King Arthur's Sword: Excalibur's Fate and Its Symbolic Significance

In the rich tapestry of Arthurian legend, one of the most enduring and enigmatic elements is King Arthur's legendary sword, Excalibur. The tale of Excalibur's fate has been the subject of countless interpretations and versions over the centuries. This article explores the various scenarios surrounding the end of Excalibur, as documented in literature and folklore, and discusses the symbolic significance of its fate.

Excalibur's Return to the Lady of the Lake

One of the most widely recognized narratives surrounding the end of Excalibur is its return to its mystical origins. In many accounts, particularly in Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur, Excalibur is returned to the Lady of the Lake after King Arthur's death. This final act is a powerful symbol of the cyclical nature of power and the mystical roots of Arthurian legend.

After the final and bloody battle with Mordred, King Arthur is mortally wounded. As he lies on the battlefield, he instructs his loyal knight Sir Bedivere to carry out a crucial duty: to throw Excalibur back into the lake from which it originally emerged. Bedivere's hesitation in carrying out this task is a common trope in many versions of the legend, reflecting his affection for the sword and the fear that it might escape his reach once more.

Despite his doubts, Bedivere eventually obeys the command. As he endeavors to throw the sword into the water, a mysterious hand reaches out of the lake, seemingly to claim the sword. This act is seen as a validation of the sword's return to its mystical origins and a symbolic conclusion to Arthur's reign.

The Historical Context of Excalibur's Castaway

Historically, the details of Excalibur's fate have been subjects of debate and speculation. It is often stated that the sword was lost when it was thrown into a lake after King Arthur's death, possibly a strategic move to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands or a symbolic act of surrendering his power.

Originally, in Arthurian legend, King Arthur is said to have wielded two swords: the Sword in the Stone and Excalibur. However, modern retellings often conflate these into one sword, creating a continuity error that requires careful explanation. The Sword in the Stone, in its original form, was not imbued with magical properties and was merely a test of Arthur's true kinghood. Its significance lay in the act of drawing it from the stone rather than the sword itself.

Due to a fearsome duel, the Sword in the Stone eventually breaks. At this juncture, King Arthur requires a new sword, and it is through Merlin's guidance that he receives Excalibur. This is the sword he is instructed to return to the Lady of the Lake upon his death, as part of a mystical agreement for its loan during his reign.

Symbolic and Moral Significance

The act of returning Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake holds deep symbolic significance. It signifies the end of an era and the cyclical nature of power in Arthurian legend. By returning the sword to its mystical origins, Arthur is releasing his reign from its talismans, acknowledging the inevitability of his own fall from grace.

Furthermore, the sequence, from the initial command to throw the sword to the fearsome hand retrieving it, can be seen as a metaphor for destiny and the interconnectedness of past and future. Bedivere's initial hesitation and subsequent reluctance to lie about the action further underscore themes of loyalty, redemption, and the difficulty of facing one's own mortality.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Excalibur

The story of King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, parallels the broader narrative of the Arthurian legends, touching themes of fate, legacy, and the mystical elements that define its world. Through the idea of returning the sword to the Lady of the Lake, the tale emphasizes the cyclical nature of power and the eternal struggle between the mortal and the mystical.

Whether you see it as a historical fact, a myth, or a literary portrayal, the legacy of Excalibur continues to captivate and inspire, weaving through the fabric of Arthurian legend and its myriad retellings.