Renegade Biker-Druid King Arthur Says "Take No Shit."
Vice profiles Arthur Uther Pendragon, a UK biker-turned-druid who is best known for forcing the British Government to allow public access to the Stonehenge during the Solstice holidays. Arthur’s case was heard at the European Court of Human Rights, and it is thanks to him that over 20,000 people – “around one third tourists, one third pilled-up teenagers in sportswear, and one third neo-druids” – come to party in and around the ancient monument each summer.
According to Wikipedia, Arthur, née John Timothy Rothwell, used to belong to an outlaw biker gang called The Gravediggers. He became known as “King John” after throwing parties at a ruined castle in Odiham that was colloquially known as “John’s Castle,” but became known as “King Arthur” in 1986 after coming to believe that he was a reincarnation of the legendary monarch. In the Vice article, Arthur good-naturedly discusses his memories of 16th 6th century England, knighting Ken Kesey and Johnny Rotten, and how he came to be in the possession of the sword Excalibur.
His last quote in the piece is particularly epic: “Stand. Stand and be counted. If you believe it, go for it. No regrets. Fight for truth, for honor and for justice. Take no shit.”
[via Bryce Jamison]
October 11th, 2012 at 6:21 am
Hats off for this man. You’re awesome.
October 11th, 2012 at 6:52 am
‘…his memories of 16th century England…” Really? Didn’t know Arthur was a Tudor. I think that’s about a millennium off.
October 11th, 2012 at 11:06 am
@squadratomagico WHOOPS, You are totally right. That was a typo. I meant to say 6th century, not 16th. DURR! I have fixed it. Although, according to this Athur’s personal mythology, King Arthur has reincarnated throughout the ages, So he would have witnessed the 16th century as well. :)
October 15th, 2012 at 2:09 am
No way! I used to live on road protest sites with this guy, in my teens!!! Blast from the past!
October 22nd, 2012 at 6:53 am
Highlander! There can be only One!