Question

Somebody PLEASE HELP! King Arthur gives Sir Bedivere his sword, Excalibur. Considering what you know about medieval romances, explain what Excalibur symbolizes. Support your response with specific examples from Morte d’Arthur.

Answer 1

There are two legends that explain how Arthur receives his sword Excalibur. In one legend, young Arthur
pulls the sword from a stone. His ability to pull the sword from the stone gives him ascendance to the
throne. A second legend describes how Arthur and Merlin meet a woman at a lake. Merlin asks her to
approach. Excalibur emerges from the lake, held by a mysterious hand. The woman takes the sword, the
hand disappears, and she delivers the sword to Arthur.

“There likewise I beheld Excalibur
Before him at his crowning borne, the sword
That rose from out the bosom of the lake,
And Arthur rowed across and took it—rich
With jewels, elfin Urim, on the hilt,
Bewildering heart and eye—the blade so bright
That men are blinded by it—on one side,
Graven in the oldest tongue of all this world,
‘Take me,’ but turn the blade and ye shall see,
And written in the speech ye speak yourself,
‘Cast me away!’ And sad was Arthur’s face
Taking it, but old Merlin counselled him,
‘Take thou and strike! the time to cast away
Is yet far-off.’ So this great brand the king
Took, and by this will beat his foemen down.”
I hope this helps.. I love the story of king Arthur!!!:)

Answer 2

Thank you very much!!

Answer 3

thanks for the medal:)

Answer 4

yw! :)