Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How King Arthur Pulled Out the Sword Divers Times explained
Arthur pulls the sword from the stone multiple times before the assembled barons, proving his right to kingship.
What happens
Arthur pulls the sword from the stone multiple times before the assembled barons, proving his right to kingship. Sir Ector reveals Arthur's true parentage, and Arthur appoints Sir Kay as seneschal. The barons delay accepting Arthur as king, postponing the decision until Pentecost.
Themes in this chapter
Kingship and Governance
Arthur's repeated success in pulling the sword establishes his divine right to rule, while the barons' resistance highlights the political struggles over succession.
Fate and Tragedy
Arthur's destiny as king is revealed through the sword, but the barons' opposition foreshadows future conflicts and tragedies.
Characters to notice
- King Arthur
Pulls the sword from the stone, learns of his true parentage, and is recognized as the rightful king.
- Sir Kay
Attempts to pull the sword but fails; is appointed seneschal by Arthur.
- Merlin
Arranges for Arthur's fostering and later provides counsel through the Archbishop.
- Sir Ector
Reveals to Arthur that he is not his biological father and asks Arthur to make Kay seneschal.
- Sir Ulfius
One of the trusted knights placed about Arthur.
Key passages
“Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at the sword with all his might; but it would not be. Now shall ye assay, said Sir Ector to Arthur. I will well, said Arthur, and pulled it out easily.”
Sir Ector first asks Sir Kay to try pulling the sword, but Kay fails. Then Ector asks Arthur, who pulls it out with ease.
Demonstrates Arthur's unique ability to draw the sword, confirming his rightful claim.
“Alas, said Arthur, my own dear father and brother, why kneel ye to me? Nay, nay, my lord Arthur, it is not so; I was never your father nor of your blood, but I wot well ye are of an higher blood than I weened ye were.”
Arthur is shocked when Ector and Kay kneel to him, but Ector explains that he is not Arthur's true father and that Arthur is of noble lineage.
Reveals Arthur's true heritage and sets the stage for his rise to kingship.
“Sir, said Ector unto Arthur, will ye be my good and gracious lord when ye are king? Else were I to blame, said Arthur, for ye are the man in the world that I am most beholden to, and my good lady and mother your wife, that as well as her own hath fostered me and kept.”
Ector asks Arthur to be a kind lord when he becomes king, and Arthur promises to honor him and his wife for raising him.
Highlights Arthur's gratitude and sense of duty toward his foster family.