아서 왕

Q: 엑스칼리버는 바위에 꽂힌 검인가요?

널리 알려진 여러 이야기에서는 두 검이 서로 다른 검으로 나오지만, 전승마다 내용은 다릅니다. Le Morte Darthur에서 아서는 돌과 모루에 박힌 검을 뽑아 왕으로서의 자격을 처음 증명합니다. 훗날 그 검이 부러지자 호수의 여인이 엑스칼리버를 건넵니다.

아서 왕은 원탁의 기사들을 모은 브리튼의 전설적인 왕입니다. 그의 이야기는 정의로운 통치와 충성, 고귀한 동료애의 붕괴를 다룹니다. 가장 널리 알려진 이야기에서는 왕의 측근들이 배신하면서 그의 통치가 비극적으로 끝납니다.

아서 왕의 주요 이야기

The sword in the stone

Arthur grows up without knowing his royal birth. By drawing a sword that others cannot move, he proves his right to rule.

In Le Morte Darthur, Arthur needs a sword for his foster brother Kay and takes the one fixed in a stone and anvil. His unexpected success reveals him as the rightful king.

In Le Morte Darthur by Thomas Malory

The Round Table

Arthur gathers knights around a table with no privileged head seat. Their fellowship offers a model of courage and service, though its knights often fall short.

In Le Morte Darthur, Arthur receives the Round Table from Guinevere’s father when he marries her. Knights gather at his court, where their conduct is bound by a shared oath.

In Le Morte Darthur by Thomas Malory

The breaking of the kingdom

Lancelot’s love for Queen Guinevere divides Arthur’s court. While Arthur fights abroad, Mordred seizes power, leading to a final battle.

In Le Morte Darthur, Arthur returns to face Mordred and kills him, but receives a deadly wound. The battle leaves the fellowship of the Round Table destroyed.

In Le Morte Darthur by Thomas Malory

The last journey

After his final battle, Arthur orders Excalibur returned to the water. He is carried away towards Avalon, leaving open the hope that he may return.

In Idylls of the King, Bedivere twice fails to throw away the precious sword before finally obeying. He then watches a boat carry the wounded Arthur away.

In Idylls of the King by Alfred, Lord Tennyson