Chapter 2 describes the miracle of the sword in the stone, King Arthur taking the throne, his immediate wars. Chapter 3 begins the various battles. I find it interesting that Arthur is portrayed as passive in many modern versions. In this, he is extremely violent and eager for battle, slaughtering on right and left. Chapter 4: More British domination of other realms. More magical swords that can't be pulled out except by the "right" knight (Balin, this time). Balin lops off the head of a lady who killed his mother (though Balin had killed her brother). Ladies get their heads lopped off every other chapter. Chapter 5: Balin unknowingly fights with his own brother, Balan, as punishment for lopping off the head of woman in Chapter 4. Balin also defiles the chapel of the Holy Grail. Balin is killed by his own brother, and Balin kills his brother. the two are buried together. Merlin takes Balin's sword, sets it in a stone, and it floats on the river until Galahad (son of Lancelot) achieves it years later. Another sword in the stone!
Excellent start . . . orphaned girl with a knack for chess, taught by janitor, harsh orphanage despite its courtly look.
Comments
Post a Comment