King Arthur Seeks Alliance with Kings Ban and Bors explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Kingship and Governance

  Arthur demonstrates wise kingship by seeking counsel from Merlin and his barons, and by forming strategic alliances to protect his realm.

• Violence and Vengeance

  The messengers encounter violent opposition from King Claudas' knights, and the narrative sets the stage for impending warfare.

Characters to notice

• King Arthur

  Seeks counsel from Merlin and his barons, sends messengers to Kings Ban and Bors, and hosts a great feast.

• Merlin

  Advises Arthur to seek alliance with Kings Ban and Bors against the six kings.

• King Ban

  Receives Arthur's messengers and agrees to aid Arthur against his enemies.

• King Bors of Gaul

  Along with King Ban, welcomes Arthur's messengers and pledges support.

• Sir Ulfius

  Sent as a messenger to Kings Ban and Bors, fights off knights of King Claudas.

• Sir Brastias

  Accompanies Sir Ulfius as a messenger and engages in combat with Claudas' knights.

• King Claudas

  Mentioned as an enemy warring against Kings Ban and Bors; his knights attack Arthur's messengers.

• Sir Kay

  Serves as seneschal at the great feast for the three kings.

Key passages

• “I shall say you, said Merlin, I warn you all, your enemies are passing strong for you, and they are good men of arms as be alive, and by this time they have gotten to them four kings more, and a mighty duke; and unless that our king have more chivalry with him than he may make within the bounds of his own realm, an he fight with them in battle, he shall be overcome and slain.”

  Merlin warns Arthur and his barons that their enemies are very strong and have already allied with four additional kings and a powerful duke; without more knights than Arthur can muster from his own kingdom, he will be defeated and killed if he fights them.

  Merlin's counsel underscores the immediate threat and the need for external allies.

• “And on these two kings warreth a mighty man of men, the King Claudas, and striveth with them for a castle, and great war is betwixt them. But this Claudas is so mighty of goods whereof he getteth good knights, that he putteth these two kings most part to the worse; wherefore this is my counsel, that our king and sovereign lord send unto the kings Ban and Bors by two trusty knights with letters well devised, that an they will come and see King Arthur and his court, and so help him in his wars, that he will be sworn unto them to help them in their wars against King Claudas.”

  Merlin explains that King Claudas is a powerful enemy of Kings Ban and Bors, often defeating them due to his wealth and knights; he advises Arthur to send trusted knights with letters offering mutual military support.

  Merlin proposes a reciprocal alliance to strengthen both sides against their respective enemies.