# Of the death of King Uther Pendragon explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

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

## What happens

King Uther Pendragon falls gravely ill, but Merlin advises him to lead his army against northern invaders despite his sickness. Carried on a horse-litter, Uther's forces win a great battle at St. Albans, thanks to the valor of Sir Ulfius and Sir Brastias. After returning to London, Uther becomes deathly ill and lies speechless for three days. Merlin gathers the barons and prompts Uther to publicly declare that his son Arthur shall succeed him as king. Uther gives his blessing and dies, leaving Queen Igraine and the barons in mourning.

## Themes in this chapter

### Kingship and Governance

The chapter centers on King Uther's final acts as ruler: leading his army, securing victory, and publicly naming his successor, highlighting the duties and mortality of kingship.

### Fate and Tragedy

Uther's illness and death, despite his victory, underscore the tragic inevitability of death and the passing of an era, setting the stage for Arthur's rise.

## Character check-ins

### Uther Pendragon

King Uther falls sick, leads his army despite illness, wins a battle, and on his deathbed declares Arthur his heir.

### Merlin

Merlin advises the king to go to battle despite his sickness and later orchestrates the public declaration of Arthur's succession.

### Sir Ulfius

Sir Ulfius performs great deeds of arms in the battle against the northern host.

### Sir Brastias

Sir Brastias also distinguishes himself in the battle at St. Albans.

### Igraine

Queen Igraine mourns deeply after King Uther's death.

## Key lines

> Sir, said Merlin, ye may not lie so as ye do, for ye must to the field though ye ride on an horse-litter: for ye shall never have the better of your enemies but if your person be there, and then shall ye have the victory.

Merlin tells the king he cannot stay in bed but must go to battle even if carried on a litter, because victory requires his presence.

_Merlin insists that the king's personal leadership is essential for overcoming his enemies._

> I give him God’s blessing and mine, and bid him pray for my soul, and righteously and worshipfully that he claim the crown, upon forfeiture of my blessing; and therewith he yielded up the ghost.

King Uther bestows his blessing on Arthur, commands him to claim the crown justly and honorably, and then dies.

_Uther's final words formally designate Arthur as his heir and emphasize the importance of righteous rule._

## Links

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