Sir Balin, a brave but ill-fated knight, earned the title 'Knight with Two Swords' after drawing a cursed blade that no other could wield. Despite warnings from a damsel and Merlin, he kept the sword, leading to the accidental slaying of the Lady of the Lake and his exile from Arthur’s court. Seeking redemption, Balin pursued the treacherous King Garlon to the castle of King Pellam. When his sword broke during their duel, Balin seized a sacred spear—the Spear of Longinus—and struck Pellam with the 'Dolorous Stroke.' This blow did more than wound a king; it laid waste to three kingdoms and turned the land into a barren wilderness. Balin’s tragedy concluded when he encountered a knight in red armor. The two fought a long, grueling duel, only to realize as they lay dying that they were brothers—Balin and Balan. Their deaths fulfilled the curse of the second sword.
Haste and the refusal to heed wise warnings can turn even the noblest intentions into a source of widespread destruction.
Advertisement
Questions about this story
What is the Dolorous Stroke?
It is the catastrophic blow struck by Sir Balin against King Pellam using the Holy Spear. This act wounded the king and transformed the surrounding lands into a desolate wasteland.
Who is Sir Balin in Arthurian legend?
Sir Balin, also known as the Knight with Two Swords, is a tragic hero in the Arthurian cycle. He is characterized by his great skill in combat but is constantly plagued by bad luck and cursed weapons.
What happened to Balin and his brother Balan?
The brothers unwittingly fought each other to the death because they were wearing unfamiliar armor and shields. They only recognized one another in their final moments, fulfilling a tragic prophecy.
Why is King Pellam called the Fisher King?
King Pellam became the Fisher King after being wounded by the Dolorous Stroke. His health was tied to the land, and his unhealing wound caused his kingdom to become a barren wasteland.
Advertisement
