Story Summary
Discover the legendary tale of Arthur Receives Excalibur. Guided by Merlin, King Arthur meets the Lady of the Lake to claim the most famous sword in history.
Following a fierce battle where his first sword was broken, King Arthur was led by the wizard Merlin to the edge of a deep, crystalline lake shrouded in mist. As Arthur gazed across the silent waters, a miraculous sight appeared: an arm clothed in white samite, mystic and wonderful, rose from the center of the lake holding a magnificent sword. This was Excalibur, the blade of kings. The Lady of the Lake emerged, floating across the water, and granted Arthur permission to take the weapon. Arthur rowed out and claimed the sword, whose hilt was encrusted with jewels and whose blade shone with the light of thirty torches. Merlin warned the king that while the sword was powerful, the scabbard was more precious still, for as long as Arthur wore it, he would never lose blood from a wound. Arthur promised to guard both, knowing his reign was now truly blessed by destiny.
The Moral
True power is a divine gift granted to those destined to serve, but a wise leader must value their protection and life as much as their strength in battle.
“The sword is bright, but the scabbard is worth ten of the sword.”
Fun Fact
In earlier Welsh mythology, the sword was known as Caledfwlch, and it was said to be so sharp that it could slice through any armor with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Arthur Receives Excalibur?
The story teaches that true leadership is a gift from a higher power and that wisdom, represented by the scabbard, is more important than raw force.
Is Excalibur the same as the Sword in the Stone?
In most traditional legends, they are different. The Sword in the Stone proved Arthur's birthright, while Excalibur was given to him later by the Lady of the Lake.
Who gave King Arthur the sword Excalibur?
Excalibur was given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake, a mystical figure who lived in a palace beneath the water.
Why was Excalibur's scabbard so important?
Merlin explained that the scabbard possessed magical properties that would prevent the wearer from bleeding, making Arthur invincible in combat.
What does the name Excalibur mean?
The name is derived from the Welsh 'Caledfwlch' and the Latin 'Caliburnus,' which roughly translates to 'cut-steel' or 'hard-cleft.'
What happened to Excalibur at the end of Arthur's life?
Following the Battle of Camlann, Arthur commanded Sir Bedivere to throw the sword back into the lake, where it was caught by the same mystical arm.
