King Arthur: Fact Or Fiction

King Arthur is a legendary British leader from the 5th and early 6th centuries.  But was he real, or a made up story by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his book, The History of the Early Kings of Britain, describing his magic sword Excalibur, and the magician Merlin.  It was written in the 11th century, that's 500 years after the time of Arthur.  This book is based on an "ancient Celtic manuscript" that only Geoffrey was able to examine.  Celtic monk Gildas wrote of the Saxon invasion in his book The Ruin and Conquest of Britain.  He wrote about the conflict at Badon hills, and no warrior named Arthur is even mentioned.  He gives someone else's name as the leader of the Brits.  But he does mention an unnamed leader and king of the Britons.  Could this be referring to King Arthur?  He probably did exist but maybe not with all the magic and the holy grail.  He was more likely a successful warrior for the Britons than a king with a magic sword.  England's whole history pretty much has Arthur written all over it.  Why would a country have a mythological history.

But if you think different, comment under this post.