Where Did Arthurs Sword Excalibur Come From?
The story of King Arthur’s magical sword Excalibur is often confused with the famous “sword in the stone” story which started his reign. However, according to the legend Arthur lost his first sword early in his rule when, for the only time in his life, he drew it in anger and unjustly attacked a knight. When he did this, the sword shattered. Full of remorse and despair, Arthur wandered along a nearby lake, where he suddenly saw an arm reach out holding another sword. This sword, given to him by the mysterious Lady of the Lake, was Excalibur, and its sheath (scabbard) was woven full of enchantments so that its bearer couldn’t be killed. Armed with this sword, Arthur went on to win victory after victory. Years later, the dying king gave orders for Excalibur to be thrown back into the lake, where an arm came up and took it back.
