Knights of the Kitchen Table calls on elements of Arthurian legend when building the adventures of its main characters. The legend of Arthur and his knights has long been the source of historical debate with no definitive conclusions as to whether Arthur existed or if the tales of his accomplishments and knights are true. Some scholars argue that references made in the Historia Brittonum (History of the Britons) and Annales Cambriae (Welsh Annals) suggest that Arthur was a real Romano-British leader and was instrumental in the victory of the Battle of Badon against the Anglo-Saxons. However, the historical accuracy of both the Historia Brittonum and Annales Cambriae has been questioned, as their versions do not match other historical writings of the time. Additionally, they seem to draw upon one another, only to bolster each other’s claims. Other scholars argue that Arthur was a folkloric hero based on a forgotten deity and only later became associated with real-life events. Regardless, there is little evidence to support that Arthur was ever a king, as texts refer to him strictly as “dux bellorum” (“leader of wars”) or “miles” (“soldier”).

The Arthurian culture of Scieszka’s novel is loosely based on some of the most prominent elements of the legends.