Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Arthur (Continued) explained
After the victory at Mount Badon, Arthur subdues the Scots, Picts, Ireland, Iceland, Gothland, and the Orkneys, establishing a peaceful reign for twelve years.
What happens
After the victory at Mount Badon, Arthur subdues the Scots, Picts, Ireland, Iceland, Gothland, and the Orkneys, establishing a peaceful reign for twelve years. He then extends his power abroad, conquering Norway and Gaul, and later holds a magnificent court at Caerleon. The chapter also recounts Arthur's battle with a giant on St. Michael's Mount, his encounter with a knight at a pass, and his acquisition of a sword from the Lady of the Lake.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Arthur's single combat with Flollo and his battle with the giant exemplify heroic deeds and the quest for justice.
Hospitality and Its Violation
The giant's murder of the Duchess and violation of the hermit's hospitality contrast with Arthur's restoration of order.
Fate and Free Will
Merlin's prophecies and the enchanted sword from the Lady of the Lake suggest a predetermined destiny for Arthur.
Characters to notice
- King Arthur
Central figure; leads military campaigns, slays a giant, obtains a sword from the Lady of the Lake.
- Merlin
Arthur's advisor; saves Arthur from churls, enchants a knight, and guides Arthur to the Lady of the Lake.
- Sir Kay
Arthur's steward; beheads the giant on Arthur's command.
- Bedver
Arthur's butler; receives Normandy after the conquest of Gaul.
- Hoel
Arthur's commander; leads an army into Aquitaine during the Gaul campaign.
- Lot
Arthur's sister's husband; installed as king of Norway after Arthur's conquest.
Key passages
“After the great victory of Mount Badon, by which the Saxons were for the time effectually put down, Arthur turned his arms against the Scots and Picts, whom he routed at Lake Lomond, and compelled to sue for mercy.”
Following his decisive win at Mount Badon that temporarily subdued the Saxons, Arthur attacked the Scots and Picts, defeating them at Lake Lomond and forcing them to beg for mercy.
Summarizes Arthur's early military campaigns after Mount Badon.
“Then the king struck him in the belly with his sword, and made a fearful wound. Then the giant threw away his club, and caught the king in his arms, so that he crushed his ribs.”
Arthur then stabbed the giant in the stomach, causing a terrible injury, after which the giant dropped his club and grabbed Arthur, squeezing his ribs.
Describes the physical struggle between Arthur and the giant.
“Lo! said Merlin, yonder is that sword that I spake of. It belongeth to the Lady of the Lake, and, if she will, thou mayest take it; but if she will not, it will not be in thy power to take it.”
Merlin pointed and said, 'There is the sword I mentioned. It is owned by the Lady of the Lake, and you may take it only if she permits; otherwise, you cannot.'
Merlin explains the condition for Arthur obtaining the sword.