Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Arthur Chosen King explained
Arthur, at fifteen, is elected king after his father's death, but faces opposition from nobles who doubt his lineage.
What happens
Arthur, at fifteen, is elected king after his father's death, but faces opposition from nobles who doubt his lineage. Bishop Brice proposes a divine test: a sword in a stone, which only the true king can draw. After many fail, Arthur, serving as squire to Sir Kay, easily draws the sword, proving his right to rule. He is crowned, then faces rebellion from eleven kings and a duke. With Merlin's advice, he secures aid from Kings Ban and Bohort of Brittany, and after Merlin's enchantment disrupts the rebel camp, Arthur defeats them. He then battles the Saxons at Mount Badon, where, armed with Caliburn and the shield Priwen, he achieves a decisive victory.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Arthur's journey from squire to king, proving his worth through the sword test and leading armies, exemplifies the heroic quest for rightful sovereignty.
Fate and Free Will
The miraculous sword in the stone represents divine fate choosing Arthur, while the nobles' opposition and Arthur's actions show the interplay of human will.
Characters to notice
- King Arthur
Elected king at fifteen, proves his right by drawing the sword from the stone, and leads victories against rebels and Saxons.
- Sir Kay
Arthur's foster-brother, fights in the tournament, breaks his sword, and briefly claims the sword Arthur retrieves.
- Merlin
Advises Arthur to seek aid from Brittany and uses enchantment to cause the rebel kings' tents to collapse.
- Sir Bohort
King Bohort of Brittany, along with King Ban, answers Arthur's call for aid against the rebel kings.
Key passages
“I am hight Escalibore, Unto a king fair tresore.”
My name is Escalibore, a fair treasure for a king.
The inscription on the sword in the stone, declaring its purpose for the rightful king.
“Arthur himself, dressed in a breastplate worthy of so great a king, places on his head a golden helmet engraved with the semblance of a dragon.”
Arthur, wearing a magnificent breastplate and a golden helmet adorned with a dragon emblem, prepared for battle.
Description of Arthur's armor before the Battle of Mount Badon, emphasizing his royal and martial splendor.