Story Summary
Relive the tragic end of Camelot in The Battle of Camlann. King Arthur faces his son Mordred in a final, fateful clash that marks the end of a legendary era.
The golden age of Camelot met its tragic end on the desolate plains of Camlann. King Arthur, returned from his wars in France, found his kingdom usurped by his illegitimate son, the treacherous Mordred. A parley was arranged between the two hosts, but tension hung thick in the air. Both leaders commanded their men to draw swords if they saw any blade bared. Fate intervened when an adder bit a knight's heel; instinctively, he drew his sword to kill the snake. The glint of steel triggered a misunderstanding that ignited a massacre. The battle raged until only Arthur, Mordred, and a few knights remained. In a final, desperate duel, Arthur pierced Mordred with his spear, but Mordred, in his dying throes, dealt the King a mortal blow to the head. As Arthur lay dying, he commanded Sir Bedivere to cast Excalibur back into the lake. A mysterious barge appeared, carrying three queens who took the King to the mystical isle of Avalon, leaving the dream of Camelot in ruins.
The Moral
The greatest kingdoms can fall through internal strife and the inevitable cycle of betrayal and fate.
“I will not depart until I have slain the traitor who has brought this ruin upon us.”
Fun Fact
The earliest mention of the Battle of Camlann is found in the 10th-century Welsh annals, the Annales Cambriae, which date the event to the year 537.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Battle of Camlann?
The story illustrates that even the most noble societies are vulnerable to internal betrayal and the harsh reality of fate. It serves as a reminder that all earthly greatness eventually comes to an end through human frailty.
Who killed King Arthur in the final battle?
King Arthur was mortally wounded by his son (or nephew, in some versions) Mordred. While Arthur succeeded in killing Mordred with his spear, Mordred struck the King a fatal blow to the head before he died.
What caused the Battle of Camlann to start?
The battle started by accident during a peaceful parley. A knight drew his sword to kill a snake that bit him, but the opposing army saw the glint of steel and attacked, thinking it was a signal for betrayal.
Where was King Arthur taken after the battle?
After the battle, King Arthur was placed on a magical barge by three mourning queens. He was taken to the mystical isle of Avalon to be healed of his wounds, where legend says he rests until he is needed again.
Who was the last surviving knight of the Round Table?
In most accounts of Camlann, Sir Bedivere is the last surviving knight of the Round Table. He is the one tasked by Arthur to return the sword Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake before the King departs.
Is the Battle of Camlann a historical event?
While it is primarily legendary, the 'Annales Cambriae' mention a battle at Camlann in 537 AD. However, there is no definitive archaeological proof that King Arthur or the specific battle existed as described in the myths.
