Idylls of the King · Chapter
The Passing of Arthur explained
As Arthur lies mortally wounded after the last battle at Lyonnesse, he commands Sir Bedivere to cast Excalibur into the lake.
What happens
As Arthur lies mortally wounded after the last battle at Lyonnesse, he commands Sir Bedivere to cast Excalibur into the lake. Bedivere hesitates twice, tempted by the sword's beauty and value, but finally obeys. A mystical arm catches the sword and draws it under the water. A barge appears to carry Arthur to Avalon, fulfilling Merlin's prophecy that he shall return.
Themes in this chapter
Fall from Grace
Arthur's kingdom collapses as his knights fall in battle and he faces betrayal, culminating in his own death and the dissolution of the Round Table.
Sacrifice and Loss
Arthur sacrifices his sword and his life, while Bedivere must overcome his attachment to Excalibur, symbolizing the loss of an era.
Illusion and Reality
Arthur questions the reality of his life's work, seeing his realm 'reel back into the beast,' and the ghost of Gawain underscores the hollow nature of earthly glory.
Characters to notice
- King Arthur
Mortally wounded, Arthur commands Bedivere to return Excalibur to the lake and is taken by barge to Avalon, expressing his disillusionment with his kingdom and his faith.
- Sir Bedivere
The last remaining knight, Bedivere twice disobeys Arthur's command to throw Excalibur before finally fulfilling it and witnessing the sword's miraculous retrieval.
- Sir Gawain
Appears as a ghost to Arthur in a dream, warning him of his impending death and the hollow nature of worldly delight.
- Modred
Mentioned as leading the rebel forces against Arthur in the final battle at Lyonnesse.
Key passages
“The sequel of today unsolders all The goodliest fellowship of famous knights Whereof this world holds record.”
The events of this day break apart the greatest brotherhood of knights ever known.
Arthur mourns the end of the Round Table as he lies dying.
“My God, thou hast forgotten me in my death; Nay—God my Christ—I pass but shall not die.”
My God, you have abandoned me as I die; no—my Christ—I am passing on but will not truly die.
Arthur expresses both despair and a glimmer of faith in his final moments.
“The great brand Made lightnings in the splendour of the moon, And flashing round and round, and whirled in an arch, Shot like a streamer of the northern morn.”
The great sword flashed like lightning in the moonlight, spinning in an arc like a northern dawn streamer.
Bedivere finally throws Excalibur, and its flight is described with vivid imagery.