The legends of Lyonesse are very persistant due to remains of structures having been found beneath the Sea at various times. The Scilly Isles are known to have been one island in prehistoric times. It seems likely that Meliodas was invented so that this land could have its own heritage and its own monarchy. If he was really thought to have existed by medieval writers, he may originally have been considered the full brother of Mark, as indicated in the Italian version of the story, the Tristano Riccardiano, which is also 13th century in date. The kingdom of the father, Merion, would have been partitioned upon his death. Mark would have inherited Kernow and Meliodas Lyonesse. The proper form of his name may be Maeliedd.