Text:

“There’s this one historic legend that I just remember hearing about all the time with King Arthur. It’s about this boy who ends up pulling out a sword and ends up being the chosen one and king of Camelot. However, there’s a version I know where there’s a common misconception that Excalibur is the sword in the stone, but Excalibur was a sword given to him by the lady in the lake after his first sword broke. He created like the knights of the round table. Then, in one great battle he is severely wounded and he disappears to Avalon. It is said that he will return when Camelot needs him most.”

Context:

The informant isn’t too sure where they first heard this story, but thinks at some point young after watching videos or movies about it. Their interpretation of it is that it’s a historical legend based about war and having a great king to lead everyone.

Analysis:

King Arthur is a legend that follows the definition of occurring in the real world that could be true. The theme reflects those of war and social status as well as loyalty for a king. It follows along an ordinary hero, who starts as a nobody and then becomes a somebody. King Arthur represents the hero archetype or hero’s journey. There’s also an inclusion of mystical objects, such as Excalibur and the sword of the stone, giving meaning to things that normally wouldn’t have meaning. This can also represent a fetish with the swords having meaning. The sword symbolizes destiny and prophesy with Avalon being the place of resurrection and rest or the land of peace while Camelot represents reality. The legend of King Arthur establishes the purposes of what a ruler should look like as someone loyal, brave, the idea of justice, and also can understand the people.