Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 44 summary
Chapter 44 of 503 · 2 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 44, Merlin marks Balin’s tomb, enchants his sword, and names Launcelot or Galahad as its worthy wielder, linking the weapon to a foretold killing. The account follows the floating sword to Galahad at Camelot, then returns to Merlin telling Arthur about the brothers’ deaths.
What happens
- Merlin inscribes Balin’s tomb and establishes an enchanted bed whose spell Launcelot breaks through his nobility.
- An unnamed knight cannot handle Balin’s altered sword, and Merlin predicts that Launcelot uses it to kill Gawaine.
- Merlin builds a narrow bridge that tests knights’ goodness, leaves the scabbard for Galahad, and places the sword in floating marble.
- The stone reaches Camelot, where Galahad arrives with Arthur and draws the sword on Whitsunday.
- Merlin reports Balin’s stroke against Pellam and the brothers’ fatal battle to Arthur, who mourns their loss.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Arthur’s response closes the brothers’ tale with grief and emphasizes his high regard for both knights.
Quick check
Who draws Balin’s sword from the floating marble stone?
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