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"The Sword in the Stone"
An Arthurian Legend

King Uther was a good king who ruled over the kingdom of Britain. He wished to marry a beautiful woman named Igerna, but she was locked in a tower in a far away city. He asked the famous wizard Merlin, his friend, for advice.

Merlin replied, “I will help you marry Igerna if you promise to give me your first born child!” King Uther agreed and with Merlin’s help, he married Igerna.

Not long after, the King and Queen had a son. Merlin returned to the castle to ask for the baby. Merlin told them he would give the boy to the family of a fair and good knight. King Uther gave him the child as he had promised. Merlin named the baby, Arthur, and delivered him to the fair and good knight, Sir Ector.

Arthur grew up with Sir Ector’s family and learned all about becoming a knight. No one but Merlin knew his real identity.

When Arthur was fifteen year’s old King Uther died. The king’s last wish was that his son would become king. No one knew (including Arthur himself) King Uther had a son, and all the rich, wealthy and powerful knights rode to Camelot in hopes to become king themselves. When they arrived in Camelot, a large stone had appeared in the city courtyard with a sword stuck in it. On the sword was written the words, “Whoever can pull this sword from this stone is the true king of Britain!”

All the knights tried to pull the sword from the stone, but not one was able. For many weeks they waited, but no one arrived who was able to take the sword.  Realizing it was impossible, and tired of waiting, they decided the strongest knight should become the new king of Britain. A tournament was announced, and even more knights from all over the country came to Camelot to compete. Sir Ector, his son, Sir Kay, and Arthur came to Camelot. Sir Kay and Arthur were step brothers. Sir Kay wanted to be the new king. “I will win the tournament,” he proudly told Arthur. Arthur was often helping Sir Kay and hoped he would win.

There were many sports and challenges in the tournament including sword-fighting and jousting. Arthur was so excited about the tournament that he forgot to bring Sir Kay’s sword one day. Sir Kay was angry and ordered Arthur to quickly go and find his sword. Arthur went hastily but was unable to find Sir Kay’s sword anywhere. He spotted the sword in the stone, and since nobody seemed to be using it, he grabbed it from the stone and brought it to Sir Kay. Sir Kay brought the sword to the tournament, but when his father saw it, his mouth opened wide and he asked, “My son, where did you find that sword?”

Sir Kay replied to his father, “Arthur gave it to me.”

Sir Ector turned to Arthur and asked, “Where did you find that sword?”

Arthur replied, “I found it stuck in a stone. It did not seem to belong to anyone so I pulled it out.”

Sir Ector was amazed. He told Arthur about the story of the sword in the stone and showed him the writing on the sword. He ended by declaring, “You are the rightful king of Britain.”

Sir Ector called all the knights over and told them about Arthur and the sword. Merlin was there also and confirmed to all the knights that Arthur is the true son of king Uther.

They made Arthur the king. It was a joyous day and also the beginning of the legends of King Arthur!