Mythology and Folklore UN-Textbook: Unit: King Arthur

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Myth-Folklore Unit: King Arthur

Overview. This collection of Arthur legends falls into two main categories: there are stories about Arthur (how he became king, how he obtained Excalibur and the Round Table, and his enmity with his own sister Morgan le Fay), and those Arthur stories are then followed by stories about Arthur's knights and their quest for the Holy Grail (focusing on Sir Galahad and Sir Lancelot). Then, at the very end of the unit, the focus shifts back to Arthur, and the tragic events that marked the end of his reign. The source is King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang. While Lang does use a rather lofty style of English to convey the grandeur of the legend, his writing is still very lively and readable. Especially if you are interested in the mystical and mysterious aspects of Arthurian legend, full of magic and dreams, I think you will enjoy these stories very much!

Language. Andrew Lang has retold the medieval Arthur materials in modern literary prose; it should not be too difficult to read.

Story Length. The unit consists of one continuous story, divided into separate episodes, with the second half focused on the search for the Holy Grail.

Navigation. You will find the table of contents below, and you can also use this link to see the story posts displayed on two pages total: King Arthur. Click "Older Posts" at the bottom of that page to see the second page.

READING A:

READING B:

King Arthur: The Drawing of the Sword

You can read more about the legend of King Uther Pendragon at Wikipedia. In the illustration below you can see a Latin inscription on the stone that holds the stone: IVRE REX BRITANNIAE, "By right the King of England."

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

THE DRAWING OF THE SWORD

LONG, long ago, after Uther Pendragon died, there was no King in Britain, and every Knight hoped to seize the crown for himself. The country was like to fare ill when laws were broken on every side, and the corn which was to give the poor bread was trodden underfoot, and there was none to bring the evildoer to justice.

Then, when things were at their worst, came forth Merlin the magician, and fast he rode to the place where the Archbishop of Canterbury had his dwelling. And they took counsel together and agreed that all the lords and gentlemen of Britain should ride to London and meet on Christmas Day, now at hand, in the Great Church. So this was done.

And on Christmas morning, as they left the church, they saw in the churchyard a large stone, and on it a bar of steel, and in the steel a naked sword was held, and about it was written in letters of gold, "Whoso pulleth out this sword is by right of birth King of England".

They marvelled at these words, and called for the Archbishop, and brought him into the place where the stone stood. Then those Knights who fain would be King could not hold themselves back, and they tugged at the sword with all their might, but it never stirred. The Archbishop watched them in silence, but when they were faint from pulling he spoke: "The man is not here who shall lift out that sword, nor do I know where to find him. But this is my counsel — that two Knights be chosen, good and true men, to keep guard over the sword."

Thus it was done. But the lords and gentlemen-at-arms cried out that every man had a right to try to win the sword, and they decided that on New Year's Day a tournament should be held, and any Knight who would, might enter the lists. So on New Year's Day, the Knights, as their custom was, went to hear service in the Great Church, and after it was over they met in the field to make ready for the tourney.

Among them was a brave Knight called Sir Ector, who brought with him Sir Kay, his son, and Arthur, Kay's foster-brother. Now Kay had unbuckled his sword the evening before, and in his haste to be at the tourney had forgotten to put it on again, and he begged Arthur to ride back and fetch it for him.

But when Arthur reached the house the door was locked, for the women had gone out to see the tourney, and though Arthur tried his best to get in he could not. Then he rode away in great anger and said to himself, "Kay shall not be without a sword this day. I will take that sword in the churchyard, and give it to him," and he galloped fast till he reached the gate of the churchyard.

Here he jumped down and tied his horse tightly to a tree; then, running up to the stone, he seized the handle of the sword and drew it easily out; afterwards he mounted his horse again and delivered the sword to Sir Kay.

The moment Sir Kay saw the sword, he knew it was not his own, but the sword of the stone, and he sought out his father Sir Ector and said to him, "Sir, this is the sword of the stone, therefore I am the rightful King."

Sir Ector made no answer but signed to Kay and Arthur to follow him, and they all three went back to the church. Leaving their horses outside, they entered the choir, and here Sir Ector took a holy book and bade Sir Kay swear how he came by that sword.

"My brother Arthur gave it to me," replied Sir Kay.

"How did you come by it?" asked Sir Ector, turning to Arthur.

"Sir," said Arthur, "when I rode home for my brother's sword, I found no one to deliver it to me, and as I resolved he should not be swordless, I thought of the sword in this stone, and I pulled it out."

"Were any Knights present when you did this?" asked Sir Ector.

"No, none," said Arthur.

"Then it is you," said Sir Ector, "who are the rightful King of this land."

"But why am I the King?' inquired Arthur.

"Because," answered Sir Ector, "this is an enchanted sword, and no man could draw it but he who was born a King. Therefore put the sword back into the stone, and let me see you take it out."

"That is soon done," said Arthur, replacing the sword, and Sir Ector himself tried to draw it, but he could not.

"Now it is your turn," he said to Sir Kay, but Sir Kay fared no better than his father, though he tugged with all his might and main.

"Now you, Arthur," and Arthur pulled it out as easily as if it had been lying in its sheath, and as he did so Sir Ector and Sir Kay sank on their knees before him.

"Why do you, my father and brother, kneel to me?" asked Arthur in surprise.

"Nay, nay, my lord," answered Sir Ector, "I was never your father, though till to-day I did not know who your father really was. You are the son of Uther Pendragon, and you were brought to me when you were born by Merlin himself, who promised that when the time came I should know from whom you sprang. And now it has been revealed to me."

But when Arthur heard that Sir Ector was not his father, he wept bitterly. "If I am King," he said at last, "I ask what you will, and I shall not fail you. For to you, and to my lady and mother, I owe more than to anyone in the world, for she loved me and treated me as her son."

"Sir," replied Sir Ector, "I only ask that you will make your foster-brother, Sir Kay, seneschal of all your lands."

"That I will readily," answered Arthur, "and while he and I live no other shall fill that office."

Sir Ector then bade them seek out the Archbishop with him, and they told him all that had happened concerning the sword, which Arthur had left standing in the stone. And on the Twelfth Day the Knights and Barons came again, but none could draw it out but Arthur. When they saw this, many of the Barons became angry and cried out that they would never own a boy for King whose blood was no better than their own.

So it was agreed to wait till Candlemas, when more Knights might be there, and meanwhile the same two men who had been chosen before watched the sword night and day, but at Candlemas it was the same thing, and at Easter, and when Pentecost came, the common people who were present and saw Arthur pull out the sword cried with one voice that he was their King, and they would kill any man who said differently.

Then rich and poor fell on their knees before him, and Arthur took the sword and offered it upon the altar where the Archbishop stood, and the best man that was there made him Knight. After that the crown was put on his head, and he swore to his lords and commons that he would be a true King and would do them justice all the days of his life.

Next: The Questing Beast

(1300 words)

King Arthur: The Questing Beast

The Questing Beast even has its own article at Wikipedia!

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

THE QUESTING BEAST

BUT Arthur had many battles to fight and many Kings to conquer before he was acknowledged lord of them all, and often he would have failed had he not listened to the wisdom of Merlin, and been helped by his sword Excalibur, which in obedience to Merlin's orders he never drew till things were going ill with him. Later it shall be told how the King got the sword Excalibur, which shone so bright in his enemies' eyes that they fell back, dazzled by the brightness. Many Knights came to his standard, and among them Sir Ban, King of Gaul beyond the sea, who was ever his faithful friend.

And it was in one of these wars, when King Arthur and King Ban and King Bors went to the rescue of the King of Cameliard, that Arthur saw Guenevere, the King's daughter, whom he afterwards wedded. By and by King Ban and King Bors returned to their own country across the sea, and the King went to Carlion, a town on the river Usk, where a strange dream came to him.

He thought that the land was overrun with gryphons and serpents which burnt and slew his people, and be made war on the monsters, and was sorely wounded, though at last he killed them all. When he awoke the remembrance of his dream was heavy upon him, and to shake it off he summoned his Knights to hunt with him, and they rode fast till they reached a forest.

Soon they spied a hart before them, which the King claimed as his game, and he spurred his horse and rode after him. But the hart ran fast and the King could not get near it, and the chase lasted so long that the King himself grew heavy and his horse fell dead under him.

Then he sat under a tree and rested, till he heard the baying of hounds, and fancied he counted as many as thirty of them. He raised his head to look, and, coming towards him, saw a beast so strange that its like was not to be found throughout his kingdom. It went straight to the well and drank, making as it did so the noise of many hounds baying, and when it had drunk its fill the beast went its way.

While the King was wondering what sort of a beast this could be, a Knight rode by, who, seeing a man lying under a tree, stopped and said to him: "Knight full of thought and sleepy, tell me if a strange beast has passed this way?"

"Yes, truly," answered Arthur," and by now it must be two miles distant. What do you want with it?"

"Oh sir, I have followed that beast from far," replied he, "and have ridden my horse to death. If only I could find another I would still go after it."

As he spoke a squire came up leading a fresh horse for the King, and when the Knight saw it he prayed that it might be given to him, "for," said he, "I have followed this quest this twelvemonth, and either I shall slay him or he will slay me."

"Sir Knight," answered the King, "you have done your part; leave now your quest, and let me follow the beast for the same time that you have done."

"Ah, fool!" replied the Knight, whose name was Pellinore, "it would be all in vain, for none may slay that beast but I or my next of kin," and without more words he sprang into the saddle.

"You may take my horse by force," said the King, "but I should like to prove first which of us two is the better horseman."

"Well," answered the Knight, "when you want me, come to this spring. Here you will always find me," and, spurring his horse, he galloped away.

The King watched him till he was out of sight, and then turned to his squire and bade him bring another horse as quickly as he could. While he was waiting for it, the wizard Merlin came along in the likeness of a boy, and asked the King why he was so thoughtful.

"I may well be thoughtful," replied the King, "for I have seen the most wonderful sight in all the world."

"That I know well," said Merlin, I for I know all your thoughts. But it is folly to let your mind dwell on it, for thinking will mend nothing. I know, too, that, Uther Pendragon was your father, and your mother was the Lady Igraine."

"How can a boy like you know that?" cried Arthur, growing angry, but Merlin only answered, "I know it better than any man living," and passed, returning soon after in the likeness of an old man of fourscore and sitting down by the well to rest.

"What makes you so sad?" asked he.

"I may well be sad," replied Arthur; "there is plenty to make me so. And besides, there was a boy here who told me things that he had no business to know, and among them the names of my father and mother."

"He told you the truth," said the old man, "and if you would have listened he could have told you still more — how that your sister shall have a child who shall destroy you and all your Knights."

"Who are you?" asked Arthur, wondering.

"I am Merlin, and it was I who came to you in the likeness of a boy. I know all things: how that you shall die a noble death, being slain in battle, while my end will be shameful, for I shall be put alive into the earth."

There was no time to say more, for the man brought up the King's horse and he mounted, and rode fast till he came to Carlion.

Next: The Sword Excalibur

(1000 words)

King Arthur: The Sword Excalibur

The sword Excalibur also has an article of its own at Wikipedia.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

THE SWORD EXCALIBUR

KING ARTHUR had fought a hard battle with the tallest Knight in all the land, and though he struck hard and well, he would have been slain had not Merlin enchanted the Knight and cast him into a deep sleep, and brought the King to a hermit who had studied the art of healing, and cured all his wounds in three days. Then Arthur and Merlin waited no longer, but gave the hermit thanks and departed.

As they rode together Arthur said, "I have no sword," but Merlin bade him be patient and he would soon give him one.

In a little while they came to a large lake, and in the midst of the lake Arthur beheld an arm rising out of the water, holding up a sword.

"Look!" said Merlin, "that is the sword I spoke of." And the King looked again, and a maiden stood upon the water.

"That is the Lady of the Lake," said Merlin, "and she is coming to you, and if you ask her courteously she will give you the sword."

So when the maiden drew near Arthur saluted her and said, "Maiden, I pray you tell me whose sword is that which an arm is holding out of the water? I wish it were mine, for I have lost my sword."

"That sword is mine, King Arthur," answered she, "and I will give it to you, if you in return will give me a gift when I ask you."

"By my faith," said the King, "I will give you whatever gift you ask."

"Well," said the maiden, "get into the barge yonder, and row yourself to the sword, and take it and the scabbard with you." For this was the sword Excalibur. "As for my gift, I will ask it in my own time."

Then King Arthur and Merlin dismounted from their horses and tied them up safely, and went into the barge, and when they came to the place where the arm was holding the sword Arthur took it by the handle, and the arm disappeared. And they brought the sword back to land.

As they rode the King looked lovingly on his sword, which Merlin saw, and, smiling, said, "Which do you like best, the sword or the scabbard?

"I like the sword," answered Arthur.

"You are not wise to say that," replied Merlin, "for the scabbard is worth ten of the sword, and as long as it is buckled on you you will lose no blood, however sorely you may be wounded."

So they rode into the town of Carlion, and Arthur's Knights gave them a glad welcome, and said it was a joy to serve under a King who risked his life as much as any common man.

(Excalibur, by Howard Pyle)

Next: The Round Table

(500 words)

King Arthur: The Round Table

And yes, there is an article about the Round Table at Wikipedia also, along with an article about Guinevere.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

HOW THE ROUND TABLE BEGAN

IT was told in the story of the Questing Beast that King Arthur married the daughter of Leodegrance, King of Cameliard, but there was not space there to say how it came about. And as the tales of the Round Table are full of this lady, Queen Guenevere, it is well that anybody who reads this book should learn how she became Queen.

After King Arthur had fought and conquered many enemies, he said one day to Merlin, whose counsel he took all the days of his life, "My Barons will let me have no rest, but bid me take a wife, and I have answered them that I shall take none, except you advise me."

"It is well," replied Merlin, "that you should take a wife, but is there any woman that you love better than another?

"Yes," said Arthur, "I love Guenevere, daughter of Leodegrance, King of Cameliard, in whose house is the Round Table that my father gave him. This maiden is the fairest that I have ever seen, or ever shall see."

"Sir," answered Merlin, "what you say as to her beauty is true, but, if your heart was not set on her, I could find you another as fair, and of more goodness, than she. But if a man's heart is once set it is idle to try to turn him."

Then Merlin asked the King to give him a company of Knights and esquires, that he might go to the Court of King Leodegrance and tell him that King Arthur desired to wed his daughter, which Arthur did gladly. Therefore Merlin rode forth and made all the haste he could till he came to the Castle of Cameliard, and told King Leodegrance who had sent him and why.

"That is the best news I have ever had," replied Leodegrance, "for little did I think that so great and noble a King should seek to marry my daughter. As for lands to endow her with, I would give whatever he chose, but he has lands enough of his own, so I will give him instead something that will please him much more, the Round Table which Uther Pendragon gave me, where a hundred and fifty Knights can sit at one time. I myself can call to my side a hundred good Knights, but I lack fifty, for the wars have slain many, and some are absent!"

And without more words King Leodegrance gave his consent that his daughter should wed King Arthur. And Merlin returned with his Knights and esquires, journeying partly by water and partly by land, till they drew near to London.

When King Arthur heard of the coming of Merlin and of the Knights with the Round Table he was filled with joy, and said to those that stood about him, "This news that Merlin has brought me is welcome indeed, for I have long loved this fair lady, and the Round Table is dearer to me than great riches."

Then he ordered that Sir Lancelot should ride to fetch the Queen, and that preparations for the marriage and her coronation should be made, which was done.

"Now, Merlin," said the King, "go and look about my kingdom and bring fifty of the bravest and most famous Knights that can be found throughout the land."

But no more than eight and twenty Knights could Merlin find. With these Arthur had to be content, and the Bishop of Canterbury was fetched, and he blessed the seats that were placed by the Round Table, and the Knights sat in them.

"Fair Sirs," said Merlin, when the Bishop had ended his blessing, "arise all of you, and pay your homage to the King." So the Knights arose to do his bidding, and in every seat was the name of the Knight who had sat on it, written in letters of gold, but two seats were empty.

After that, young Gawaine came to the King, and prayed him to make him a Knight on the day that he should wed Guenevere. "That I will gladly," replied the King, "for you are my sister's son."

As the King was speaking, a poor man entered the Court, bringing with him a youth about eighteen years old, riding on a lean mare, though it was not the custom for gentlemen to ride on mares.

"Where is King Arthur? "asked the man.

"Yonder," answered the Knights. "Have you business with him?"

"Yes," said the man, and he went and bowed low before the King. "I have heard, O King Arthur, flower of Knights and Kings, that at the time of your marriage you would give any man the gift he should ask for."

"That is truth," answered the King, "as long as I do no wrong to other men or to my kingdom."

"I thank you for your gracious words," said the poor man; "the boon I would ask is that you would make my son a Knight."

"It is a great boon to ask," answered the King. "What is your name?"

"Sir, my name is Aries the cowherd."

"Is it you or your son that has thought of this honour?"

"It is my son who desires it, and not I," replied the man. "I have thirteen sons who tend cattle, and work in the fields if I bid them, but this boy will do nothing but shoot and cast darts, or go to watch battles and look on Knights, and all day long he beseeches me to bring him to you, that he may be knighted also."

"What is your name?" said Arthur, turning to the young man.

"Sir, my name is Tor."

"Where is your sword that I may knight you? said the King.

"It is here, my lord."

"Take it out of its sheath," said the King, " require me to make you a Knight."

Then Tor jumped off his mare, and pulled out his sword, and knelt before the King, praying that he might be made, a Knight and a Knight of the Round Table.

"As for a Knight, that I will make you," said Arthur, smiting him in the neck with the sword, "and if you are worthy of it you shall be Knight of the Round Table."

And the next day he made Gawaine Knight also.

Next: The Passing of Merlin

(1000 words)

King Arthur: The Passing of Merlin

Wikipedia can also provide you with more information about Merlin and also about the mysterious Vivien, also known as Nimue or the Lady of the Lake.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

THE PASSING OF MERLIN

SIR TOR proved before long by his gallant deeds that he was worthy to sit in one of the two empty seats of the Round Table. Many of the other Knights went out also in search of adventures, and one of them, Sir Pellinore, brought a damsel of the lake to Arthur's Court, and when Merlin saw her he fell in love with her, so that he desired to be always in her company.

The damsel laughed in secret at Merlin but made use of him to tell her all she would know, and the wizard had no strength to say her nay, though he knew what would come of it. For he told King Arthur that before long he should be put into the earth alive, for all his cunning. He likewise told the King many things that should befall him, and warned him always to keep the scabbard as well as the sword Excalibur, and foretold that both sword and scabbard should be stolen from him by a woman whom he most trusted.

"You will miss my counsel sorely," added Merlin, "and would give all your lands to have me back again."

"But since you know what will happen," said the King, "you may surely guard against it."

"No," answered Merlin, "that will not be." So he departed from the King, and the maiden followed him, whom some call Nimue and others Vivien, and wherever she went, Merlin went also.

They journeyed together to many places, both at home and across the seas, and the damsel was wearied of him, and sought by every means to be rid of him, but he would not be shaken off.

At last these two wandered back to Cornwall, and one day Merlin showed Vivien a rock under which he said great marvels were hidden. Then Vivien put forth all her Powers and told Merlin how she longed to see the wonders beneath the stone, and, in spite of all his wisdom, Merlin listened to her and crept under the rock to bring forth the strange things that lay there. And when he was under the stone, she used the magic he had taught her, and the rock rolled over him and buried him alive, as he had told King Arthur.

But the damsel departed with joy, and thought no more of him — now that she knew all the magic he could teach her.

Next: King Arthur and Morgan le Fay

(400 words)

King Arthur: King Arthur and Morgan le Fay

Morgan is a complicated character in the Arthurian legend cycle; in some accounts she is the daughter of Arthur's mother Igraine and Igraine's first husband, Gorlois, making Morgan Arthur's half-sister. You can read more about Morgan le Fay at Wikipedia.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

HOW MORGAN LE FAY TRIED TO KILL KING ARTHUR

KING ARTHUR had a sister called Morgan le Fay who was skilled in magic of all sorts and hated her brother because he had slain in battle a Knight whom she loved. But to gain her own ends, and to revenge herself upon the King, she kept a smiling face and let none guess the passion in her heart.

One day Morgan le Fay went to Queen Guenevere and asked her leave to go into the country. The Queen wished her to wait till Arthur returned, but Morgan le Fay said she had had bad news and could not wait. Then the Queen let her depart without delay.

Early next morning at break of day Morgan le Fay mounted her horse and rode all day and all night, and at noon next day reached the Abbey of nuns where King Arthur had gone to rest, for he had fought a hard battle, and for three nights had slept but little.

"Do not wake him," said Morgan le Fay, who had come there knowing she would find him, "I will rouse him myself when I think he has had enough sleep," for she thought to steal his sword Excalibur from him. The nuns dared not disobey her, so Morgan le Fay went straight into the room where King Arthur was lying fast asleep in his bed, and in his right hand was grasped his sword Excalibur.

When she beheld that sight, her heart fell, for she dared not touch the sword, knowing well that if Arthur waked and saw her she was a dead woman. So she took the scabbard, and went away on horseback.

When the King awoke and missed his scabbard, he was angry and asked who had been there, and the nuns told him that it was his sister, Morgan le Fay, who had gone away with a scabbard under her mantle.

"Alas!" said Arthur, "you have watched me badly!"

"Sir," said they, "we dared not disobey your sister."

"Saddle the best horse that can be found," commanded the King, "and bid Sir Ontzlake take another and come with me." And they buckled on their armour and rode after Morgan le Fay.

They had not gone far before they met a cowherd, and they stopped to ask if he had seen any lady riding that way. "Yes," said the cowherd, "a lady passed by here, with forty horses behind her, and went into the forest yonder."

Then they galloped hard till Arthur caught sight of Morgan le Fay, who looked back, and, seeing that it was Arthur who gave chase, pushed on faster than before. And when she saw she could not escape him, she rode into a lake that lay in the plain on the edge of the forest, and, crying out, "Whatever may befall me, my brother shall not have the scabbard," she threw the scabbard far into the water, and it sank, for it was heavy with gold and jewels.

After that she fled into a valley full of great stones, and turned herself and her men and her horses into blocks of marble.

Scarcely had she done this when the King rode up, but seeing her nowhere thought some evil must have befallen her in vengeance for her misdeeds. He then sought high and low for the scabbard but could not find it, so he returned unto the Abbey.

When Arthur was gone, Morgan le Fay turned herself and her horses and her men back into their former shapes, and said, "Now, Sirs, we may go where we will." And she departed into the country of Gore, and made her towns and castles stronger than before, for she feared King Arthur greatly.

Meanwhile, King Arthur had rested himself at the Abbey, and afterwards he rode to Camelot, and was welcomed by his Queen and all his Knights. And when he told his adventures and how Morgan le Fay sought his death they longed to burn her for her treason.

The next morning there arrived a damsel at the Court with a message from Morgan le Fay, saying that she had sent the King her brother a rich mantle for a gift, covered with precious stones and begged him to receive it and to forgive her in whatever she might have offended him.

The King answered little, but the mantle pleased him, and he was about to throw it over his shoulders when the lady of the lake stepped forward and begged that she might speak to him in private.

"What is it?" asked the King. "Say on here, and fear nothing."

"Sir," said the lady, "do not put on this mantle or suffer your Knights to put it on till the bringer of it has worn it in your presence."

"Your words are wise," answered the King, "I will do as you counsel me. Damsel, I desire you to put on this mantle that you have brought me, so that I may see it."

"Sir," said she, "it does not become me to wear a King's garment."

"By my head," cried Arthur, "you shall wear it before I put it on my back, or on the back of any of my Knights," and he signed to them to put it on her, and she fell down dead, burnt to ashes by the enchanted mantle.

Then the King was filled with anger, more than he was before, that his sister should have dealt so wickedly by him.

Next: The Quest of the Holy Graal

(900 words)

King Arthur: The Quest of the Holy Graal

The author of this book, Andrew Lang, provides background information about the Holy Grail, or Graal, here, and you can find more background information at Wikipedia.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

The Quest of the Holy Graal:

An Introductory Note

THIS is a mysterious part of the adventures of King Arthur's Knights. We must remember that parts of these stories are very old; they were invented by the heathen Welsh, or by the ancient Britons from whom the Welsh are descended, and by the old pagan Irish, who spoke Gaelic, a language not very unlike Welsh. Then these ancient stories were translated by French and other foreign writers, and Christian beliefs and chivalrous customs were added in the French romances, and, finally, the French was translated into English about the time of Edward IV by Sir Thomas Malory, who altered as he pleased. The Story of the Holy Graal, in this book, is mostly taken from Malory, but partly from 'The High History of the Holy Graal,' translated by Dr. Sebastian Evans from an old French book.

What was the Holy Graal? In the stories it is the holy vessel used by our Lord and brought to Britain by Joseph of Arimathea. But in the older heathen Irish stories there is a mysterious vessel of a magical sort, full of miraculous food, and probably the French writers of the romances confused this with the sacred vessel brought from the Holy Land. On account of the sins of men, this relic was made invisible, but now and then it appeared, borne by angels or floating in a heavenly light.

The Knights, against King Arthur's wish, made a vow to find it and gave up their duties of redressing wrongs and keeping order to pursue the beautiful vision. But most of them, for their sins, were unsuccessful, like Sir Lancelot, and the Round Table was scattered and the kingdom was weakened by the neglect of ordinary duties in the search for what could never be gained by mortal men. This appears to be the moral of the story, if it has any moral. But the stories are confused almost like a dream, though it is a beautiful dream.

Next: The King's Pilgrimage

(Sangreal, by Arthur Rackham)

(400 words)

King Arthur: The King's Pilgrimage

This story makes references to the Church of St. Paul in London, calling it "newly built" at that time. The original church was built around the year 600, but the Anglo-Saxon church that stands there now is a Baroque building that dates to the 17th century. You can find out more at Wikipedia.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

HOW THE KING WENT ON PILGRIMAGE

Now the King was minded to go on a pilgrimage, and he agreed with the Queen that he would set forth to seek the holy chapel of St. Augustine, which is in the White Forest and may only be found by adventure. Much he wished to undertake the quest alone, but this the Queen would not suffer, and to do her pleasure he consented that a youth, tall and strong of limb, should ride with him as his squire. Chaus was the youth's name, and he was son to Gwain li Aoutres.

"Lie within tonight," commanded the King, "and take heed that my horse be saddled at break of day, and my arms ready."

"At your pleasure, Sir," answered the youth, whose heart rejoiced because he was going alone with the King.

As night came on, all the Knights quitted the hall, but Chaus the squire stayed where he was and would not take off his clothes or his shoes, lest sleep should fall on him and he might not be ready when the King called him. So he sat himself down by the great fire, but in spite of his will sleep fell heavily on him, and he dreamed a strange dream.

In his dream it seemed that the King had ridden away to the quest and had left his squire behind him, which filled the young man with fear. And in his dream he set the saddle and bridle on his horse, and fastened his spurs, and girt on his sword, and galloped out of the castle after the King.

He rode on a long space till he entered a thick forest, and there before him lay traces of the King's horse, and he followed till the marks of the hoofs ceased suddenly at some open ground and he thought that the King had alighted there.

On the right stood a chapel, and about it was a graveyard, and in the graveyard many coffins, and in his dream it seemed as if the King had entered the chapel, so the young man entered also. But no man did he behold save a Knight that lay dead upon a bier in the midst of the chapel, covered with a pall of rich silk, and four tapers in golden candlesticks were burning round him.

The squire marvelled to see the body lying there so lonely, with no one near it, and likewise that the King was nowhere to be seen. Then he took out one of the tall tapers, and hid the candlestick under his cloak, and rode away until he should find the King.

On his journey through the forest he was stopped by a man black and ill-favoured, holding a large knife in his hand.

"Ho! you that stand there, have you seen King Arthur?" asked the squire.

"No, but I have met you, and I am glad thereof, for you have under your cloak one of the candlesticks of gold that was placed in honour of the Knight who lies dead in the chapel. Give it to me, and I will carry it back, and if you do not this of your own will, I will make you."

"By my faith!" cried the squire, "I will never yield it to you! Rather, will I carry it off and make a present of it to King Arthur."

"You will pay for it dearly," answered the man, "if you yield it not up forthwith."

To this the squire did not make answer but dashed forward, thinking to pass him by, but the man thrust at him with his knife, and it entered his body up to the hilt. And when the squire dreamed this, he cried, "Help! help! for I am a dead man!"

As soon as the King and the Queen heard that cry they awoke from their sleep, and the Chamberlain said, "Sir, you must be moving, for it is day," and the King rose and dressed himself, and put on his shoes.

Then the cry came again: "Fetch me a priest, for I die!" and the King ran at great speed into the hall, while the Queen and the Chamberlain followed him with torches and candles.

"What aileth you?" asked the King of his squire, and the squire told him of all that he had dreamed.

"Ha," said the King, "is it, then, a dream?"

"Yes, Sir," answered the squire, "but it is a right foul dream for me, for right foully it hath come true," and he lifted his left arm, and said, "Sir, look you here! Lo, here is the knife that was struck in my side up to the haft."

After that, he drew forth the candlestick, and showed it to the King. "Sir, for this candlestick that I present to you was I wounded to the death!"

The King took the candlestick in his hands and looked at it, and none so rich had he seen before, and he bade the Queen look also.

"Sir," said the squire again, "draw not forth the knife out of my body till I be shriven of the priest."

So the King commanded that a priest should be sent for, and when the squire had confessed his sins, the King drew the knife out of the body and the soul departed forthwith.

Then the King grieved that the young man had come to his death in such strange wise, and ordered him a fair burial, and desired that the golden candlestick should be sent to the Church of St. Paul in London, which at that time was newly built.

After this King Arthur would have none to go with him on his quest, and many strange adventures he achieved before he reached the chapel of St. Augustine which was in the midst of the White Forest. There he alighted from his horse, and sought to enter, but though there was neither door nor bar he might not pass the threshold. But from without he heard wondrous voices singing, and saw a light shining brighter than any that he had seen before, and visions such as he scarcely dared to look upon. And he resolved greatly to amend his sins, and to bring peace and order into his kingdom. So he set forth, strengthened and comforted, and after divers more adventures returned to his Court.

(King Arthur, by Howard Pyle)

Next: The Coming of the Holy Graal

(1000 words)

King Arthur: The Coming of the Holy Graal

The arrival of the Holy Graal coincides with the eve of Pentecost, which is a feast day to commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles as told in the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. The word is Greek, and it means "Fiftieth," as in the fiftieth day after Easter. In England, it is sometimes called Whitsunday. You can find out more at Wikipedia. In this story it is not the Holy Spirit that descends, but the Holy Graal!

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

(The Holy Grail Appears at the Round Table)

THE COMING OF THE HOLY GRAAL

It was on the eve of Pentecost that all the Knights of the Table Round met together at Camelot, and a great feast was made ready for them. And as they sat at supper they heard a loud noise, as of the crashing of thunder, and it seemed as if the roof would fall on them.

Then, in the midst of the thunder, there entered a sunbeam, brighter by seven times than the brightest day, and its brightness was not of this world. The Knights held their peace, but every man looked at his neighbour, and his countenance shone fairer than ever it had done before.

As they sat dumb, for their tongues felt as if they could speak nothing, there floated in the hall the Holy Graal, and over it a veil of white samite, so that none might see it nor who bare it. But sweet odours filled the place, and every Knight had set before him the food he loved best, and after that the Holy Vessel departed suddenly, they wist not where.

When it had gone their tongues were loosened, and the King gave thanks for the wonders that they had been permitted to see.

After that he had finished, Sir Gawaine stood up and vowed to depart the next morning in quest of the Holy Graal, and not to return until he had seen it. "But if after a year and a day I may not speed in my quest," said he, "I shall come again, for I shall know that the sight of it is not for me." And many of the Knights there sitting swore a like vow.

But King Arthur, when he heard this, was sore displeased. "Alas!" cried he unto Sir Gawaine, "you have undone me by your vow. For through you is broken up the fairest fellowship, and the truest of knighthood, that ever the world saw, and when they have once departed they shall meet no more at the Table Round, for many shall die in the quest. It grieves me sore, for I have loved them as well as my own life." So he spoke, and paused, and tears came into his eyes. "Ah, Gawaine, Gawaine! You have set me in great sorrow."

"Comfort yourself," said Sir Lancelot, "for we shall win for ourselves great honour, and much more than if we had died in any other wise, since die we must."

But the King would not be comforted, and the Queen and all the Court were troubled also for the love which they had to these Knights.

Then the Queen came to Sir Galahad, who was sitting among those Knights, though younger he was than any of them, and asked him whence he came, and of what country, and if he was son to Sir Lancelot. And King Arthur did him great honour, and he rested him in his own bed.

And next morning the King and Queen went into the Minster, and the Knights followed them, dressed all in armour, save only their shields and their helmets. When the service was finished the King would know how many of the fellowship had sworn to undertake the quest of the Graal, and they were counted and found to number a hundred and fifty.

They bade farewell, and mounted their horses, and rode through the streets of Camelot, and there was weeping of both rich and poor, and the King could not speak for weeping. And at sunrise they all parted company with each other, and every Knight took the way he best liked.

Next: Sir Galahad and the White Knight

(600 words)

King Arthur: Sir Galahad and the White Knight

Galahad is generally considered to be an illegitimate son of Sir Lancelot. You can read the dramatic story of how Lancelot fathered Galahad at Wikipedia.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

THE ADVENTURE OF SIR GALAHAD

Now Sir Galahad had as yet no shield, and he rode four days without meeting any adventure till at last he came to a White Abbey, where he dismounted and asked if he might sleep there that night. The brethren received him with great reverence and led him to a chamber, where he took off his armour and then saw that he was in the presence of two Knights.

"Sirs," said Sir Galahad, "what adventure brought you hither?"

"Sir," replied they, "we heard that within this Abbey is a shield that no man may hang round his neck without being dead within three days, or some mischief befalling him. And if we fail in the adventure, you shall take it upon you."

"Sirs," replied Sir Galahad, "I agree well thereto, for as yet I have no shield."

So on the morn they arose and heard Mass, and then a monk led them behind an altar where hung a shield white as snow, with a red cross in the middle of it. "Sirs," said the monk, "this shield can be hung round no Knight's neck unless he be the worthiest Knight in the world, and therefore I counsel you to be well advised!"

"Well," answered one of the Knights, whose name was King Bagdemagus, "I know truly that I am not the best Knight in the world, but yet shall I try to bear it," and he bare it out of the Abbey.

Then he said to Sir Galahad, "I pray you abide here still, till you know how I shall speed," and he rode away, taking with him a squire to send tidings back to Sir Galahad.

After King Bagdemagus had ridden two miles he entered a fair valley, and there met him a goodly Knight seated on a white horse and clad in white armour. And they came together with their spears, and Sir Bagdemagus was borne from his horse, for the shield covered him not at all.

Therewith the strange Knight alighted and took the white shield from him and gave it to the squire, saying, "Bear this shield to the good Knight Sir Galahad that thou hast left in the Abbey and greet him well from me."

"Sir," said the squire, "what is your name?"

"Take thou no heed of my name," answered the Knight, "for it is not for thee to know, nor for any earthly man."

"Now, fair Sir," said the squire, "tell me for what cause this shield may not be borne lest ill befalls him who bears it."

"Since you have asked me," answered the Knight, "know that no man shall bear this shield, save Sir Galahad only."

Then the squire turned to Bagdemagus, and asked him whether he were wounded or not. "Yes, truly," said he, "and I shall hardly escape from death," and scarcely could he climb on to his horse's back when the squire brought it near him. But the squire led him to a monastery that lay in the valley, and there he was treated of his wounds and after long lying came back to life.

After the squire had given the Knight into the care of the monks, he rode back to the Abbey, bearing with him the shield. "Sir Galahad," said he, alighting before him, "the Knight that wounded Bagdemagus sends you greeting and bids you bear this shield, which shall bring you many adventures."

"Now blessed be God and fortune," answered Sir Galahad, and called for his arms, and mounted his horse, hanging the shield about his neck. Then, followed by the squire, he set out. They rode straight to the hermitage, where they saw the White Knight who had sent the shield to Sir Galahad.

The two Knights saluted each other courteously, and then the White Knight told Sir Galahad the story of the shield and how it had been given into his charge. Afterwards they parted, and Sir Galahad and his squire returned unto the Abbey whence they came.

The monks made great joy at seeing Sir Galahad again, for they feared he was gone for ever, and as soon as he was alighted from his horse they brought him unto a tomb in the churchyard where there was night and day such a noise that any man who heard it should be driven nigh mad, or else lose his strength.

"Sir," they said, "we deem it a fiend."

Sir Galahad drew near, all armed save his helmet, and stood by the tomb. "Lift up the stone," said a monk, and Galahad lifted it, and a voice cried, "Come thou not nigh me, Sir Galahad, for thou shalt make me go again where I have been so long."

But Galahad took no heed of him, and lifted the stone yet higher, and there rushed from the tomb a foul smoke, and in the midst of it leaped out the foulest figure that ever was seen in the likeness of a man.

"Galahad," said the figure, "I see about thee so many angels that my power dare not touch thee."

Then Galahad, stooping down, looked into the tomb, and he saw a body all armed lying there, with a sword by his side. "Fair brother," said Galahad, "let us remove this body, for he is not worthy to be in this churchyard, being a false Christian man."

This being done they all departed and returned unto the monastery where they lay that night, and the next morning Sir Galahad knighted Melias his squire, as he had promised him aforetime. So Sir Galahad and Sir Melias departed thence in quest of the Holy Graal, but they soon went their different ways and fell upon different adventures.

In his first encounter Sir Melias was sore wounded, and Sir Galahad came to his help and left him to an old monk who said that he would heal him of his wounds in the space of seven weeks, and that he was thus wounded because he had not come clean to the quest of the Graal, as Sir Galahad had done.

Sir Galahad left him there, and rode on till he came to the Castle of Maidens, which he alone might enter who was free from sin. There he chased away the Knights who had seized the castle seven years agone and restored all to the Duke's daughter, who owned it of right. Besides this he set free the maidens who were kept in prison, and summoned all those Knights in the country round who had held their lands of the Duke, bidding them do homage to his daughter.

And in the morning one came to him and told him that as the seven Knights fled from the Castle of Maidens they fell upon the path of Sir Gawaine, Sir Gareth, and Sir Lewaine, who were seeking Sir Galahad, and they gave battle, and the seven Knights were slain by the three Knights.

"It is well," said Galahad, and he took his armour and his horse and rode away.

So when Sir Galahad left the Castle of Maidens he rode till he came to a waste forest, and there he met with Sir Lancelot and Sir Percivale, but they knew him not, for he was now disguised. And they fought together, and the two Knights were smitten down out of the saddle.

"God be with thee, thou best Knight in the world," cried a nun who dwelt in a hermitage close by, and she said it in a loud voice, so that Lancelot and Percivale might hear. But Sir Galahad feared that she would make known who he was, so he spurred his horse and struck deep into the forest before Sir Lancelot and Sir Percivale could mount again. They knew not which path he had taken, so Sir Percivale turned back to ask advice of the nun, and Sir Lancelot pressed forward.

Next: Sir Lancelot's Vision

(1300 words)

King Arthur: Sir Lancelot's Vision

While Galahad was famous for his purity, his father Lancelot, while being a great knight, was notorious for his adulterous love affair with Queen Guinevere. When he fathered Galahad, in fact, he did so thinking he was sleeping with Guinevere, although it was instead Elaine, daughter of the Fisher King, who had deceived him. You can read more about Lancelot's adventures and misadventures at Wikipedia.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

HOW SIR LANCELOT SAW A VISION

He halted when he came to a stone cross, which had by it a block of marble, while nigh at hand stood an old chapel. He tied his horse to a tree, and hung his shield on a branch, and looked into the chapel, for the door was waste and broken. And he saw there a fair altar covered with a silken cloth and a candlestick which had six branches, all of shining silver. A great light streamed from it, and at this sight Sir Lancelot would fain have entered in, but he could not. So he turned back sorrowful and dismayed, and took the saddle and bridle off his horse, and let him pasture where he would, while he himself unlaced his helm, and ungirded his sword, and lay down to sleep upon his shield, at the foot of the cross.

As he lay there, half waking and half sleeping, he saw two white palfreys come by, drawing a litter, wherein lay a sick Knight. When they reached the cross they paused, and Sir Lancelot heard the Knight say, "O sweet Lord, when shall this sorrow leave me, and when shall the Holy Vessel come by me, through which I shall be blessed? For I have endured long, though my ill deeds were few."

Thus he spoke, and Sir Lancelot heard it, and of a sudden the great candlestick stood before the cross, though no man had brought it. And with it was a table of silver and the Holy Vessel of the Graal, which Lancelot had seen aforetime.

Then the Knight rose up, and on his hands and knees he approached the Holy Vessel, and prayed, and was made whole of his sickness.

After that the Graal went back into the chapel, and the light and the candlestick also, and Sir Lancelot would fain have followed, but could not, so heavy was the weight of his sins upon him.

And the sick Knight arose, and kissed the cross, and saw Sir Lancelot lying at the foot with his eyes shut. "I marvel greatly at this sleeping Knight," he said to his squire, "that he had no power to wake when the Holy Vessel was brought hither."

"I dare right well say," answered the squire, "that he dwelleth in some deadly sin, whereof he was never confessed."

"By my faith," said the Knight, "he is unhappy, whoever he is, for he is of the fellowship of the Round Table, which have undertaken the quest of the Graal."

"Sir," replied the squire, "you have all your arms here, save only your sword and your helm. Take therefore those of this strange Knight, who has just put them off." And the Knight did as his squire said and took Sir Lancelot"s horse also, for it was better than his own.

After they had gone Sir Lancelot waked up wholly and thought of what he had seen, wondering if he were in a dream or not.

Suddenly a voice spoke to him, and it said, "Sir Lancelot, more hard than is the stone, more bitter than is the wood, more naked and barren than is the leaf of the fig tree, art thou; therefore, go from hence and withdraw thee from this holy place."

When Sir Lancelot heard this, his heart was passing heavy, and he wept, cursing the day when he had been born. But his helm and sword had gone from the spot where he had lain them at the foot of the cross, and his horse was gone also. And he smote himself and cried, "My sin and my wickedness have done me this dishonour, for when I sought worldly adventures for worldly desires I ever achieved them and had the better in every place, and never was I discomfited in any quarrel, were it right or wrong. And now I take upon me the adventures of holy things, I see and understand that my old sin hinders me, so that I could not name nor speak when the Holy Graal passed by."

Thus he sorrowed till it was day, and he heard the birds sing, and at that he felt comforted. And as his horse was gone also, he departed on foot with a heavy heart.

Next: The Adventure of Sir Percivale

(700 words)

King Arthur: The Adventure of Sir Percivale

You can read more about Sir Percival at Wikipedia.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

THE ADVENTURE OF SIR PERCIVALE

All this while, Sir Percivale had pursued adventures of his own and came nigh unto losing his life, but he was saved from his enemies by the good Knight, Sir Galahad, whom he did not know, although he was seeking him, for Sir Galahad now bore a red shield, and not a white one. And at last the foes fled deep into the forest, and Sir Galahad followed, but Sir Percivale had no horse and was forced to stay behind. Then his eyes were opened, and he knew it was Sir Galahad who had come to his help, and he sat down under a tree and grieved sore.

While he was sitting there, a Knight passed by riding a black horse, and when he was out of sight, a yeoman came pricking after as fast as he might and, seeing Sir Percivale, asked if he had seen a Knight mounted on a black horse.

'Yes, Sir, forsooth,' answered Sir Percivale, 'why do you want to know?'

'Ah, Sir, that is my steed which he has taken from me, and wherever my lord shall find me, he is sure to slay me.'

'Well,' said Sir Percivale, 'thou seest that I am on foot, but had I a good horse, I would soon come up with him.'

'Take my hackney,' said the yeoman, 'and do the best you can, and I shall follow you on foot to watch how you speed.'

So Sir Percivale rode as fast as he might, and at last he saw that Knight, and he hailed him. The Knight turned and set his spear against Sir Percivale and smote the hackney in the breast, so that he fell dead to the earth, and Sir Percivale fell with him; then the Knight rode away.

But Sir Percivale was mad with wrath and cried to the Knight to return and fight with him on foot, and the Knight answered not and went on his way. When Sir Percivale saw that he would not turn, he threw himself on the ground, and cast away his helm and sword, and bemoaned himself for the most unhappy of all Knights, and there he abode the whole day and, being faint and weary, slept till it was midnight.

And at midnight he waked and saw before him a woman, who said to him right fiercely, 'Sir Percivale, what doest thou here?'

'Neither good nor great ill,' answered he.

'If thou wilt promise to do my will when I call upon you,' said she, 'I will lend you my own horse, and he shall bear thee whither thou shalt choose.'

This Sir Percivale promised gladly, and the woman went and returned with a black horse, so large and well-apparelled that Sir Percivale marvelled. But he mounted him gladly, and drove in his spurs, and within an hour and less the horse bare him four days' journey hence and would have borne him into a rough water that roared, had not Sir Percivale pulled at his bridle. The Knight stood doubting, for the water made a great noise, and he feared lest his horse could not get through it. Still, wishing greatly to pass over, he made himself ready and signed the sign of the cross upon his forehead.

At that the fiend which had taken the shape of a horse shook off Sir Percivale and dashed into the water, crying and making great sorrow, and it seemed to him that the water burned. Then Sir Percivale knew that it was not a horse but a fiend, which would have brought him to perdition, and he gave thanks and prayed all that night long.

As soon as it was day he looked about him, and saw he was in a wild mountain, girt round with the sea and filled with wild beasts. Then he rose and went into a valley, and there he saw a young serpent bring a young lion by the neck, and after that there passed a great lion, crying and roaring after the serpent, and a fierce battle began between them.

Sir Percivale thought to help the lion, as he was the more natural beast of the twain, and he drew his sword, and set his shield before him, and gave the serpent a deadly buffet. When the lion saw that, he made him all the cheer that a beast might make a man, and fawned about him like a spaniel, and stroked him with his paws. And about noon the lion took his little whelp, and placed him on his back, and bare him home again, and Sir Percivale, being left alone, prayed till he was comforted. But at eventide the lion returned and couched down at his feet, and all night long he and the lion slept together.

Next: Sir Lancelot and the Five Hundred Knights

(800 words)

King Arthur: Sir Lancelot and the Five Hundred Knights

At the beginning of this story, you will see a reference to the "Siege Perilous." This is not "siege" in the usual sense of the word; rather, this is "siege" meaning "seat," and the Perilous Siege is somtimes known as the Perilous Seat, a special chair at the Round Table reserved for the knight who would find the Holy Grail. If anyone else sat in the seat, they would die, hence the name, "Perilous Seat." You can find out more at Wikipedia.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

AN ADVENTURE OF SIR LANCELOT

As Lancelot went his way through the forest, he met with many hermits who dwelled therein, and had adventure with the Knight who stole his horse and his helm, and got them back again. And he learned from one of the hermits that Sir Galahad was his son, and that it was he who at the Feast of Pentecost had sat in the Siege Perilous, which it was ordained by Merlin that none should sit in save the best Knight in the world. All that night, Sir Lancelot abode with the hermit and laid him to rest, a hair shirt always on his body, and it pricked him sorely, but he bore it meekly and suffered the pain.

When the day dawned, he bade the hermit farewell. As he rode, he came to a fair plain, in which was a great castle set about with tents and pavilions of divers hues. Here were full five hundred Knights riding on horseback, and those near the castle were mounted on black horses with black trappings, and they that were without were on white horses and their trappings white. And the two sides fought together, and Sir Lancelot looked on.

At last it seemed to him that the black Knights nearest the castle fared the worst, so, as he ever took the part of the weaker, he rode to their help and smote many of the white Knights to the earth and did marvellous deeds of arms. But always the white Knights held round Sir Lancelot to tire him out. And as no man may endure for ever, in the end Sir Lancelot waxed so faint of fighting that his arms would not lift themselves to deal a stroke; then they took him, and led him away into the forest and made him alight from his horse and rest, and when he was taken the fellowship of the castle were overcome for want of him.

'Never ere now was I at tournament or jousts but I had the best,' moaned Sir Lancelot to himself, as soon as the Knights had left him and he was alone. 'But now am I shamed, and I am persuaded that I am more sinful than ever I was.'

Sorrowfully he rode on till he passed a chapel, where stood a nun, who called to him and asked him his name and what he was seeking. So he told her who he was, and what had befallen him at the tournament, and the vision that had come to him in his sleep.

'Ah, Lancelot,' said she, 'as long as you were a Knight of earthly knighthood, you were the most wonderful man in the world and the most adventurous. But now, since you are set among Knights of heavenly adventures, if you were worsted at that tournament, it is no marvel. For the tournament was meant for a sign, and the earthly Knights were they who were clothed in black in token of the sins of which they were not yet purged. And the white Knights were they who had chosen the way of holiness, and in them the quest has already begun. Thus you beheld both the sinners and the good men, and when you saw the sinners overcome you went to their help, as they were your fellows in boasting and pride of the world, and all that must be left in that quest. And that caused your misadventure. Now that I have warned you of your vain-glory and your pride, beware of everlasting pain, for of all earthly Knights I have pity of you, for I know well that among earthly sinful Knights you are without peer.'

Next: Sir Gawaine and the Hermit

(Lancelot)

(600 words)

King Arthur: Sir Gawaine and the Hermit

This brief episode introduces you to Sir Gawain, who is King Arthur's nephew, and Sir Ector, who is the younger half-brother of Sir Lancelot.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

(Gawaine, by Howard Pyle)

AN ADVENTURE OF SIR GAWAINE

Sir Gawaine rode long without meeting any adventure, and from Pentecost to Michaelmas found none that pleased him. But at Michaelmas he met Sir Ector de Maris and rejoiced greatly.

As they sat talking, there appeared before them a hand showing unto the elbow covered with red samite and holding a great candle that burned right clear, and the hand passed into the chapel and vanished, they know not where.

Then they heard a voice which said, 'Knights full of evil faith and poor belief, these two things have failed you, and therefore you may not come to the adventure of the Holy Graal.' And this same told them a holy man to whom they confessed their sins, 'for,' said he, 'you have failed in three things, charity, fasting, and truth, and have been great murderers. But sinful as Sir Lancelot was, since he went into the quest he never slew man, nor shall, till he come into Camelot again. For he has taken upon him to forsake sin. And were he not so unstable, he should be the next to achieve it, after Galahad his son. Yet shall he die an holy man, and in earthly sinful men he has no fellow.'

'Sir,' said Gawaine, 'by your words it seems that our sins will not let us labour in that quest?'

'Truly,' answered the hermit, 'there be an hundred such as you to whom it will bring naught but shame.' So Gawaine departed and followed Sir Ector, who had ridden on before.

Next: The Adventure of Sir Bors

(300 words)

King Arthur: The Adventure of Sir Bors

In this episode, you will meet Sir Bors, more precisely Sir Bors the Younger. You can read more about him at Wikipedia.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

THE ADVENTURE OF SIR BORS

When Sir Bors left Camelot on his quest, he met a holy man riding on an ass, and Sir Bors saluted him. Then the good man knew him to be one of the Knights who were in quest of the Holy Graal.

'What are you?' said he, and Sir Bors answered, 'I am a Knight that fain would be counselled in the quest of the Graal, for he shall have much earthly worship that brings it to an end.'

'That is true,' said the good man, 'for he will be the best Knight in the world, but know well that there shall none attain it but by holiness and by confession of sin.'

So they rode together till they came to the hermitage, and the good man led Sir Bors into the chapel, where he made confession of his sins, and they ate bread and drank water together.

'Now,' said the hermit, 'I pray you that you eat none other till you sit at the table where the Holy Graal shall be.'

'Sir,' answered Sir Bors, 'I agree thereto, but how know you that I shall sit there?'

'That know I,' said the holy man, 'but there will be but few of your fellows with you. Also, instead of a shirt, you shall wear this garment until you have achieved your quest,' and Sir Bors took off his clothes, and put on instead a scarlet coat.

Then the good man questioned him and marvelled to find him pure in life, and he armed him and bade him go. After this Sir Bors rode through many lands, and had many adventures, and was often sore tempted, but remembered the words of the holy man and kept his life clean of wrong.

And once he had by mischance almost slain his own brother, but a voice cried, 'Flee, Bors, and touch him not,' and he hearkened and stayed his hand. And there fell between them a fiery cloud, which burned up both their shields, and they two fell to the earth in a great swoon, but when they awakened out of it, Bors saw that his brother had no harm.

With that the voice spoke to him saying, 'Bors, go hence and bear your brother fellowship no longer, but take your way to the sea, where Sir Percivale abides till you come.'

Then Sir Bors prayed his brother to forgive him all he had unknowingly done and rode straight to the sea.

On the shore he found a vessel covered with white samite, and as soon as he stepped in the vessel, it set sail so fast it might have been flying, and Sir Bors lay down and slept till it was day. When he waked he saw a Knight lying in the midst of the ship, all armed save for his helm, and he knew him for Sir Percivale and welcomed him with great joy, and they told each other of their adventures and of their temptations and had great happiness in each other's company.

'We lack nothing but Galahad, the good Knight,' Sir Percivale said.

Next: Sir Galahad and the Mysterious Ship

(500 words)

King Arthur: Sir Galahad and the Mysterious Ship

In this episode, you will see the knights traveling to Logris, a mysterious place and difficult to reach. The place name Logris has been associated with Arthurian literature going back to the Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain) by Geoffrey Monmouth. You can find out more at Wikipedia.

[Notes by LKG]

This story is part of the King Arthur unit. Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

(Sir Galahad, by Arthur Hughes)

ADVENTURE OF SIR GALAHAD

Sir Galahad rested one evening at a hermitage. And while he was resting, there came a gentlewoman and asked leave of the hermit to speak with Sir Galahad and would not be denied, though she was told he was weary and asleep. Then the hermit waked Sir Galahad and bade him rise, as a gentlewoman had great need of him, so Sir Galahad rose and asked her what she wished.

'Galahad,' said she, 'I will that you arm yourself, and mount your horse, and follow me, and I will show you the highest adventure that ever any Knight saw.' And Sir Galahad bade her go, and he would follow wherever she led.

In three days they reached the sea, where they found the ship where Sir Bors and Sir Percivale were lying. And the lady bade him leave his horse behind and said she would leave hers also, but their saddles and bridles they would take on board the ship. This they did and were received with great joy by the two Knights; then the sails were spread, and the ship was driven before the wind at a marvellous pace till they reached the land of Logris, the entrance to which lies between two great rocks with a whirlpool in the middle.

Their own ship might not get safely through , but they left it and went into another ship that lay there, which had neither man nor woman in it. At the end of the ship was written these words: 'Thou man which shall enter this ship beware thou be in steadfast belief; if thou fail, I shall not help thee.'

Then the gentlewoman turned and said, 'Percivale, do you know who I am?'

'No, truly,' answered he.

'I am your sister, and therefore you are the man in the world that I most love. If you are without faith or have any hidden sin, beware how you enter, else you will perish.'

'Fair sister,' answered he, 'I shall enter therein, for if I am an untrue Knight , then shall I perish.' So they entered the ship, and it was rich and well adorned that they all marvelled.

In the midst of it was a fair bed, and Sir Galahad went thereto and found on it a crown of silk, and a sword drawn out of its sheath half a foot and more. The sword was of divers fashions, and the pommel of stone, wrought about with colours, and every colour with its own virtue, and the handle was of the ribs of two beasts. The one was the bone of a serpent, and no hand that handles it shall ever become weary or hurt , and the other is the bone of a fish that swims in Euphrates, and whoso handles it shall not think on joy or sorrow that he has had, but only on that which he beholds before him. And no man shall grip this sword but one that is better than other men.

So first Sir Percivale stepped forward and set his hand to the sword, but he might not grasp it. Next Sir Bors tried to seize it, but he also failed. When Sir Galahad beheld the sword, he saw that there was written on it, in letters of blood, that he who tried to draw it should never fail of shame in his body or be wounded to the death.

'By my faith,' said Galahad, 'I would draw this sword out of its sheath, but the offending is so great I shall not lay my hand thereto.'

'Sir,' answered the gentlewoman, 'know that no man can draw this sword save you alone,' and she told him many tales of the Knights who had set their hands to it and of the evil things that had befallen them. And they all begged Sir Galahad to grip the sword, as it was ordained that he should.

'I will grip it,' said Galahad, 'to give you courage, but it belongs no more to me than it does to you.' Then he gripped it tight with his fingers, and the gentlewoman girt him about the middle with the sword, and after that they left that ship and went into another, which brought them to land, where they fell upon many strange adventures. And when they had wrought many great deeds, they departed from each other.

But first Sir Percivale's sister died, being bled to death so that another lady might live, and she prayed them to lay her body in a boat and leave the boat to go as the winds and waves carried it. And so it was done, and Sir Percivale wrote a letter telling how she had helped them in all their adventures, and he put it in her right hand, and laid her in a barge, and covered it with black silk. And the wind arose and drove it from their sight.

Next: Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad

(800 words)

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