Tintagel Castle
The Myth of King Arthur's Parentage
Duke Gorles of Tintagel lived at the castle and one day brought his young wife, Igraine, to the court of Uther Pendragon who was at that time the King of Britain. Duke Gorles had his wife perform for Uther and the other guests at the court. So enamoured with her was Uther that he fell deeply in love with her beauty. Uther determined to have her for his own. So obvious during Igraine's performance were Uther's desires that Gorles noticed the attention paid by the King to his wife and stormed out of the court, returning to Cerniw. Upon being summoned back to court, Gorles refused to return. Infuriated by this dissent Uther quickly invaded Duke Gorles' lands.
Igraine was hidden away in the impregnable Tintagel, while Gorles himself defended the nearby stronghold of Dimilioc. Uther was acommpanied by his magician, Merlin, and convinced the wizard to turn him into the likeness of Gorles. Diguised in this way, he slipped into Tintagel Castle, accompanied by Merlin and seduced Igraine. That night, their son, the future King Arthur was conceived. Gorles was killed the next day and Uther and Igraine quickly became husband and wife.