Chronology information

The era of Arthur, according to the Vulgate and Malory, is the first half of the fifth century after Christ. Galahad arrived at Arthur's court in the year 454 AD.

By long usage, characters of the sixth century, especially saints and poets, may be incorporated into Arthurian adventure. Certain personages from earlier centuries may also appear: Nascien the Hermit and King Mordrains, contemporaries of Joseph of Arimathea, both miraculously survived into Arthur's time, and Joseph himself appears in visions. Other saints and angels could surely appear in visions as well.

Christ himself appears in the form of an old holy man. Vulgate VI strongly suggests that the old man who arrives by boat to explain Percivale's visions on the island during the Grail Quest is "the bread of life from heaven", in other words, Christ.

The Devil likewise appears in person. He may take the form of a venerable holy man to interpret falsely someone's visions or experiences, a beautiful woman to tempt a knight's chastity, or even a horse to try to drown its rider. According to Nascien, it was the Devil who entered into Guenevere and made her desire Lancelot, because that was the only way the evil one could get a hold on the great knight. One demon can be found, Aselaphes, who killed King Tholomer lest Josephe convert him. This was long before Arthur's time, but devils are immortal. Nearer home, a devil is credited with fathering Merlin.