Sir Bedivere Returns Excalibur

After the devastating Battle of Camlann, King Arthur lay mortally wounded. He summoned his last loyal knight, Sir Bedivere, and handed him the legendary sword Excalibur. 'Take this sword to the lake,' Arthur commanded, 'and cast it into the water. Then return and tell me what you see.' Bedivere went to the shore, but the sword’s hilt was so encrusted with precious jewels that he could not bear to throw it away. Twice he returned to the King, lying that he had fulfilled the task. Both times Arthur knew he was being deceived, sensing the sword's continued presence. 'A true knight does not trade his honor for gold,' Arthur rebuked. Shamed, Bedivere returned a third time and hurled the blade into the mist. Before it hit the surface, an arm clad in shimmering white samite rose from the depths, caught the hilt, and brandished the sword three times before vanishing. Bedivere returned to tell the King, who finally found peace and was carried away on a barge toward the mystical isle of Avalon.

“Now must I die, for I have lived my life; do my command, and fling the sword into the lake.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Sir Bedivere Returns Excalibur?

The moral emphasizes that honesty and obedience to a leader's final wishes are more valuable than material riches. Bedivere’s struggle shows that even the most loyal can be tempted, but redemption comes through ultimate integrity.

Why did Sir Bedivere hesitate to throw the sword?

Bedivere was dazzled by the immense beauty and value of Excalibur’s hilt, which was encrusted with precious gems. He believed such a magnificent weapon was too valuable to be lost forever in the water.

Who caught Excalibur when it was thrown?

The Lady of the Lake, or her mystical arm clad in white samite, rose from the water to catch it. She brandished the sword three times before pulling it beneath the surface.

What happened to King Arthur after the sword was returned?

Once the sword was returned, a mysterious barge carrying three queens arrived. They took the dying King Arthur to the mystical island of Avalon to be healed of his wounds.

Where is Avalon located?

Avalon is a legendary island often associated with Glastonbury in England. In Arthurian myth, it is a place of magic where the King remains until Britain needs him once more.

Was Sir Bedivere the only surviving knight?

In most versions of the tale, Bedivere is the sole survivor of the Round Table after the Battle of Camlann. His survival allows him to witness the end of Arthur's earthly reign.