King Arthur and his Life Story
The following is intended as a more verbose telling of King Arthur's life. Though this page is intended to be concerned with him you will find that it covers many of the myths and legends associated with Arthurian myths by default. It is taken from a variety of sources and doesn't profess to be either definitive or historically accurate. It is a story, a legend. There is, after all no one true telling of King Arthur and his myths. You will for example find differences between this version and versions elsewhere on this site. Particularly Geoffrey Monmouth's version. However, this version is the one that most grabs the imagination and evokes the magic of King Arthur, his kingdom and the myths and legends associated with it.
The Arthurian Legend
A stripped down retelling, drawing from many different versions. There is no one, true version.
The Sword in the Stone
The Kingdom of Britain was without coherence, with no one King to lead it. There were many kings and dukes all over the island, but the land needed a king who could lead them all together in a fight against the Saxons.
Many tournaments were held, attempting to find one king to show his dominance. At one such tournament was the sword Excalibur, which had been thrust into a stone and there remained since the day Uther Pendragon had died, placing it into the stone and declaring that no man but a true king would be able to withdraw it. Merlin, witnessing Uther's last act, made his words true
At the same time, Arthur had been entrusted to a family from a humble back ground by Merlin. Arthur attended a tournament as a farmer's son.
Arthur's step brother, whom he believed to be his real brother, was to take part in the tournament and Arthur was to act as his squire during the combat, which meant he was responsible for his armor and weapons. This tournament took place on a flat land near where Excalibur was, safe for more than two decades.
Arthur was so excited at the prospect of a tournament, that on the morning when they left for the tournament, he had forgotten to bring his brother's sword with him. Arthur realising his mistake moments before his brother's turn came to participate dash around looking for a replacement sword.
Not knowing the myth of Excalibur and what it symbolised, he saw the sword protruding from the stone and rushed over to take it. Since Excalibur had been thrust into the stone many pilgrimages were made and many monks sat vigil, praying for the arrival of a king to lead the Kingdom of Britain. As Arthur approached Excalibur one such monk looked up from his vigil just in time to witness Arthur's attempt. Aurthur withdrew Excalibur easily. Not knowing its importance, Arthur intended to return with the sword to his brother when the monk stared at him, wide eyed and proclaimed:
"The king.. the King! You have finally come to claim your sword and reign as our king.", the monk bowed with joy in his eyes.
To be continued...