Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 73 summary

What happens

1. Morgan conceals her grief over Accolon and obtains Guenever’s permission to leave before Arthur returns.
2. She reaches Arthur’s nunnery, finds him sleeping with Excalibur in his hand, and steals the scabbard instead.
3. Arthur wakes, discovers the theft, and rides after Morgan with Sir Ontzlake, following a cowherd’s directions.
4. Unable to escape Arthur’s pursuit, Morgan has the scabbard thrown into a lake, where its rich decorations weigh it down.
5. Morgan transforms herself, her horse, and her men into marble stone, deceiving Arthur.
6. Arthur returns to the abbey without the scabbard, and Morgan restores her company’s shapes.

In this chapter

What to notice

Morgan puts depriving Arthur above keeping the stolen object. Her decision leads directly to the scabbard sinking beyond his reach.

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