Did Anything Happen When King Arthur Threw Excalibur in a Lake?

The legendary tale of King Arthur's final act—throwing Excalibur into a lake—has been a central element in many Arthurian legends. Various versions of this event have been depicted in literature, film, and popular culture. However, the historical and mythological accounts surrounding this incident differ significantly. This article will explore the different versions of this story and delve into the mysteries and controversies surrounding King Arthur's final act.

Historical and Myths: King Arthur and Excalibur

While many continue to believe in the historical existence of King Arthur, recent historical and mythological research suggests that such a king is purely a fictional character. The earliest written records mentioning King Arthur appear several centuries after the purported period of his reign. Historians and scholars have noted that King Arthur's name appears in texts for the first time in the 9th century, and the earliest narrative stories about him begin to emerge in the 12th century.

Did King Arthur Serve as a Model for King Henry VIII?

One of the prevailing theories is that prominent historical figures served as the inspirations for the Arthurian legends. Some scholars argue that King Arthur may have been based on the historical Welsh king Edwin of Anglesey, while others suggest that King Henry VII's older brother, Arthur, who married Catherine of Aragon, might have been the model for Arthurian tales. However, these theories remain speculative and unsupported by concrete historical evidence.

The True Story of King Arthur: Dying on the Battlefield

In one popular version, King Arthur was indeed dying on a battlefield and specifically asked Sir Bedivere, his faithful knight, to throw Excalibur into a lake. The instructions came with a solemn request to return and tell Arthur what he had seen. Sir Bedivere initially hesitated, but he eventually followed the king's orders. According to the story, the lake's arm caught the sword and pulled it under the water, symbolizing a mystical transfer of power.

The Role of the Lady of the Lake

In another version, the Lady of the Lake plays a significant role. According to traditional lore, Excalibur was originally given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake. She later reclaimed it when Arthur died, symbolizing a cycle of power and control. The Lady of the Lake had a deep connection with Arthur, lending him Excalibur to gain the throne and being the one who reclaimed it upon his death.

Mysteries and Speculations: Why Throw the Sword into the Lake?

The precise reason behind King Arthur's decision to throw Excalibur into the lake remains a matter of speculation. The legend suggests that the act was a symbolic gesture towards the end of Arthur's reign or a ritual to end his connection with the mystical and supernatural elements of the kingdom. However, several theories surround the motivation behind this action:

Symbolic Transition: Some believe that throwing Excalibur back into the lake signified Arthur's acceptance of the natural order of things and the end of his era of heroism and magical power. Deity Control: Another theory posits that the Lady of the Lake reassumed control of the sword, symbolizing a return to her dominion and the mystical realm. Mystical Ritual: Throwing the sword back into the lake might have been a ritual tied to the curse or prophecy linked to the sword's creation, ensuring that it was returned to its place of origin.

The Aftermath of King Arthur's Death

The story of what happened after King Arthur threw Excalibur into the lake is shrouded in ambiguity. Several narratives depict various outcomes:

Arthur's Death: Many versions conclude with Arthur's death, with Constantine being made king, although Arthur may have survived to some extent in Avalon, waiting to return and save his people. Supernatural Resurrection: Some tales narrate that supernatural women took Arthur away in a boat to the island of Avalon for healing, leaving the Britons in the dark about his fate.

Regardless of the specifics, these stories reflect the enduring fascination with King Arthur and his legendary sword, Excalibur, and the mystical elements of his reign. Whether these tales stem from historical facts or fantasy, they continue to captivate imaginations around the world.

Conclusion

The throwing of Excalibur into the lake remains one of the most intriguing and enigmatic episodes in Arthurian legend. While the historical veracity of King Arthur's existence is debated, the legend persists and continues to fascinate with its rich tapestry of myth, magic, and mystery. Whether the Lady of the Lake, Arthur's final wish to release the sword, or the uncertainty that followed his death—these elements have made his story a timeless classic in the annals of world literature and culture.