Nightbringer | The Arthurian Online Encyclopedia

Aschil

Acil, Aescil, Archyl, Aschis, Ascil, Askil, Echil

The King of Denmark who, in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia, voluntarily subjugated himself to Arthur to avoid being conquered.

He fought for Arthur in the invasion of France and in the war against the Roman emperor Lucius, leading a battalion at the battle of Soissons. He was killed fighting Mordred’s army at the battle of Camlann.

Geoffrey Gaimar, who adapted Geoffrey of Monmouth’s chronicle, makes Aschil’s brother, Odulf, the king of Denmark under Arthur. Aschil’s other brother, Gunter, had previously been king, but Arthur killed him.


Sources
Historia Regum Britanniae | Geoffrey of Monmouth, c. 1138
L’Estoire des Engles | Geoffrey Gaimar, c. 1140
Roman de Brut | Wace, c. 1155
The Misfortunes of Arthur | Thomas Huges, 1587