Story Summary
Discover the tragic legend of Arthur and Mordred. Explore the Battle of Camlann, the fall of Camelot, and the fateful end of the Once and Future King.
The golden age of Camelot met its sunset on the bloody field of Camlann. While King Arthur was away in France, his illegitimate son and nephew, Mordred, usurped the throne and claimed Guinevere as his own. Arthur returned to Britain to reclaim his crown, leading to a final, devastating confrontation. As the two armies faced one another, a fragile truce was arranged for a parley. However, the peace was shattered when a soldier drew his sword to kill an adder that had bitten his heel. The flash of steel was mistaken for a call to arms, and the massacre began. By the end of the day, the Round Table was no more. In a final, desperate duel, Arthur drove his spear through Mordred. In his dying moment, Mordred slid himself up the length of the spear to strike a fatal blow against Arthur’s head. Mordred fell dead, and Arthur, mortally wounded, was carried by Sir Bedivere to the water's edge. After Excalibur was returned to the Lady of the Lake, Arthur was taken by a mysterious barge to the Isle of Avalon, leaving behind a fallen kingdom and the legend of the Once and Future King.
The Moral
Internal division and the ghosts of the past can destroy even the greatest of kingdoms, showing that peace is often as fragile as the trust between men.
“The old order changeth, yielding place to new, and God fulfills himself in many ways.”
Fun Fact
In the earliest Welsh records, Mordred was not necessarily a villain; it wasn't until later medieval literature that he became the ultimate symbol of treachery in the Arthurian cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Arthur and Mordred?
The moral is that internal division and unresolved past sins can destroy even the most virtuous civilizations. It highlights how easily peace can be shattered by a single misunderstanding or act of treachery.
Who was Mordred to King Arthur?
In most traditional legends, Mordred is the illegitimate son of King Arthur and his half-sister, Morgause. This complex relationship represents the internal rot and tragic flaws that eventually led to the downfall of Camelot.
What caused the Battle of Camlann?
The battle was accidentally triggered during a peace parley when a knight drew his sword to kill a snake. Both sides mistook the flash of the blade as a signal for betrayal and immediately began the slaughter.
How did Arthur and Mordred die?
They killed each other in a final duel; Arthur impaled Mordred with his spear, but Mordred struck a fatal blow to Arthur's head before dying. Arthur was subsequently taken to the mystical Isle of Avalon.
What happened to Excalibur after the battle?
As he lay dying, Arthur commanded Sir Bedivere to throw Excalibur back into the lake. An arm reached out of the water, caught the sword, and pulled it beneath the surface, returning it to the Lady of the Lake.
What is the significance of Avalon in the story?
Avalon is the mythical island where Arthur was taken to heal his wounds after the battle. It symbolises hope and the prophecy that Arthur will return when his country needs him most as the Once and Future King.
Discussion (0)
Share your thoughts on this story
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
