The Once and Future King book 4

Section 1 Chapters 1-7 pg 517-573

Summary:

Agravaine and Mordred are discussing how to revert Arthur’s kingdom back to the way it was before Arthur instituted his fight against right. Mordred still wants to get revenge against Arthur because Arthur tried to drown him when Mordred was just a baby. Agravaine brings to Mordred’s attention that if he ants people to follow him he needs a cause that is not personal. Agravaine though does not hold anything against Arthur but rather Lancelot. Agravaine plans to expose Lancelot and Guenever’s relationship so no one, especially Arthur can ignore it.

Soon the rest of the Orkney clan arrives. It does not take long for a quarrel to break out amongst them over Lancelot and Guenever. Gawaine discourages them to take it any further and to just leave it. Gawaine, Gaheris, and Gareth all want to leave it alone for they respect Arthur and believes he has always treated them fairly. Eventually Agravaine and Gawaine engage in physical fighting with Agravaine in possession of a dagger. Then, King Arthur arrives and smiles at them all and gives his son a kiss.

Lancelot and Guenever were sitting looking out upon Arthur’s kingdom. From this view, White leads in to a comparison on the Middle Ages before Arthur came to power. Some of the architecture of the time is discussed. White sates that the time was not far behind us in the way they thought. A typical view that someone would see if they looked out there window is described including some of the peculiar people one would see.

While continuing to look out on the kingdom Arthur and Guenever sing and talk about whether they can see each other tonight because Arthur will be home and they could get caught especially with all the hints people have given Arthur. Lancelot wants their relationship to be out in the open and Guenever tells him she does not want two husbands. What the two do not realize is that the king is in the room. Soon though a page arrives and Arthur enters as if he never heard what they had been saying. Arthur tells Lancelot and Guenever that he is Mordred’s father, how he tried to have Mordred drowned wit all other babies that age, and how Mordred could be the next king. Arthur also warns the both of them that if they will be executed if they commit a wrong against the kingdom.

The Orkney’s and Arthur meet in the justice room. Before Arthur arrives, they are quarreling for Mordred and Agravaine wish to cause trouble and pursue trying to catch Lancelot and Guenever. The rest of the Orkney’s wish for them to just leave it alone because of the good that Lancelot has done for them and it would cause a civil war. Arthur soon arrives and though the majority disagrees with Agravaine and Mordred, the matter is pursued. Eventually the justice room only contains Arthur, Agravaine and Mordred. The latter two wish to catch Lancelot and Guenever using Arthur’s justice system and not Trial by combat as used in the past. Although Arthur does not wish to comply with the wishes of the two, he does and he promises not to interfere.

Later when Arthur is away on a hunt Lancelot waits for Guenever to send for hm. While waiting Lancelot is greeted by Gareth who warns him not to go to the Queen because they could be caught. Lancelot however disregards Gareth’s warning and forgets to bring his sword with him to the Queen’s room.

Lancelot enters the Queen’s bedroom and begins to brush her hair. While he is brushing her hair, they talk about the warning that Arthur hinted about concerning Agravaine’s trap to catch them. They bolt the door but soon enough thirteen knights come. Lancelot however gets himself out of the sticky mess by sneakily allowing one knight to enter; he disarms the knight, kills him, and takes his armor. The knight just so happens to be Agravaine. Lancelot plans on fleeing to his castle and coming back for Guenever if she is condemned.

Vocabulary: None

Reflection:

I have seen some fathers and sons that have little in common but the difference between Arthur and Mordred is outstanding. Granted that Mordred was not brought up to even remotely like or respect his father, but still they are so opposite in what they stand for. Ironic how the Orkney that is most against Arthur is his own son, this takes rebellion from one’s parents to a completely new level.

Mordred and Agravaine scare me with how set they are on revenge. Those two are very dangerous together for they want to make their revenge not just some little event but something to completely tear apart the one they are after. Then they do not even take what their brothers have to say into consideration, they still want to go ahead and try to completely ruin what Arthur has worked so hard to achieve.

I cannot imagine being in Arthur’s position of having to put your wife on trial in such a way that she will probably be killed. However, I think that Arthur made the right decision solely because he was in a position where he really had to lead by example. If Arthur was to make an exception things would have gotten out of hand because as soon as one, especially on in power, can get away with something others are sure to try to do the same.

Truly, Arthur was put between a rock and a hard place when confronted by Mordred and Agravaine. It is amazing how two people can cause so much trouble when so many disagree. How they live with themselves knowing all the trouble they are about to release amazes me. They are like Pandora opening her box and throwing the monkey wrench into Camelot causing all its flaws to come crashing down around it.

I fid it curious on pg 536 that it is said that prayers and incantations were sewn on the Bishop’s champion. Although I believe that prayers are powerful, why would they consider it such a wrong and an advantage? Is it because of the mix of superstition and complete trust in what the church could do?

It is hard to imagine the church having such a hand in how things, such as wars, are settled. Today if the Catholic Church was to try to fix something like that, for none would seek the church out to solve it, they would be sent away before having a chance to survey what might be done to help.

Section 2 Chapters 8-14 pg 573-639

Summary:

The Orkney’s are meeting in the Justice room yet again only this time they are waiting for Guenever’s execution to begin. Mordred is the only one who truly wants her to be killed for the so-called sake of justice and revenge. However, Mordred is questioned by his brothers about whether he ran away when Agravaine was killed because he was he only one to survive Lancelot’s escape. Arthur clears it up though by confessing that he had told Lancelot not to kill his son. Arthur knowing that Lancelot will attempt a rescue asks Gareth and Gaheris to put their armor on to strengthen the guard. However, they refuse and stand guard unarmed. Soon Arthur and Gawaine are left alone; both of them wish to have Lancelot come soon to rescue Guenever because neither wants to see her die. However when Lancelot does indeed finally come he is forced to slaughter many. Unfortunately, among the twenty guards that are killed Gareth and Gaheris are among them and this tears Gawaine apart.

Fast-forward six months to Lancelot’s castle the Joyous Gard. Arthur has surrounded the castle an is attempting to starve Lancelot out of supplies. Lancelot regrets killing Gaheris and more especially Gareth whom he took under his wing. Lancelot worries about how much longer they can hold off Arthur’s men. In the end Lancelot and Guenever decide to bring the church into play to settle the dispute with the treat of excommunicating both sides if they cannot come to terms.

Arthur, Gawaine and Mordred are in the justice room waiting for Lancelot and Guenever to arrive so the terms for peace can be instituted by the Church. While waiting Gawaine and Mordred discuss the loss of their brother, Gareth, and how Lancelot is their enemy because of it. During the ceremony, Lancelot states that Guenever s innocent. However, Gawaine is more concerned that Lancelot slew his brothers. Lancelot says that he truly did not mean to but Gawaine cannot accept it and Lancelot ends up being banished.

Guenever is now living at the Carlisle castle in the north near where Mordred lives. She is here to stay safe while Arthur and Gawaine are fighting against Lancelot. Lancelot has beaten Gawaine at several confrontations they have had. Sir Gawaine ends up with a concussion and Arthur is sick of fighting his friend. Mordred was left as Lord Protector so that both king and heir are not killed. Mordred scares the Queen and some of her helpers in his sly ways. Mordred comes to have a conversation with Guenever in which he informs her that he plans to tell the kingdom that King Arthur is dead and he is the next King of England. In this plan of his, he also plans to marry Guenever.

Arthur tries to get Gawaine of calling it a truce and heading back home to England. While the two talk, a letter from Guenever arrives. The letter tells of Mordred proclaiming himself king and the Queen accepting Mordred’s marriage proposal only to retreat to a castle where she could prevent Mordred from getting to her as easily. Arthur and follows immediately leave to return to England. Lancelot receives a letter from Gawaine informing him about the recently transpired events concerning Mordred, Guenever, England, and Gawaine’s death. Lancelot makes plans to go to England immediately to help Arthur against Mordred, partially because Gawaine asked him to and forgave him for past actions.

Arthur sits at his table going through petitions and either giving them his okay or his veto. Arthur is struggling because his world is falling apart between his family, friends, and all his worked for. Arthur contemplates whether or not man is good, bad, or neither. He thinks about wars and leaders, rights and wrongs, as well as how the past affects the present and the present the future. Arthur wonders if war was caused by possession. Soon Arthur’s thoughts are interrupted by a page; Arthur proceeds to tell this page, Thomas of Warwick, everything so that Arthur’s ideas will live on through the generations.

Vocabulary: None

Reflection:

Mordred annoys me to no end for he is like a seven year old in a grown man’s body in that he wants what he wants an doesn’t care that what he is doing and insisting upon is maybe the law but wrong, I think Mordred would have a shot at being a good politician.

Arthur has an interesting thought about why wars start and I think there could possibly be some truth in what he says concerning possessions. I have read several other books that deal with lack of possessions such as family and property including Ego and Brave New World. In both of those books the characters come to find that no possessions does not work as well as it sounds. Not to mention I think having something to call your own is human nature, wrong, right or indifferent for even toddlers become attached to the word mine quickly.

Guenever certainly has much to deal with all on her own when Mordred makes his move to become king. She shows her strength of character well she decides to move herself to a castle where she can keep Mordred out. This shows that she is not just a trophy wife for the king that she actually has a brain and knows how to use it. Granted that she has already demonstrated this but here she has no Arthur or Lancelot to help her or save her.

Arthur really had a passion for his ideas and he continued to believe in them to the very end. This can really be seen in how he tells his page everything at the end of the book in order for his ideas to live on after him. I cannot imagine being that page listening to Arthur telling me his life’s work. In addition, to know that the king was depending on me to make sure his ideas lived on would be simply unbelievable and probably sound overwhelming as well. This shows that maybe what once was can be resurrected after all.

I admire Gawaine for forgiving Lancelot even if Gawaine was on his deathbed he still made the effort. I do find in quite coincidental that Lancelot is responsible for the death of all the Orkneys (I am not including Mordred because he is a half brother). I like the fact that White put in that Gawaine and Lancelot forgave each other in the very end and Lancelot is genuinely shook up that Gawaine had died.

The Once and Future King book 3

Section 1 Chapters 1-11 pg 315-372

Summary:

Lancelot is determined to be the best knight despite his ugly appearance. He wants to aid Arthur in his fight against might. He spent much of his time training under his Uncle Dap. When Lancelot was 18 Merlyn came and told him he would become the best knight in the world and Merlyn hints about Guenever. Merlyn while there falls in love with Nimue and the two lovebirds leave. Lancelot makes up his mind that he is going to England.

On his way he meets a black knight whom he beats tilting, this knight turns out to be King Arthur. They go to the castle where Lancelot is knighted. King Arthur gives Lancelot a jerfalcon to give him something to do. Queen Guenever tries to help Lancelot but makes things worse, but after Lancelot causes her pain with his words, they begin to fall in love. Arthur knows that it is inevitable that Lancelot and Guenever will fall in love and Arthur takes Lancelot to war with him, which lasts several years. Arthur dismisses Merlyn’s prophecy concerning Lancelot and Guenever.

After being home a short time Lancelot asks to be sent away so to prevent Guenever from coming between him and Arthur. Lancelot’s first adventure is a run in with Sir Carados who had taken Sir Gawaine prisoner. Lancelot soon kills Carados. Lancelot is soon joined by his cousin Lionel. While riding one day Lancelot becomes extremely tired so Lionel rides on leaving Lancelot to sleep. Lionel rides to challenge a knight chasing three others but Lionel, along with the three, are taken prisoner by Sir Turquine. While Lancelot sleeps, Morgan Le Fay arrives with three other queen witches and takes him prisoner. When Lancelot finally awakes he is soon greeted by a young girl telling him that she cam free him the next night. The next morning the four queens come and tell Lancelot to choose one of them as his mistress by he refuses.

Later that day the girl comes back and says she will help him if he helps her by fighting in a tournament for her dad, King Bagdemagus. In the morning, she gives Lancelot instructions on where to go however, Lancelot gets lost. He comes across a pavilion that appears to be vacant so Lancelot hangs up his armor, eats, and goes to bed. Lancelot awakes a while later to see a man with no clothes on trimming his nails. Both Lancelot and the other man are shocked to see each other and quickly retrieve arms. Lancelot ends up getting the man in the stomach and his wife rushes out and accuses Lancelot of being a murderer. However, they work it out, allowing Lancelot to spend the night and they direct him to the abbey in the morning.

After arriving at the abbey, he is then taken to King Bagdemagus. He fights in the tournament as neutral along with three other knights and before the tournament is over injures three knights of the round table opposing King Bagdemagus. After the tournament, Lancelot goes in search of Lionel. He goes back to the place where he last saw Lionel and there he meets a damsel. She tells him where to find Sir Turquine, the captor of sixty-four knights. He goes and fights Sir Turquine. After fighting for quite a long time Sir Turquine tells Lancelot that, he’ll make a truce with Lancelot if he wasn’t Lancelot who murdered his brother. Thus, they continue to fight and Lancelot eventually triumphs and all the captured knights are freed.

Lancelot, on another adventure is tricked into taking off his armor to save a falcon. However, Lancelot is still triumphant. Lancelot while riding encounters a man trying to kill his wife because he claims she is an adulterer. The man ends up killing his wife and running off after asking Lancelot to have mercy and not kill him.

Lancelot soon returns to court for Pentecost and all the knights confess to have been beaten by Sir Lancelot and Lancelot has all of them kneel at Guinevere’s feet. Arthur expresses his concerns about the round table and the Orkney faction’s need for revenge.

Lancelot struggles with his feelings for Guenever and what he should do about them. After several weeks, his Uncle Dap suggests that he leave. Therefore, Lancelot heads to Corbin and is asked to save King Pelles daughter who was stuck is enchanted boiling water. He succeeds and King Pelles asks Lancelot to stay awhile.

Vocabulary: none

Reflection:

I miss Merlyn already.

If I was Lancelot, I would not know how to react to Merlyn. For this guy who I had never meet shows up and tells me I’m going to be the best knight in the world and then he speaks of someone who I have never meet sending her love. I know I would have been very confused after that encounter. In addition, it would be quite exciting to beat the king at tilting and be accepted so readily. I’m sad to know that Merlyn is no longer going to be a prevalent character for he brought a sort of comic relief to the story.

I think that Lancelot’s attempt to stay busy in order to stay away from Guenever is honorable. He knows that if he stays around he will in a way betray his friend so he attempts to take the steps to prevent that from happening. I think that Lancelot is portrayed as ugly because if he was handsome he really would, “have it all.” Also, since this story breaks the mold in other ways it is only fitting that Prince Charming isn’t completely charming.

The phrase “what a tangled web we weave” really applies to this book. Where it comes into play in this section is that Arthur’s half sister Morgan Le Fay tries to seduce Lancelot, Arthur’s best knight. It is truly amazing how all the characters are tied up in one another’s affairs.

This is quite a busy section for Lancelot, he reminds me of an energizer bunny who just keeps going and going and winning although one would think he would need a year to recoup (maybe that was why he fell asleep under that tree).

I think it was cowardly that the fat knight trapped Lancelot in a tree without armor, but I find it humorous that he lost anyway, that really shows how skilled Lancelot is. In addition, Lancelot tries to prevent that man from killing his wife. To have someone kill the person riding right behind you on a horse would be very difficult for me to difficult. Lancelot has an innocence about him in how he doesn’t boast about being the best and he really wants to perform a miracle. Rescuing a naked maiden from a boiling pot though is definitely a unique miracle.

Section 2 Chapters 12-22 pg 372-412

Summary:

Lancelot was still staying at the Corbin Castle and he gets drunk one night and is tricked into sleeping with Elaine, the girl he rescued from the boiling water. He was tricked because he was told that Guenever was waiting for him. He is very upset for he no longer has the ability to perform miracles. Elaine plans to name her child Galahad if she has a child.

Guenever, unlike Elaine isn’t childlike. Guenever has the sixth sense balance, and the seventh sense, knowledge of the world, is yet to come. She misses Lancelot and he soon returns after the incident with Elaine. Here is where Guenever cheats on Arthur with Lancelot just as she had always known she would.

Arthur receives a letter from Lancelot’s father stating that he is under attack. Thus, Arthur makes the decision to leave and has Lancelot stay to look after Guenever for a year. They have a variety of conversation and Lancelot tells Guenever about his miracles and how he had to give them up for her. He doesn’t tell her of Elaine except for the miraculous rescue.

When Arthur returns so does news of Elaine and her son Galahad this news of Lancelot's son makes Guenever very angry. Lancelot tries to explain that he was tricked but Guenever doesn’t believe it. Elaine was ready to try to get Lancelot back and travels to Arthur’s castle to do so. Arthur and Lancelot talk about it briefly and Lancelot believes he could under no circumstances love her. Guenever tells Lancelot that she wants to see if Lancelot could love Elaine.

Guenever welcomes Elaine but she does tell Lancelot that she doesn’t want Elaine and him to sleep together under her roof. Guenever also tells Lancelot that she will send for him that night. Lancelot goes to see his son and Elaine tries to throw herself into his arms. That night Lancelot is tricked into sleeping with Elaine again thinking it was Guenever. Guenever is raging mad and tells Lancelot to get out. Lancelot ends up jumping out of a window. Elaine believes Guenever to have driven mad and is told by the Queen to leave and keep silent.

Sir Lancelot is assumed dead and King Pelles and Sir Bliant discusses a Wild Man who has the values of a gentleman. They speak of how Lancelot supposedly died and they talk of how Sir Bliant encountered the Wild Man and how he stayed with them for a time in the barbican chamber with iron fetters. The Wild Man had broken our and saved Sir Bliant from an attack. The Wild Man sticks around for another couple months before he disappears during a boar hunt.

Sir Bliant leaves and King Pelles attempts to trace Lancelot’s lineage. Soon a Wild Man is discovered and the King plans to make him a jester. The knighting of the king’s nephew is celebrated and the Wild Man is brought in as a jester and given the king’s robe but he walks back to the pigeon coop to sleep.

Elaine, the next morning, with her three-year-old Galahad is informed that there is a man sleeping by the well. When Elaine goes and sees him, she recognizes him as Lancelot. She goes and tells her father who says he will take care of it. After rest, Lancelot comes to in his right mind though he had to rest for two weeks. Elaine wants him to stay even though he says he could never love her, but she says him staying would make her extremely happy.

In the end Lancelot, Elaine, and Galahad live together in a castle of King Pelles. He assumes the name the Chevalier Mal Fet (Ill-Starred Knight) so none will come looking for him. Sir Castor however confronts Lancelot about his identity but with a few wise words, Lancelot gets him to let it go.

Vocabulary: None

Reflection:

Lancelot truly gets himself into a mess with Elaine. It is sad though because he did not intend to have anything to do with Elaine but she gets him into a mess anyway. However, he could have saved himself a lot of trouble if he had decided to stick to not allowing Guenever to cheat on Arthur.

Arthur is very trusting to allow Guenever and Lancelot to stay together but I think that Arthur does the right thing about ignoring Lancelot and Guenever’s affair. He knows that they are but I think he made the choice of the lesser of the two evils. He could have exposed them but having an angry queen and having the best knight made at you would probably be in Arthur’s best interest, also he didn’t look for proof.

At first it surprised me that Lancelot went mad, but the more I thought about it the less it surprised me. HE had a lot on his plate and those two particular women really didn’t leave him much room to do anything except crack like an egg. Sir Bliant doesn’t appear to be very observant. He had the wild man version of Lancelot but didn’t realize what he had.

I can’t imagine how it must feel to go mad. It really gives you something to think about. Would you comprehend what is going on around you or would everything be like a blur in a dream. This is going to puzzle me for a while.

I wouldn’t be able to stand being around Guenever, I admire some of her qualities but overall don’t care for her for mainly one reason. Granted this trait is often just human nature but she is so quick to judge and get a temper tantrum. When she wants to believe something is a certain way it can’t be changed in her mind. She is stubborn and I think our two personalities would clash the majority of the time just due to a slight few of her traits.

Section 3 Chapters 23-33 pg 412-470

Summary:

It is decided that the Chevalier Mal Fet will hold a tournament, which he dominates. Afterwards Elaine finds Lancelot on the battlefields and notices for the first time that the woman on Lancelot’s shield is crowned. She realizes that is must be representative of Guenever and hot herself.

Lancelot on morning is told of the arrival of two knights who wish to tilt with him. He readies himself and fights but not to his true potential and when asked he reveals his true identity. Lancelot is informed of all the Queen has invested in trying to find him. Sir Ector, Lancelot’s brother, is one of the two knights and the brothers are overjoyed to see each other.

The knights ready for Lancelot to leave with them but he doesn’t want to leave behind Elaine although the Queen has spent much to find him. Lancelot is surprised to be informed that his Uncle Dap was waiting for him with all of Lancelot’s paraphernalia.

Fast-forward fifteen years and Lancelot is at Arthur’s court and the dynamics between Arthur, Guenever, and Lancelot have stayed the same. Arthur has achieved his goal of a safe place enforced by his round table. Things had finally changed and two particular young knights arrive at the court, Gareth and Mordred. Lancelot and Arthur speak of Gareth and other events surrounding the Orkneys such as the developing feud between the Orkneys and the Pellimores. Arthur also points out to Lancelot the major flaw in the round table in that it used force to conquer force.

Gawaine and Mordred return to Arthur’s court after murdering Queen Morgause, their mother, and Sir Lamorak with the help of Agravaine. Arthur talks to them briefly and pardons them for their act. Arthur then goes into more detail explaining to Lanc3elot and Guenever the problem with the table in that now there is no outlet for the might used to establish the right. Arthur adds how Gawaine and Mordred prove this and Lancelot suggests they should be sent to the pope. This sparks an idea that Arthur should send his knights on holy quests to rescue relics on crusades.

After Pentecost, the knights of the round table are sent out and after two years, they begin to straggle back in, in a very different state then when they left. The first of these returning knights that is a reliable witness is Gawaine who went in search of the Holy Grail. He speaks of Sir Galahad and Galahad’s flaws. His adventure at the Castle of Maidens, the murder of his cousin Uwaine, and the tournament he and Ector fought in before returning home. He also tells them he murdered King Bagdemagus.

Lionel was the next to return home. He informs Arthur and Guenever of his adventures and his annoyance with his brother, Bans, who is obnoxious in how righteous he appears for he doesn’t kill Sir Brides. Bor’s second trial was that he rescued a maiden rather than his brother Lionel. The third trial involved choosing between committing a mortal sin and saving a life or leaving someone to die by not committing the sin. He chooses the latter because he believes that he can only control his own actions. The woman he was to save takes women with her to jump off the building and commit suicide but they all in truth were fiends. The last was that Bors wouldn’t put up a fight against Lionel who wanted to kill him. Lionel ends up killing a hermit but Bors lives to go on in search of the Holy Grail.

Next to return is Sir Aglovale, a Pellimore. He wants to avenge his brother’s death by killing Gawaine, Mordred, and Agravaine. Arthur however talks him out of it. Aglovale then explains a letter he received concerning his brother Percy and how Percy has gotten on the boat to bring people to the Grail. He also speaks of Galahad and his sister and the magical things they found on board a barge before his sister gave up her life because it was said to be the only way a woman with leprosy would survive.

Little information returns concerning Lancelot’s state as surviving knights continue to arrive and others are marked deceased. Eventually Lancelot returns, he tells them of his adventures concerning the quest for the Grail. Lancelot tells them of his accident, which in turn brought him closer to God. This accident was a tilting defeat in which Galahad unhorsed Lancelot to first time and Lancelot is robbed of his title of the best knight in the world, though that bothered Guenever more than Lancelot. Lancelot speaks of how all his knightly thing were stolen twice and how confession had brought them back.

Lancelot attempts to come clean about his affair with Guenever but she prevents it. He then explains the ship that conveyed him. He says how he spent some time getting to know Galahad and how Lancelot was unable to go to the Holy Grail although Galahad was. However, Lancelot was content with seeing as much as he was permitted to.

Vocabulary: Priggish- smugly well-behaved person

Reflection:

I give Elaine credit for how easily she takes Lancelot it and doesn’t bully him around. She just gives him the space he needs at this point in his life. I think Lancelot was going through his mid-life crises. I feel bad though, that Elaine noticed the crown on the woman on Lancelot’s shield. Funny how Lancelot is at first sure he doesn’t want people to know who or where he is then he changes when the two knights come and reveals it, I guess he just felt as if it was time to go back to the court.

Mordred and Agravaine scare me more than any of the other Orkneys. Agravaine scares me because he keeps killing people and things. The fact that he murdered his own mother is quite creepy even though she was who she was. Agravaine seems to have no conscious whereas his younger brother Gareth seems normal because he appears to have a heart. Mordred scares me because he seems sneaky and based on how he received what Arthur had to say about killing their mother this event also makes me believe that Mordred thinks he is above the law.

Arthur had a good idea to send out his knights on quests for items such as the Holy Grail it was really too bad that it didn’t work out the way he had planned. To know that you sent your knights out only to have about half return would be very difficult for me to live with. Especially because I feel bad if

I admire Lancelot’s Uncle Dap and how committed he is to serving Lancelot. It is admirable how he has all Lancelot’s armor ready and polished, I realize that as a squire it is his job but considering that Dap was under no obligation to be Lancelot’s squire it is really cool how dedicated it is.

I like Sir Agravole a lot from what little I know of him. He comes back ready to kill each and every one of the Orkney’s. after telling his story though and listening to Arthur’s advice, he lets it go. Sure, he is still mad at them, as he should be, but he at least attempts to understand where they are coming from. I admire that.

Section 4 Chapters 34-45 pg 470-514

Summary:

In Chapter 34 White makes some speculation on Guenever’s character and why she is the way she is. Also White states how her central tragedy was that she couldn’t have children. Lancelot doesn’t plan to go back to being Guenever’s lover because he knows he is in love with God. However, she thinks that Lancelot will come back to her in time. Eventually Guenever sends him away so they don’t fight.

The court has finally achieved knowledge of the world, the seventh sense, and the better half of Arthur’s knights have been killed in searching for the Grail. People are beginning to target Guenever by sending things that only a faithful wife could use. Another thing that was coming about was a strange form of fashion that Guenever couldn’t pull off. She decides to hold a dinner to try to sooth some rifts, especially in the Orkney family. Since Gawaine loved apples she made sure that, there were some however, Sir Pinel decided to poison them. His plan fails and Sir Patrick perishes due to this deed but the queen is accused of poisoning the apples by Sir Mador.

Thus, trial by combat was arranged to test her guilt. Sir Mador decided he would represent himself. Since Lancelot was not around Guenever had to find someone else to represent her. After begging on her knees, Sir Bors consents. Before the day of the trial, Sir Bors disappears to find Lancelot. He finds Lancelot at an abbey and Lancelot gets back in time to fight for Guenever. Lancelot wins although he suffers a wound in the groin and makes sure that Sir Mador puts nothing involving this incident on Sir Patrick’s grave.

Arthur decides to hold a tournament at Corbin. Guenever is slightly upset by this because it means that Lancelot may go see Elaine. However, she stays behind as well as Lancelot who claims his injury will prevent him. Lancelot ends up going anyway after they have a small fight. He goes and sees Elaine for he promised her that he would come back but Elaine takes this as he will be staying for good.

Lancelot does well in the tournament but there is an incident where three knights gang up on him and a spear head becomes lodged in his side. He tries to go off alone but fortunately, a knight follows and helps him to remove it. He returns to Elaine that night and she asks him to wear her token at first he declines but since he feels bad about having to leave her he wears, it saying it will help his disguise.

News of the tournament gets back to Guenever and she is mad that Lancelot was wearing Elaine’s token. Guenever in her rage claimed that she was happy three knights ganged up on him and hopes that he dies. Sir Bors the receiver of this temper tantrum really doesn’t want to hear it and that is why he doesn’t like women. Guenever has got it in her head that Elaine has become Lancelot’s mistress. However, Elaine committed suicide when Lancelot told her he couldn’t stay.

Before the next tournament began Lancelot wounded his backside when he was hit by a female archer would mistook him for a rabbit. However, Lancelot still fought in the tournament. Arthur for a brief time turns on Lancelot during the tournament and goes head to head against him but no one was injured and they went right back to being friends again. Another surprise at the tournament was that Gareth fought on the opposite side as is brothers.

One day while Lancelot and Arthur were talking about what befell Sir Tristam, Sir Meliagrance kidnaps Guenever because he is in love with her. When Lancelot hears of it, he jumps into action to go save her. Sir Meliagrance though sets up a trap for Lancelot but he still triumphs although Meliagrance’s hidden archers killed Lancelot’s horse. Lancelot gets into the castle and Sir Meliagrance yields. That night while they are all still at the castle Lancelot sneaks in though the iron bar windows of the room Guenever is staying in to talk to her. Lancelot cut his hand though and got blood all over the sheets. In the morning, Meliagrance sees this and accuses the Queen of infidelity with one of the injured knights that were sleeping in her room’s antechamber.

That incident was qualified for another trial by combat. Lancelot makes sure that if he goes through with it he will be fighting against Lancelot. He does and makes sure that it is okay with Lancelot if they stay friends until the trial. Therefore, Meliagrance asks Lancelot if he wants a tour of the castle and Lancelot accepts. However, it is a trap and in one of the rooms, there is a trap door in the floor in which Meliagrance makes sure Lancelot falls into to ensure god picks the right victor.

Just before the second trial Lancelot shows up to replace Sir Lavine who was to take Lancelot’s place. He gets there just in time. Seeing Sir Lancelot Meliagrance no longer wants to fight. However, they do but Lancelot evens the odds. He fights with armor only covering his right side, without a shield and his left hand tied behind his back. The two face off but it ends badly for Meliagrance who is dragged off the field with his helm and head in two pieces.

Arthur has finally established his court of law. A challenge for the knights of the round table comes about. Sir Urre who had been cursed could only have his wounds heal if the best knight in the world was to tend to them and salve them with his own hands. One hundred and ten of the knights attempt to heal the wounds and finally Lancelot is the knight to succeed, as Arthur knew he would.

Vocabulary: None

Reflection:

I’m slightly confused for in Chapter 34 it says that Arthur had two illegitimate children. One was Mordred, who was the other one?

I think it is really sad that Elaine commits suicide for someone who hadn’t seen Lancelot in so long had a lot of stock in that he was going to stay. However, (this one of Guenever’s actions I respect) Guenever makes a comment to Lancelot about how this may have been prevented if he had shown her a little more love. This comment though is strange coming from the mouth of the woman who wanted Lancelot to have nothing to do with Elaine.

Guenever needs to get over herself. She sends Lancelot really mixed signals on what she is feeling and what she wants him to do. She’ll tell him to do something such as go to the tournament. Then she gets mad and hopes that he dies just because he tried to put a smile on Elaine’s face. Guenever doesn’t make even an effort to try to understand the reason why before jumping to conclusions.

Sir Meliagrance is a peculiar character. I really don’t know what to think of him for although he did several very wrong things he in a way did them for the best reasons possible. He shouldn’t have kidnapped Guenever, but he at the very least did it because he loved and cared for her. Not to mention he treated both her and her knights with respect. In addition, he shouldn’t have tricked and trapped Lancelot but he did it because he was sure he was right that Guenever had been unfaithful to the king and he wanted to make sure there was at least a possibility for justice to be served.

That Lancelot gets to perform a miracle, as he has always wanted to, is a really cool way to end Book 3 that has the primary purpose of telling Lancelot’s story. I can’t imagine the joy that Lancelot must have felt having been able to perform that miracle, I don’t think there is any way to truly explain exactly what he was feeling at that moment.

The Once and Future King Book 2

Section 1 Chapters 1-5 pg 213-244

Summary:

Four brothers are telling stories about their grandparents and how Uther Pendragon raped their grandmother. Thus, the brothers despise the Pendragons, including Arthur. While Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth are telling stories, their mother, sister to Morgan Le Fay, was trying to find the bone in a black cat that would make her invisible. She soon however gets bored and abandons her project. The brothers are determined to get revenge on the Pendragons.

Merlyn and Arthur discuss the recent battle. Merlyn helps Arthur to see that there is more that there is more that Arthur must be aware of than if it was a good battle or not. Arthur does however, concludes that might doesn’t necessarily make right.

Merlyn, Arthur and Kay are out riding while Merlyn explains the history of peoples and why there are feuds. This helps Arthur evaluate his next move. Merlyn explains to Arthur that the only good reason for war is if someone arracks you first. Arthur and Kay however attempt to debate this. Merlyn tells Arthur and Kay about their adversary, King Lot.

Saint Toirdealbhach tells the four boys a story of King Conor and each takes something different away from the story. Then King Pellimore and friends arrive to the Gaelic lands but the knights are unaware that England and Orkney are at war.

Vocabulary: None

Reflection:

Arthur belongs to one messed up family that brings a completely new meaning to evil step/half sisters. One thing about T. H. White’s style of writing that never ceases to surprise me is how what at the time appears to be a small glimpse into one of Arthur’s experiences comes back into play. Such as, I never expected to hear Morgan Le Fay’s name again let alone find that Arthur is related to her.

The four brothers, Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth are really all each other has because their mother is on interesting character who in my opinion needs a lot of help. She is trying to find the invisibility bone in a black cat, which she really doesn’t care about, rather than interacting with her children.

I was pleasantly surprised to see King Pellimore and Sir Grummore reappear once again. I keep thinking that their purpose in the story has been served but I am continually shown otherwise. The way that the women of the community are supposedly talking about their new visitors is a little strange especially Queen Morgause.

I like the conclusion that Arthur came to concerning might and right and how they should coexist. I also think that Merlyn’s comment about there only being one good reason to start a war is a different way of looking at it. When Kay and Arthur try to find a hole in Merlyn thought concerning war it reminded me of how I try to find hole is things that have no holes, especially in science.

Section 2 Chapters 6-10 pg 244-287

Summary:

Lot’s army is advancing and Arthur meets with Merlyn and Kay to tell hem of his new theory regarding chivalry. Arthur comes to a conclusion that Merlyn has waited for Arthur to reach for years. It concerns Might and Right and how Merlyn helps Arthur in battle to attempt to make right. Arthur wants those under him to use their might for right

King Pellimore has gotten himself into an interesting situation in which he followed the Questing Beast to a place where he met and fell in love with the Queen of Flanders’ daughter. However, he left when a magical barge in a way beckoned them to board and it sailed away taking them to where they are now. Queen Morgause suggests to the three knights that they should go hunting for a unicorn and she would act as the virgin for bait. The boys decide that they will go on a unicorn hunt of their own to make their mother proud. They have Meg, a kitchen maid, be used, as bait entirely against her will. She begs to be released but she does serve as the lure for the unicorn. Eventually a unicorn comes to the girl while they are all waiting in the woods and all are overcome with its beauty until Agravaine attacks and kills it. Thus, they attempt to bring it home with much struggle even though they are actually quite said that such a majestic animal had to die. They prop it up so their mom will see it when she returns however, she doesn’t even notice it and she beats them when she realizes what they had done.

Kay tells Arthur that he will probably have a dilemma in that many knights will wish to sit at the top of Arthur’s table. However, the idea of a round table comes about from this conversation. Merlyn tells Arthur that he could try to persuade King Leodegrance for the table because Arthur will eventually marry his daughter.

Sir Grummore and Sir Palomides are concerned with how King Pellimore is acting. They decide to build their Questing Beast so King Pellimore will stop thinking about the Queen of Flanders’ daughter. They practice the noises and walk of the Questing Beast. While the knights' and King’s minds are focused elsewhere, Queen Morgause becomes more of a mother to her boys and forgives them for the unicorn incident. Gawain and Agravaine get into an argument and come close to killing each other.

The artificial Questing Beast is perfected and Sir Grummore and Sir Palomides attempt to get Pellimore outside so he will hunt it. While waiting Pellimore becomes soaked due to the rain. Before the knights near King Pellimore’s location, they come across the real Questing Beast that appears to have a crush on them. King Pellimore while standing in the rain mulls over his relationship with the Queen of Flanders’ daughter.

The night before battle Merlyn speaks with Arthur and tries to remember the warning he needs to give Arthur. Merlyn also tells Arthur to try to avoid ones kismet is futile. In addition, Merlyn informs Arthur that both of them will return hundreds of years into the future.

Vocabulary: None

Reflection:

Queen Morgause is a strange individual who changes with the weather. On minute, she hates everything about her children then the next she is telling them how good they are. If you ask me, she is sending them very mixed messages.

In a warped way, I think it was sweet of the boys to try to catch a unicorn for their mother. Although somewhat cruel, I think that they genuinely wanted to do it to please their mother; it is just because of their bizarre upbringing that they believe it to be okay. I certainly found it interesting that the unicorn’s was said to be called a rhinoceros in other places. In addition, I can’t imagine doing something that I believed would make my mother incredibly happy only to find that it upset her to the point where I would be punished.

It was interesting at the conversation revolving the round table and how Merlyn even seemed to get excited about such a unique table.

I love King Pellimore and the Questing Beast because both have personalities that make me laugh. The Questing Beast strangely enough reminds me of my dog and how you never know exactly what she’ll do next. The fact that Sir Grummore and Palomides made their own Questing Beast is simply hilarious especially because the real Questing Beast develops a romantic interest in them.

Section 3 Chapters 11-14 pg 287-312

Summary:

King Pellimore spots Sir Palomides and Sir Grummore the morning after the search for the Questing Beast and finds that they are dressed like the Questing Beast. The knights inform King Pellimore of the Questing Beast’s behavior the night before and suggest that Pellimore kill or at the very least stun it. In the end, King Pellimore ends up holding the Questing Beast’s tail while the other two run for the castle. The drawbridge is closed and the Questing Beast waits outside for its “mate” to return. King Pellimore and Piggy (the Queen of Flanders’ daughter) are seen coming toward the castle and they explain to the knights how this came about. Piggy shoos the Questing Beast away and the knights are all welcomed as part of the community in the North.

The battle between King Arthur and Lot begins and Arthur wins thanks to Allies from France that came with reinforcements. At night, the battle is put on hold but in the morning Arthur quickly strikes to win the battle.

The Questing Beast is still convinced that her mate is being kept inside the castle. Merlyn while passing by suggests to them that they explain what was going on to the Questing Beast. When that doesn’t work, Merlyn suggests that they psychoanalyse her and although this works to a degree, she now loves Sir Palomides and vows to stay near him.

King Pellimore and Piggy are getting married at a double wedding. King Arthur makes sure that everything is there for he holds a certain respect for King Pellimore. Queen Morgause and sons also attend the wedding. With her Morgause brings a Spancel, which is human flesh cut it a certain manner. She brings it in order to make King Arthur fall in love with her. She succeeds in her plan and has a son Mordred with Arthur her half brother.

Vocabulary: None

Reflection:

Leave it to King Pellimore to forget to include an address when sending a letter. I do however give Piggy credit for coming after him anyway. I like her she seems to be her own person and have at least half a mind considering she tried to get the Questing Beast to go away (I would have kept it). There truly are multiple stories occurring at once for they overlap from time to time but generally remain separate.

White provides quite a description of the battle. I liked that somehow in his writing that chapter he made it both concise yet detailed, I wish I knew how he did it.

The Questing Beast is such a cool creature and its new fascination with Sir Palomides is quite funny. I think that Queen Morgause’s magical tool is disturbing especially in the way it is obtained. I believe she would know her relation to Arthur but I don’t know still knowing that certainly makes some things clearer in Malory’s book. Things such as why Mordred tried to usurp Arthur’s throne.

I think there is irony in that Merlyn not being able to warn Arthur demonstrates Merlyn’s point earlier on that you can’t avoid your fate.

The Once and Future King Book 1

Section 1 Chapters 1-4 pg. 9-40

Summary:

Arthur and Kay lose their tutor and a replacement is discussed between Sir Ector and Sir Grummore over drinks. Haying began so the need for a tutor was not urgent, Arthur enjoys haying but Kay does not. After haying the boys decide to go hawking, however the hawk, Cully isn’t in the mood and when released flies up out of reach. The boys wait and watch for a while to see if the hawk will come back down but Kay soon decides to go back home.

Arthur follows the hawk throughout the night and tries to get it to come to him. Eventually Art is shot by arrows and after the initial shock; he meets King Pellimore who is hunting the Questing Beast. Arthur offers Pellimore a good night’s sleep on a feather bed with pillows if King Pellimore can take him to Sir Ector’s castle. However, the King soon sees the beast and takes off after it with a lot of clamoring in the process. Arthur therefore slept in the forest and in the morning, he goes searching for food such as berries. Arthur soon hears a clanking, which he believes to be Sir Pellimore, but is in fact Merlyn.

Merlyn takes Art into his cottage, shows him around, and is introduced to Archimedes a peculiar owl. Merlyn then has breakfast with Arthur and explains to Arthur his second sight. When Archimedes finally talks to Arthur, he offends both the owl and Merlyn by calling the owl Archie but soon all is forgiven. Merlyn tells Arthur that he will take him home and become his tutor. When they reach home, Arthur tells everyone how he and Merlyn recaptured the hawk, Cully and Merlyn attempts to prove to all, that he is indeed a wizard and will tutor the boys. Kay is scrupulous and Merlyn calls him on it but feeling he was too harsh presents Kay with a beautiful hunting knife.

Vocabulary:

Sultry-oppressively hot and damp

Rudiments- basic, raw

Cabalistic- mysterious

Reflection:

I prefer Arthur’s character to Kay’s because he appears to have an innocence about him as well as a pure heart in how he is so determined to bring Cully back. Kay on the other hand is much more into himself and in some ways the easy way out, doesn’t sound like a very knightly way to me. King Pellimore is a peculiar character whom I hope to see him again he reminds me of a five year old set in his ways to complete a task that is seemingly unimportant. The Questing Beast is a different kind of beast that I would not want to run into. One thing I have noticed is that the adults all act a little strange I can’t put my finger on what it is but it is there.

Merlyn’s character is not at all what I expected for I always imagined him to have much more control over his magic than he actually does. I had this impression due to T.A. Barron’s series The Great Tree of Avalon. I love the description of Merlyn’s house it says a lot about his personality and how he is somewhat eccentric. I do find it rather interesting how Merlyn jumps on Kay but then second thought says that it is simply because Merlyn possibly had already met Kay. I can’t imagine being Arthur showing up at Merlyn’s place and then finding out that same day that this magician is going to be his tutor. Merlyn has trouble remembering whether he has had a conversation or not with someone, I can relate to that even though I don’t have Merlyn second sight simply because I can get sidetracked.

Section 2 Chapters 5-8 pg. 40-85

Summary:

Arthur spends some time with the dog boy with no nose and Merlyn begins to tutor him. However before the teaching begins by request of Arthur Merlyn turns both Arthur and himself into fish and Arthur learns to literally swim like a fish. Merlin brings him to meet several fish and the last almost eats Arthur.

Arthur and Kay were practicing their archery and decided to walk around to shoot other objects, eventually they hide while waiting for some rabbits to make an appearance. Kay gets lucky and hits one on the head, this is the first shot between the boys thus they both shoot an arrow up into the air but Arthur’s is taken by a crow and this angers Arthur because it is his favorite arrow and Kay believes the crow to be a witch.

Arthur becomes bored of watching Kay get his lesson in tilting so Merlyn transports them to watch to men go at it these men just so happen to be King Pellimore and Sir Grummore, because Arthur requested to see King Pellimore. So the two knights duke it out in a comical performance complete with many “yes, you did”s and “no you didn’t”s between the two. They end by stunning themselves when walking into stationary objects and Merlyn and Arthur return to the tilting field.

On a wet and rainy day, Arthur while trying to find something to do is dismissed by many. Eventually he turns to Merlyn to see if Merlyn can teach him something or turn him into an animal. After some time in which Merlyn knits his beard into his nightcap Merlyn turns Arthur into a merlin when he is sure that Hob has turned in for the night. That night Arthur is inducted and accepted by the other Hawks after answering some questions, with a little help from Balan a spar-hawk, and facing an ordeal by escaping Cully who is a colonel among the hawks who is not al right in the head. Arthur is congratulated with a song with a verse that says, “Wart the King of Merlins”

Vocabulary: None

Reflection:

Arthur learning to swim with the fishes was cool. It is good though that Merlyn was with Arthur for his first lesson so Arthur knew that there was danger involved in Merlyn’s lessons. I had to reread the passage where Arthur almost is eaten several times just to make sure I read it correctly because I really wasn’t expecting it.

I really enjoyed Arthur’s lesson with the hawks. T.H. White did a good job giving the animals personalities based on their species. I enjoy how Arthur has to learn how to move different based on the animal that Merlin turns him into. King Pellimore was someone I didn’t expect to see again due to his fascination in hunting the Questing Beast. When King Pellimore and Sir Grummore go at it, they act so childish arguing whether or not someone did or didn’t do something. I bet that was a comical skirmish to watch between Sir Grummore and King Pellimore, it knocks down the image of brave knights I had in my head to men that see themselves as something other than what they really are.

It is ironic how Kay is thought to be ranked higher than Arthur as of right now because Arthur becomes the King over Kay.

Section 3 Chapters 9-12 pg 85-120

Summary:

Kay and Arthur get into a fight because Kay believes Arthur to have snuck out last night when he was really with the hawks. Kay gives Arthur a black eye and Arthur gave Kay a bloody nose. Kay is upset because Merlyn only does things for Arthur so Arthur goes to talk to Merlyn. Merlyn tries to explain to Arthur why he can’t do anything for Kay. Eventually though Merlyn uses his second sight to find an adventure for the two boys. Therefore, Arthur and Kay follow the instructions given to Arthur by Merlyn in order to find an adventure. They soon are in the woods and after walking through many glades find a giant of a man.

This man is Little John and leads them to Robin Wood as he is actually known by and the two are asked to help Robin Wood free the prisoners Tuck, the Dog Boy and Wat as well as the dog, Cavall. They were taken prisoners because the fairies have names such as pig and dog; the dog boy called dog to Cavall but since he didn’t point the fairies took them hostage. They are put in a group with Maid Marian and the troop of over 100 head towards the castle of Morgan Le Fay. Morgan Le Fay, according to Robin, is a fairy; not a fairy like in children’s stories but a creature with little good about her, however fairies cannot stand new metals such as iron. The troop moves through the forest with unbelievable grace and silence before reaching the castle. The castle is guarded by a griffin, which is eight times the size of a lion. However, the two boys have little trouble getting to the castle made entirely out of food. Inside they quickly find the prisoners and release them by bringing their iron daggers close to Morgan Le Fay so she disappears and they are sent outside. Just before Morgan Le Fay disappeared though she unchained the Griffin. Since the prisoners, Arthur and Kay were not as quiet as they should have been and the Griffin comes after them. Thus, all of Robin’s men as well as Kay and Arthur begin shooting the beast with arrows. The beast goes after Arthur and as it does Kay hits it with his arrow in the eye and it dies. As presents, Robin allows Kay to have the Griffin’s head and Arthur asks to have Wat to see if Merlyn can restore him to his right mind. Arthur suffers from a broken collarbone and when the boys return the next morning, everyone rejoices for all were worried about their well-being. Kay’s Griffin is given a place to display in the castle and all goes well to bring Wat to his right mind. Wat and the dog boy become best of friends and they rip off the pigs’ noses that Merlyn gave them. Unfortunately, for Arthur though he is locked up so he can heal.

Vocabulary: None

Reflection:

I really like the story of the rabbi and Elijah that Merlyn told Arthur in how sometimes it seems like someone is getting better treatment but really the reason is just hidden. In addition, it is evident that an anachronism was present because Merlin himself says so. I think it is fascinating that T. H. White combines legend of King Arthur with the legend of Robin Hood/Wood. However according to the internet their timelines don’t correspond making them an example of an anachronism. However, the portrayal of Maid Marian being just as capable as the men she is surrounded by. Kay and Arthur appear to doubt her abilities at first but soon come to accept that she is the real deal and good at what she does. The descriptions of everyone moving gracefully through the forest were almost poetic.

I wouldn’t do well living in the same house as Kay. I think this is because both of us have a streak of arrogance and keep harping on our successes to the point where it drives others around us nuts. However, I know that it is a flaw in my personality unlike Kay. It drove me up the wall at how he continue to bring himself up in his achievement in slaying the Griffin when all he really did was get lucky and hit the Griffin in the eye.

Section 4 Chapters 13-16 pg 121-154

Summary:

Arthur out of boredom asks Merlyn to turn him into an ant against his nurse’s wishes. Merlyn manages to cast the spell through the key hole and Arthur soon finds that being an ant was much different than he expected. Ants don’t think ahead was what Arthur found while watching an ant move bodies and the ants vocabulary is quite limited using the two phrases, “Done” and “Not Done” constantly. Arthur being mistaken for another ant is given a job, which is somewhat peculiar for he eats to fill his stomach so that he can later regurgitate it for other ants. Soon though the ants found one colony plan to attack the other for Arthur had put a board across connecting the two. However, before Arthur is put in any real danger Merlyn turns him back into a human.

Sir Ector is perplexed because some of the king’s hounds and huntsman are coming for Boxing Day. Sir Ector puzzles over whether he to do one thing or another though in the end he decides to do it how he had done it before. Christmas, the day before Boxing Day was a splendid occasion with loads of food and good company including King Pellimore. Songs traditionally sung were sung as well as Sir Ector’s annual speech. People danced, played, and had a joyous Christmas.

The next day was Boxing Day and men from all parts of Sir Ector’s manor came. Even Robin Wood comes along. When they do finally catch sight of a boar Sir Grummore is charged but he is al right. William Twyti, the king’s huntsman, goes after the boar through the woods with Arthur and Robin Wood not far behind. They soon arrive near the boar and Twyti is charged and the hounds swarm but Robin Hood kills the beast to prevent it from harming Twyti any more. Soon the rest of the hunting party catches up including King Pellimore. He ends up going further into the woods and finds the Questing Beast lying sickly in the snow. He feels as if he has neglected it and that is why it is close to death. King Pellimore has the Questing Beast brought back to the castle to be nursed back to health.

Vocabulary:

Belligerent- hostile, ready to start a fight, or ready to go to war

Reflection:

The ants described in this section have a strange way of getting things done, the analogy of the man with a sandwich, tea, match, and cigar that was included made it much easier to understand the lack of planning the ants were using to function. I can’t imagine living in a world that lacks vocabulary as theirs. It would most be a handicap in expressing how one thinks or feels.

Sir Ector seemed more like an adult in this section than before; he is actually fretting about how things are going to turn out much like someone preparing to host a party because, “everything has to be just right.” Christmas sounded like a joyous occasion with the singing and laughter, I bet it was fun to attend.

Although I personally would not be interested in Boxing Day I think my brother would be. Also I find Sir Ector’s attempt to mask Robin’s identity to be quite humorous as well as King Pellimore’s seeing right through it while he was worry about his beloved questing beast. King Pellimore’s actions are predictably unpredictable for you know he is just going to do something unexpected the only question is what. Despite my opinion after reading the first section, I now want my own Questing Beast for in a way it seems somewhat friendly and cuddly.

Section 5 Chapters 17-20 pg154-182

Summary:

The Questing Beast is released while King Pellimore counts to one thousand. The beast works quickly to throw King Pellimore off its trail and when he stops counting, he happily bounds after the beast. Merlyn, Arthur and Archimedes discus their favorite types of birds and they decide that that night Archimedes will teach Arthur how to fly.

That night Archimedes brings Arthur a magic mouse that turns him into a bird and Archimedes teaches him how to fly and land before taking him to spend some time with the geese. Arthur meets a young female goose that helps to show and tell him the ways of the geese. Arthur is surprised to find that the geese do not know of war and find the thought of animals within a species fighting each other preposterous. Arthur learns how admirals within the geese are chosen and the geese pass the time while flying from place to place. When Arthur’s adventure as a goose is over he is back in his bedroom and Kay accuses him of honking like a goose.

Six years passes by and Kay is near knighthood and Merlyn grows younger. Arthur is curious to know the rituals performed when one becomes a knight so Merlyn tells him in a manner so that it doesn’t seem quite so glamorous.

Vocabulary:

Myriad- too numerous to count

Reflection:

The way that King Pellimore and his Questing Beast interact is a funny visual. Archimedes gives a beautiful description of a pigeon and to hear his opinions of birds is funny because Arthur believes a bird to act and be one thing where Archimedes sees the same bird in a completely different light. I was confused because I was unsure of whether Arthur was an owl and then a goose of flew with Archimedes as a goose; I think it is the latter. Arthur makes a friend out of one of the geese though I find it interesting that she is offended at the thought of fighting within a species. Arthur’s experiences with the geese seem less like magic and more like a dream because it takes place over an odd period of time and Arthur appears as to have never left the room due to Kay’s commenting on Arthur honking in his sleep.

The descriptions of people six years later show how people change. The change in the sergeant - at – arms is most certainly the most entertaining. Merlyn’s descriptions of the rituals to become a knight show that he is far from a supporter of it and truly has no interest in knighthood.

Section 6 Chapters 21-24 pg 183

Summary:

Arthur is sulky over Kay’s slight change in personality and so he goes to Merlyn. Merlyn decides that it is time for Arthur last lesson with the Badger. Arthur, before making it to where Badger resides, runs into hedgehog. He threatens to eat it but the hedgehog sings the same three songs repeatedly and eventually Arthur finds out the hedgehog was one Merlyn had the first day Arthur net Merlyn.

Arthur then meets with the Badger. Badger decides to read Arthur some of the book he has written although he is overcome with shyness. Badger tells Arthur a story of how the animals and man came. Badger then tells Arthur that he finds man to be a tyrant from which all others flee. Arthur tries to stand up for humans by saying they are not the only ones who wage war. However, Badger asks whether he prefers the warring ants or the geese.

A message is sent out throughout the kingdom that the king has died and the one that can remove a sword that is lodged in an anvil and stone is the next king. All prepare to travel to a tournament and the announcement is made that Merlyn is leaving. Kay is soon knighted and they all head to find lodging near the location of the tournament. The next day when they are at the tournament Kay finds that he has forgotten his sword thus he has Arthur go back to get it. However, the lodgings were locked up so Arthur looks around and sees what he believes to be a war memorial with a sword stuck in a stone and anvil. He tries three times to remove it and finally succeeds with the aid of the lessons of the animals. He then brings the sword back to Kay. Kay knowing the significance of the sword brings the sword to Sir Ector and proclaims that he removed the sword and not Arthur. Thus, they all return to the site and Kay confesses that really it was Arthur that removed it. Thus begins Arthur’s journey to becoming king and he must stick the sword back in the stone and remove it many times. Arthur cries when learning he is king and Sir Ector asks that Sir Kay be made seneschal of the lands. Arthur is given many gifts from many people including Kay’s Griffin and Merlyn tries to make things a bit clearer for King Arthur.

Vocabulary: None

Reflection:

When Arthur visits the Badger, the Badger tells Arthur that humans are one of the only races that fight against each other. I’ve got to wonder if maybe T. H. White addressed this because of his opinions concerning the World War that had ended and the one that was about to begin according to the copyright date. Badger story of how the animals and man can to be made a lot of sense, I like to know (even if it is in a Fiction novel) how other people view things and Badger’s view was indeed interesting. I believe Badger’s lesson is the most important because the Badger emphasizes that war isn’t natural and Badger makes Arthur question this with a question of whether he preferred being with the ants or geese.

Arthur is loyal to Kay and brings back a sword but the nerve of Kay to go tell his father that he himself pulled it out of the stone amazes me. What also amazes me is that Arthur doesn’t say a word, I guess he was holding his tongue because he was Kay’s squire not his brother at the time. When Arthur gets the sword out of the stone, I couldn’t understand how he didn’t know its purpose but then again I can see my brother do the same thing and not brother to read the inscription. Arthur when he pulls the sword out he uses all the lessons he has learned from his forest friends, I think the description of that is very colorful. If I was Arthur, I would have got very sick of constantly pulling that sword out of the stone. I think Arthur may have cried because now things around him were changing drastically and he knew that there was no going back to when he was the one being told what to do. However, by the sounds of it I wouldn’t be too happy to find out that my father was Uther Pendragon, for he doesn’t sound like a very good man. I think it is so cool that one of Merlyn’s hedgehogs gives Arthur a gift.

By the way Arthur’s lesson with the hawks is my favorite although I’m not completely sure why.