, resulting in a victory for the Garou and the disappearance of the Bear-King. Other tales hint that Arturus's grand vision grew stagnant and crumbled, broken apart by petty rivalries among his lesser chiefs. Still other versions of the Bear-King's fall speak of dark magics and vile treachery. Whatever the cause, the idyllic reign of the Bear-King came to an end.
Though wars and jealousies returned, utter darkness did not overtake the land. Many recalled Arturus' reaching and sought to show others what he had been like through passing on stories of his beliefs and exploits. The stories grew in the telling, changing to fit new circumstances, yet containing within their new forms the essential truths found in the originals. Other great leaders' stories would become entwined with that of Arturus as the centuries passed. Yet, it is Arturus's name that is remembered. Many believe that more than his name survives: Some say the mother enfolded her loyal defender in a stony embrace to hide him from those who would do harm to his body. When at the end of things, she once again has need of his wisdom and strength, she will open her arms and breathe upon his silent, sleeping face, awakening and restoring Arturus to the world to lead her Changing children in their final battles.
Trivia
- Arturus might have inspired the legend of King Arthur.