Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
Of the Birth of King Arthur and of His Nurture explained
Queen Igraine reveals to King Uther that Arthur was conceived on the night of her first husband's death, when Uther, by Merlin's counsel, came to her in disguise.
What happens
Queen Igraine reveals to King Uther that Arthur was conceived on the night of her first husband's death, when Uther, by Merlin's counsel, came to her in disguise. Uther acknowledges the child as his own and, following Merlin's advice, arranges for Sir Ector to foster the newborn. The child is delivered secretly to Merlin, christened Arthur, and nursed by Sir Ector's wife.
Themes in this chapter
Kingship and Governance
Uther's strategic decision to have Arthur fostered by a loyal lord demonstrates the importance of securing a king's lineage and ensuring proper governance through trusted vassals.
Religious Quest and Redemption
The christening of Arthur by a holy man and the involvement of Merlin, a figure with prophetic and spiritual authority, imbue Arthur's birth with a sense of divine purpose and redemption.
Characters to notice
- Igraine
Queen Igraine confesses to King Uther the truth of Arthur's conception, revealing that Uther came to her in disguise on the night of her husband's death.
- Uther Pendragon
King Uther acknowledges himself as Arthur's father, reassures Igraine, and arranges for the child's fostering with Sir Ector as advised by Merlin.
- Merlin
Merlin orchestrates the plan for Arthur's birth and fostering, advising Uther to entrust the child to Sir Ector and personally delivering the infant to him.
- Sir Ector
Sir Ector is chosen by Merlin and Uther to foster Arthur; he agrees to nourish the child and has his own son nursed elsewhere.
- King Arthur
Arthur is born, christened by a holy man, and given to Sir Ector's wife to nurse, beginning his hidden upbringing.
Key passages
“That is truth, said the king, as ye say; for it was I myself that came in the likeness, and therefore dismay you not, for I am father of the child; and there he told her all the cause, how it was by Merlin’s counsel.”
King Uther confirms that he was the one who visited Igraine in disguise, explaining that Merlin advised the deception, and he reassures her that he is the child's father.
Uther's acknowledgment resolves Igraine's fear and establishes Arthur's royal paternity.
“Well, said Merlin, I know a lord of yours in this land, that is a passing true man and a faithful, and he shall have the nourishing of your child, and his name is Sir Ector...”
Merlin recommends Sir Ector, a loyal lord, to raise the child, ensuring Arthur's upbringing in a trustworthy household.
Merlin's choice of Sir Ector as foster father is crucial for Arthur's hidden yet noble upbringing.