Excalibur

Arthur-Pyle Excalibur the Sword

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Arthur-Pyle Queen Morgana loses Excalibur His Sheath

326 The Romance of King Arthur

Excalibur is the legendary sword of King Arthur, sometimes also attributed with magical powers or associated with the rightful sovereignty of Britain. Excalibur and the Sword in the Stone (the proof of Arthur's lineage) are sometimes said to be the same weapon, but in most versions, they are considered separate. Excalibur was given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake, and it has been associated with the Arthurian legend very early on in its development.

Etymology

The name "Excalibur" is derived from the Old French Excalibor, which is itself derived from the Welsh Caledfwlch. This compound is a combination of caled (hard) and bwlch (breach, gap, notch). It is equivalent to the Latin term Caliburnus, which was used in medieval Latin texts. The name has been variously interpreted to mean "cut steel," "high peak sword," or "hard cleft."

Literary Origins

Excalibur's origins are shrouded in the mists of early British and Welsh literature, but it became most prominently featured in the Arthurian romances of the late medieval period. It is prominently featured in works such as Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory, which compiles and interprets existing French and English stories about King Arthur and his knights.

Description and Powers

In literature, Excalibur is often described as an unmatched weapon, capable of cutting through any barrier or enemy. It is also associated with the Arthurian theme of the rightful king, as only the true sovereign of Britain could pull Excalibur from its stone or receive it from the Lady of the Lake. In some tales, the scabbard of Excalibur is said to have powers of its own, such as preventing the wearer from losing blood from wounds.

Cultural Impact

Excalibur has become a symbol of the ideal king and hero, not only in British but also in global culture. It represents the noble qualities of bravery, chivalry, and the rightful authority. The sword has been featured in numerous books, films, television series, and other forms of media, often with its own interpretations and adaptations.

In Popular Culture

Excalibur's influence extends beyond literature into movies, television, and even video games. It often symbolizes the concept of a hero's journey or the quest for power and legitimacy. The sword has been adapted into various forms, reflecting the cultural and societal values of the times in which these adaptations were made.

See Also

• King Arthur
• Lady of the Lake
• Sword in the Stone
• Arthurian Legend