In the Footsteps of King Arthur (episode)

In the Footsteps of King Arthur is the third episode of Olivier Simonnet's documentary series Looking for the Hobbit. Actors Charlie Hibbert and Gwen de Montfaucon are featured, portraying Uther Pendragon and the magician Merlin from English Mythology, and Stuart Davidson is introduced, playing King Arthur (in narrated scenes).

The episode spans 26 minutes, and is followed by "The Lost Gold of the Rhine".

Synopsis
John Howe, searching for the origins of J.R.R. Tolkien's Hobbits, comes with Nicolas Mezzalira to Tintagel, Cornwall in England. Mezzalira resumes the story of Uther Pendragon and Merlin, and tells of King Arthur's birth. Relations between Tolkien's legendarium and the legends of King Arthur in the Matter of Britain are explored. Howe and Mezzalira go next to the Arthurian Center in Slaughterbridge, England, given a tour by caretaker Roger Toy.

In Alsace, France, Prof. Leo Carruthers tells of 11th century historiographer Geoffrey of Britain, and the development over time of the Arthurian tales in Europe.

Mezzalira tells the story of the Knights of the Round Table. Carruthers compares Frodo Baggins' quest to the Quest of the Holy Grail.