# Book XXI explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

> Chapter companion for Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory.

## What happens

The final book recounts the tragic downfall of King Arthur's kingdom. Sir Mordred usurps the throne, seizes Queen Guenever, and forces Arthur to return from abroad. The two armies meet at the Battle of Salisbury, where Arthur kills Mordred but is mortally wounded. Sir Bedivere casts Excalibur into the lake, and Arthur is taken to Avalon. The queen retires to a nunnery, and the Round Table is shattered.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Treachery

Mordred's usurpation and seizure of Guenever represent the ultimate betrayal of kin and king.

### Fate and Tragedy

The chapter culminates in the tragic downfall of Arthur and the dissolution of the Round Table, driven by inexorable fate.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Mordred

Usurps the throne and seizes Queen Guenever, leading to the final conflict.

### King Arthur

Returns to England to face Mordred and is mortally wounded at the Battle of Salisbury.

### Queen Guenever

Seized by Mordred and later retires to a nunnery after Arthur's death.

### Sir Bedivere

Faithfully casts Excalibur into the lake at Arthur's command.

## Key lines

> Then King Arthur said, 'My time is come, and I must go to Avalon to heal me of my grievous wound.'

Arthur declares that his end is near and that he must depart for the mystical island of Avalon to be healed.

_This moment marks the legendary passing of Arthur and his removal from the mortal world._

> And Sir Bedivere took the sword and went to the water's side, and threw it as far as he might into the water.

Bedivere obeys Arthur's final command and casts Excalibur into the lake, where a hand catches it.

_The return of Excalibur symbolizes the end of Arthur's reign and the magical nature of his kingship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/book-xxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters