King Arthur Duels with The Black Knight - The Broken Sword - Legends of Camelot #04

Summary

After Arthur ascends to the throne of Brittany, he faces fierce opposition from nobles and must secure alliances to solidify his rule. With Merlin's guidance, Arthur strengthens ties with neighboring kingdoms, including King Ban of Benwick, and quells civil unrest. As Camelot’s construction begins, Arthur encounters the formidable Pelinor, a former king-turned-outlaw, who wounds him in battle. Saved by Lady Guenevere, Arthur recovers and learns of Pelinor’s family, including his son, Percival, destined for greatness. This epic tale intertwines Arthur’s rise to power, the formation of crucial alliances, and the foreshadowing of legendary figures in Arthurian legend.

Takeaways

• 😀 Arthur ascends to the throne of Brittany but faces opposition from nobles who dispute his right to rule.
• 😀 Despite opposition, Arthur gains valuable allies, including King Ban of Benwick and King Bores of Gaul, who support a defensive alliance with him.
• 😀 Arthur successfully pacifies Brittany by defeating revolting nobles, consolidating his power and securing his throne.
• 😀 With advice from Merlin, Arthur orders the resumption of construction on the Citadel of Camelot, marking the beginning of a new golden age in England.
• 😀 A civil war increases the number of knights without lords, making them dangerous and aimless warriors in the kingdom.
• 😀 Arthur encounters Sir Griflit, a knight badly wounded by a mysterious and powerful black knight guarding a woodland passage.
• 😀 Merlin identifies the black knight as Pelinor, a once-powerful king now living as a landless nobleman, but still a formidable warrior.
• 😀 Arthur decides to face Pelinor, engaging in a fierce duel, but struggles against the seasoned knight, eventually being wounded himself.
• 😀 The battle ends when Pelinor breaks Arthur's sword, but Arthur is saved by his horse, which drags him out of the forest as he falls unconscious.
• 😀 Arthur is rescued by Lady Gueneve, who believes his time has not yet come and tends to his injuries, introducing herself as the daughter of Leo de Grantz.
• 😀 Pelinor, after the battle, returns to his cabin in the forest, where his wife and youngest son, Percival, live. Percival is destined to become a legendary knight.

Q & A

Why did Arthur face strong opposition after ascending to the throne?

Arthur faced strong opposition because many nobles in Brittany disputed his right to the throne, considering him a bastard, and others felt he was too young and inexperienced to rule.

How did Arthur seek to strengthen his position as king?

Arthur sought to strengthen his position by forming alliances with other kingdoms, including King Bores of Gaul and King Ban of Benwick, in order to secure a defensive alliance and bring stability to his rule.

Who were Arthur's allies, and why did King Ban of Benwick agree to an alliance?

Arthur's main ally was King Ban of Benwick, who agreed to the alliance because he wanted his future son, Lancelot, to inherit a strong and secure kingdom.

What role did Merlin play in Arthur’s rise to power?

Merlin advised Arthur throughout his reign, guiding him on important matters such as forming alliances and the construction of Camelot, which would mark the beginning of a golden age for England.

What was the significance of the construction of Camelot?

The construction of Camelot, one of King Uther Pendragon's dreams, symbolized the start of a new golden age in England, bringing prosperity to Brittany and solidifying Arthur's reign.

Why was Sir Griflit sent on a mission, and what happened to him?

Sir Griflit was tasked with eliminating a wandering knight causing trouble in the area. He was gravely wounded in the process, barely able to support himself on his horse when Arthur and Merlin found him.

Who was Pelinor, and why was he a threat to Arthur’s knights?

Pelinor was a former king, now a landless nobleman, and a highly skilled warrior. He had defeated numerous knights, including Sir Griflit, and was a dangerous opponent, challenging anyone who crossed the woods he protected.

How did the battle between Arthur and Pelinor unfold?

The battle between Arthur and Pelinor was intense. Pelinor wounded Arthur in the shoulder, and despite Arthur's bravery and skills, Pelinor broke his sword and knocked him off his horse, leaving Arthur unconscious as his horse dragged him out of the forest.

Who saved Arthur after the battle, and what was his initial reaction?

Arthur was saved by Lady Guenevere, who he initially mistook for an angel due to his weakened state. She introduced herself as the daughter of Leo de Grantz.

What is revealed about Pelinor’s family after the battle?

After the battle, it is revealed that Pelinor has a wife and a young son who is destined to become a great knight, known as Percival, and who has been touched by the Holy Spirit.