Mythology and Folklore Blog

The True Origin of King Arthur Story source:  King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table  by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902). Original Source Long ago, after the death of Uther Pendragon, there was no king in Britain. All who valued power wanted nothing more than to claim this vacant throne and it was no secret that many were willing to commit heinous acts to do just that. It was for this reason that the magician Merlin arrived to design a test of heart for he who would claim the crown. He sat for many days converging with the primordial powers until he arrived at a solution. In his power, he created a great sword infused with magical properties. This sword stood with a hilt of gold decorated with the most precious gems fit only for a king to wield. This sword was then placed inside a stone with only the hilt revealed. Merlin then issued a proclamation. “Any man who wishes to claim the throne need only pull this sword from the stone and the crown will be his!” decl...

 The End of Arthur Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902). Original Source Plot : The story begins with a wounded Arthur lying on the ground after defeating Mordred. King Arthur tells Sir Bedivere to go throw Excaliber into the waterside.  Sir Bedivere saw all the jewels on the sword and decided instead to hide it under a tree. When Arthur asked him what he saw, Sir Bedivere said nothing happened. Arthur knew he was lying so he told him to go back and actually throw it in the water.  Sir Bedivere did as he was told before the sword submerged a hand came out of the water and grabbed the hilt.  Arthur went to see and many came and cried when they saw him. Arthur then told them to put him into the barge.  Arthur sailed out in hte barge into the sunset.  Queen Guenevere heard what happened and became a nun.  Lancelot went to see Queen Guenevere and lived as a hermit for 6 years until hearing...

 The Drawing of the Sword Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902). Original Source Plot: There was no king in Britain. Merling the magician met with archbishop of cranberry and decided that all lords and gentlemen of Britain should meet in London.  When they met they saw a sword in stone and engraving saying anyone able to pull the sword out the sword is king.  Nobody could pull the sword out. 2 knights stayed behind to monitor the sword. New Year day the challenges went out to everyone. a knight, Sir Ector, came with his son and foster son.  Ectors son forgot his sword so he sent his foster brother to get it. Arthur couldn't get into the house to find the sword.  Arthur rode back and easily grabbed the sword out of the stone to give to his brother.  Arthur's brother had the sword and tried to use it to claim the kingship.  Sir kay say that Arthur got it for him. Arthur said he pulled it ...