Reading Notes: Part A for Week 12: King Arthur - The Drawing of the Sword

This story begins with the death of Uther Pendragon, leaving behind an absence of a King of Britain. Every Knight yearned to seize the crown, and the country soon fell ill to broken laws and poor yields of corn.

Merlin the magician came forth and rode to the place of the Archbishop of Canterbury, agreeing that the lords of Britain shall meet at the Great Church in London on Christmas Day. So it was said, and so it was done.

As the lords left the Church on Christmas Day, they marveled at the sight of a sword struck in the midst of a large stone. So it was told that whomever shall pull this sword from the stone shall be the rightful King of England. Many Knights could not hold back their eagerness and sprang forth to try their luck at freeing the sword. Alas, many tried and all failed. Following their failures, two Knights were called forth to keep guard over the sword.

Among the Knights was Sir Ector, with his son, Sir Kay. Arthur, Sir Kay's foster-brother also travelled with the pair. However, Sir Kay had unbuckled his sword and begged Arthur to ride home and retrieve it. So, Arthur rode home, only to be met with a locked door and unable to retrieve Kay's sword. Thus, Arthur's heart was set on pulling the sword from the stone, for Kay shall not be without a sword.

Arriving at the stone, Arthur pulled the sword out from the stone with little effort and rode on to deliver it to Sir Kay. Yet, Sir Kay knew the sword was not his own. He called forth his father, Sir Ector, and the two questioned Arthur as to how to came of the sword.

So, Arthur demonstrated his feat, sliding the sword back into the stone. Sir Ector and Sir Kay had their attempts, both failing to budge the sword from its imprisonment. Upon Arthur's grasp, the sword slid easily out of the stone.

At this time, Arthur's true origin became clear to Sir Ector, for he was the son of Uther Pendragon and the rightful ruler of Britain. Yet, the other men were reluctant on his feat, angry with following such a young lad. Time and time again, men had their try with the sword in the stone, but none succeeded. So, the rich and poor fell upon their knees before Arthur, for he was now their rightful King.

This story illustrates how the rightful King Arthur came to pull the sword out of the stone. Though, he was initially meant with doubt and criticism from others, they soon accepted him as being the rightful heir.

Sword in the Stone - Courtesy of Ancient-Origins


Bibliography: The Drawing of the Sword from King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H.J. Ford (1902)

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