Arthurian LegendsKnights of the Round Table

Sir Balin and the Dolorous Stroke

A cursed knight strikes a blow that devastates kingdoms and leads to a tragic family end.

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Illustration for Sir Balin and the Dolorous Stroke - a knights of the round table Arthurian Legends story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the tragic legend of Sir Balin and the Dolorous Stroke, a knightly tale of cursed swords, a broken kingdom, and the fateful battle between brothers.

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.

The Moral

Haste and the refusal to heed wise warnings can turn even the noblest intentions into a source of widespread destruction.

“Alas, that ever I was born, for now I have slain my own brother and myself.”

Fun Fact

The 'Dolorous Stroke' is a pivotal moment in the Grail Quest mythology, as it creates the Wasteland that can only be healed by the achieving of the Holy Grail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What was the significance of Balin's second sword?

The sword was brought to court by a damsel who warned that whoever drew it would kill the person they loved most. Balin drew it but refused to return it, sealing his tragic fate.

How does Merlin figure into the story of Sir Balin?

Merlin serves as a prophet who repeatedly warns Balin of the consequences of his actions. After Balin's death, Merlin places the cursed sword in a stone for a future knight, Galahad, to find.