What is the name of King Arthur’s magical sword, according to legend?

Excalibur.

According to legend, King Arthur’s magical sword is named Excalibur. Excalibur is one of the most famous and iconic swords in literature and myth, deeply entwined with the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The sword’s origins and the stories surrounding it vary, but it consistently symbolizes divine kingship, extraordinary power, and Arthur’s rightful sovereignty over Britain.

There are two primary legends regarding how King Arthur came to possess Excalibur. The first legend involves the “Sword in the Stone,” a narrative famously depicted in various Arthurian tales, including Sir Thomas Malory’s “Le Morte d’Arthur” and T.H. White’s “The Once and Future King.” According to this legend, the sword was embedded in an anvil atop a stone, and only the true king of Britain could pull it out. Young Arthur, unaware of his royal lineage, draws the sword effortlessly, thereby proving his right to the throne.

The second legend portrays Excalibur as a separate entity from the Sword in the Stone. In this version, after Arthur becomes king, he is gifted Excalibur by the mystical Lady of the Lake. This tale often describes how Arthur receives the sword from a hand rising out of the water, a scene rich in magical and otherworldly imagery. In some versions, the Lady of the Lake provides Excalibur to replace the Sword in the Stone, which was broken or lost.

Excalibur is frequently described as having extraordinary properties. It is often depicted as being unbreakable and incredibly sharp. In some accounts, the scabbard of Excalibur is said to have magical powers as well, protecting its wearer from physical harm or granting invincibility. This duality of the sword and its scabbard underscores the mystical elements of Arthurian legend and the themes of protection and rightful rule.

Excalibur’s significance extends beyond its physical attributes. It is a symbol of Arthur’s legitimacy as king and his divine right to rule. The sword embodies the virtues of chivalry, justice, and bravery that Arthur and his knights strive to uphold. The legends surrounding Excalibur also highlight themes of destiny and the interplay between human agency and supernatural forces.

Throughout centuries, Excalibur has inspired countless retellings and adaptations in literature, film, and other forms of media. The enduring allure of Excalibur lies in its embodiment of the heroic ideal and the timeless appeal of the Arthurian legends, which continue to captivate audiences around the world.

In summary, Excalibur, King Arthur’s magical sword, is a central symbol in Arthurian legend. Whether obtained from the Stone or bestowed by the Lady of the Lake, Excalibur represents Arthur’s divine kingship and the ideals of chivalry and justice. Its legendary status and mystical attributes have made it an enduring icon in literature and popular culture.