# How Merlin saved Arthur’s life, and threw an enchantment on King Pellinore and made him to sleep explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

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

## What happens

Merlin intervenes to save King Arthur from being slain by King Pellinore, casting an enchantment that puts Pellinore to sleep. Merlin reveals Pellinore's identity and prophesies that he will serve Arthur well, and that his sons Percivale and Lamorak will be great knights. He also foretells that Arthur's son, begotten of his sister, will bring about the destruction of the realm.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Tragedy

Merlin's prophecy of Arthur's son destroying the realm introduces a tragic fate that looms over Arthur's reign.

### Kingship and Governance

Arthur's concern for Pellinore's life and Merlin's intervention highlight the responsibilities and dangers of kingship.

## Character check-ins

### King Arthur

Arthur is nearly slain by King Pellinore but is saved by Merlin's enchantment.

### Merlin

Merlin casts an enchantment on King Pellinore to save Arthur and reveals prophecies about Pellinore and Arthur's son.

### King Pellinore

Pellinore is put to sleep by Merlin's enchantment; Merlin prophesies he will serve Arthur and father two great knights.

### Sir Percivale de Galis

Mentioned as one of Pellinore's future sons, a knight of great prowess.

### Sir Lamorak de Galis

Mentioned as Pellinore's other future son, a knight of great prowess.

## Key lines

> Knight, hold thy hand, for an thou slay that knight thou puttest this realm in the greatest damage that ever was realm: for this knight is a man of more worship than thou wotest of.

Merlin commands the knight to stop, warning that killing Arthur would cause immense harm to the kingdom.

_Merlin emphasizes Arthur's importance to the realm._

> Also there liveth not a bigger knight than he is one, and he shall hereafter do you right good service; and his name is Pellinore, and he shall have two sons that shall be passing good men; save one they shall have no fellow of prowess and of good living, and their names shall be Percivale of Wales and Lamerake of Wales, and he shall tell you the name of your own son, begotten of your sister, that shall be the destruction of all this realm.

Merlin reveals that Pellinore is a great knight who will serve Arthur well, and that his sons Percivale and Lamorak will be exceptional knights. He also foretells that Arthur's son by his sister will destroy the kingdom.

_Merlin's prophecy sets up future conflicts and the tragic end of Arthur's reign._

## Links

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