I. The Tale of King Arthur

The birth of Arthur results from King Uther's deceptive bedding, which is really a rape, of Arthur's mother, Igrayne. Merlin, who arranges with Uther for the satisfaction of his lust, is promised the child that results. After Arthur's birth, Merlin sends the child to live with Sir Ector. Two years later, Uther dies, and Merlin secures the dying king's promise that Arthur shall be king. With Uther's death, the kingdom is in disarray with several of the barons struggling to gain control. Merlin and the Archbishop arrange for a gathering of the lords. When the lords arrive, they find a sword buried in a stone. Upon the stone are the words, "whoso pulleth out this sword from this stone and anvil is duly born king of all England." None of the men present can budge the sword, but Arthur, who...