here, and that there were already in French numerous accounts of the deeds of him and his knights. I responded that many men are of the opinion that there was no such person as Arthur, and that all of the books that tell his story are nothing but false fables because there are many chronicles in which neither he nor his knights are mentioned at all.
They answered—and one in particular said—that anyone who said that there was never such a king as Arthur could be held to be a foolish and blind man; he said that there is plenty of evidence to prove his existence. First, one can see his tomb in the monastery at Glastonbury. Also, in the sixth chapter of the fifth book of the Polychronicon, and in the twenty-third chapter of the seventh book of that text, there is mention of where his body was buried and how it was found and moved to that monastery. One can also read, in Boccaccio’s De Casu Principum, an account of his noble deeds and his fall. Also, Geoffrey of Monmouth tells of Arthur’s life in his book.
In various parts of England, too, there are many remembrances of his life and those of his knights that will certainly exist for eternity. First, in Westminster Abbey, at the shrine of St. Edward, the imprint of his seal in red wax (enclosed in beryl) can be seen; it says “Patricius Arthurus Britannie Gallie Germanie Dacie Imperator.” Also, in Dover Castle one can see the skull of Sir Gawain and the mantle of Sir Cradok. At Winchester, one can see the Round Table, and in other places one can see Sir Lancelot’s sword, along with many other things.
Considering all of this evidence, no reasonable man could say that there was never a king of this land named Arthur. In all places, Christian and heathen, he is well-regarded and held to be one of the Nine Worthies, and the first of the three Christian Worthies. He is also spoken of quite a bit across the Channel, where there are many more books telling of his noble acts than there are in England. One can find his story in Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Greek, as well as in French. Some witnesses of record remain in Wales in the town of Camelot, where there are great stones and marvelous iron-works that are now underground, along with royal vaults that many men who are now alive have seen. Thus, it is a marvel that he is not more renowned in his own country, except for the fact that this corresponds to the word of God—that no man is accepted as a prophet in his own country.
So, when I considered all this evidence, I could not deny that there had been a noble king named Arthur, who is one of the Nine Worthies and the first of the three Christian Worthies. Many stories of him and his knights have been written in French; when I was across the sea, I saw and read many of these which were not written in our mother tongue. There are many stories of Arthur in Welsh and in French, and there are some in English, but nowhere near all of the tales of Arthur can be found in our language. Thus, taking those accounts that have recently been translated into English, using the simple cunning that God has given me and under the correction of all noble lords and gentlemen, I have endeavored to print a book that tells the noble story of the said King Arthur and certain of his knights. I have based my edition on a copy of the story of Arthur given to me, which was written by Sir Thomas Malory, using certain French books that he translated into English.
I have followed my copy and set the story down in print with the intent that noble men may read and learn the noble acts of chivalry—the noble and virtuous deeds performed by some knights in days of yore. The story tells of how honor came to some knights, and how those who were vicious were often shamed and rebuked. I humbly beseech all noble lords and ladies, and the people of all other estates—whatever their status or degree—that when they read this book, they remember the good and honest acts and follow their example. In this text they shall find many joyous and pleasant histories, noble and renowned acts of humanity, gentility, and chivalry. Herein can be seen chivalry, courtesy, humanity, fellowship, endurance, love, friendship, cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Follow the example of the good and leave the evil, and it shall bring you a good reputation and renown.
Reading of this book will certainly be a pleasant way to pass the time, but as far as the belief that all that is contained within it is true—I leave that up to the reader’s discretion to decide. Everything that is written is for our education, and to warn us not to fall into vice or sin, but rather, to behave virtuously; thus, we may achieve a good reputation and renown in this life, and after this short and transitory life we may come to everlasting bliss in heaven. May He who reigns in heaven, the Blessed Trinity, grant this to us. Amen.
To move on into this book, which I commend to all noble princes, lords, ladies, gentlemen or gentlewomen, and all those who desire to read or hear read the noble and joyous history of the great conqueror and excellent king, King Arthur, formerly king of this noble realm called Britain: I, William Caxton, simple person, present this book which I have taken on myself to print. It tells of noble acts, feats of arms of chivalry, prowess, endurance, humanity, love, courtesy, and true nobility as it relates many wonderful stories and adventures.
Sir Thomas Malory’s Morte Darthur
1 How Arthur was Born and Became King
It came to pass in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king and ruled over all England, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall who had opposed him for a long time. He was called the Duke of Tintagel. Uther summoned this duke to his court, ordering him to bring his wife with him. She was a beautiful woman and very wise, and her name was Igraine.
So when the duke and wife came into the king’s court, several great lords mediated an accord between them and Uther. The king liked and loved this lady greatly, and he entertained them both lavishly. He desired to lie by her, but she was a passing good woman and would not assent to the king’s advances. She told the duke her husband this and said, “I suppose that we were sent for by the king so that I should be dishonored. Wherefore, husband, I counsel that we depart from here quickly, and ride all night until we come to our own castle.” And just as she suggested, they departed, so that neither the king nor any of his council were aware of their departure.
As soon as King Uther knew of their sudden departure, he was exceedingly angry. He called to him his privy council and told them of the sudden departing of the duke and his wife. Then they advised the king to send an order to the duke and his wife to return. “And if he will not come at your summons, then you may do whatever you like; you will have just cause to make war against him.”
So that was done, and the messengers had their answer, and that was this: that neither the duke nor his wife would come to him. Then the king was wondrously angry, and sent the duke a brusque message back. He bid him be ready and provision himself, for within forty days he would fetch him out of the biggest castle he had.
When the duke received this warning, he immediately went and supplied two of his strong castles. One of these was called Tintagel and the other was called Terrabyl. He put his wife Dame Igraine in the castle of Tintagel and positioned himself in the castle of Terrabyl, which had many exits and posterns.
Uther came in all haste with a great military host and laid siege to the castle Terrabyl, and there set up many tents and pavilions. Both sides fought fiercely, and many people were slain.
Then, due to his great anger at the duke and his great love for the fair Igraine, King Uther became sick. Sir Ulphius, a noble knight, came to King Uther and asked him why he was sick.
“I shall tell you,” said the king. “I am so sick for great anger and for the love of fair Igraine that I am unable to be well.”
“Well, my lord,” said Sir Ulphius, “I will seek out Merlin; he shall provide you with a remedy that will please your heart.” So Ulphius departed and by chance he met Merlin disguised in beggars’ clothes. Merlin asked Ulphius whom he sought, and Ulphius replied he had little cause to tell him.
“Well,” said Merlin, “I know whom you seek, for you seek Merlin. Therefore seek no further, for I am he. And if King Uther will well reward me and
