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The Origins and History of King Arthur's Excalibur Sword

By SwordsHope

 

The Origins and History of King Arthur's Excalibur Sword

Excalibur sword replica king arthur swordskingdom.co.uk SwordsKingdom


The Excalibur, one of the most well-known swords in European mythology, belonged to King Arthur of Camelot. Discover more about Excalibur, King Arthur's fabled sword from Camelot. Learn about its past and the veracity of the Arthurian legends. Learn how this enchanted sword defended the king and his knights and discover the various accounts of how Arthur came to possess it.


Was King Arthur a real person?

The existence of King Arthur has not been verified by historians, but many people still hold the belief that he was a genuine hero who saved England from the Saxons in the sixth century. With the fall of the Roman Empire in the west, England grew weaker and local rulers were left to repel invaders such as the Old English Saxons. A few legends later, Ambrosius Aurelianus led the Britons to a decisive victory in the Clash of Mount Badon in 500 CE, from which King Arthur was derived. When Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote the first biography of Arthur in the twelfth century for "History of the Kings of England," he named Caliburn—later known as Excalibur—as the sword that Arthur had crafted on the fabled island of Avalon.

The Excalibur vs. The Sword in the Stone

There is a  popular myth surrounding King Arthur's magical sword, Excalibur, which he got from the Lady of the Lake. This amazing sword kept Arthur safe during combat. There is a difference between Excalibur and the sword in the stone, two emblems that are sometimes confused in Arthurian mythology. The tale of how Arthur revealed his kingship by taking the sword out of the stone.


Myths and Symbolism of Excalibur

·        Origin of the Name:

Excalibur, originally called Caliburn, traces its roots to Welsh literature, evolving from Caledfwlch to its final form. The name suggests its ability to cut steel.

·        Irish Influence:

The sword may have been inspired by the Irish hero Fergus mac Róich's sword, Caladbolg, known for its strength.

·        Symbolic Return:

According to legend, Excalibur had to be returned to the Lady of the Lake, telling the end of Arthur's reign.

·        Shared Use:

Excalibur is mostly linked with King Arthur, but in some stories, other characters like Gawain also used it.

·        Other Weapons:

Arthur had other legendary weapons, including Rhongomyniad, Carnwennan, and Clarent, showcasing his skills in battle.

·        Sword in the Stone:

The Sword in the Stone prophecy was a later addition to Arthurian legend, not present in the earliest accounts.

·        Chivalric Ideal:

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table embodied medieval chivalry, defending the weak and promoting honor.

·        Literary Evolution:

The Arthurian legend evolved through various medieval texts, adding elements like the Holy Grail quest and military adventures.

·        Celtic Influence:

Excalibur's magical attributes reflect Celtic beliefs, where weapons often possessed supernatural powers and were returned to their source.

These points describe the significance and evolution of the iconic Excalibur sword within Arthurian legend

What Excalibur would havereally looked like?

The way that Excalibur appears in various legends differs greatly. Others relate words like "Take me up" and "Cast me away" on the blade, while still others depict it with stones like topaz and jacinth. Some stories even claim that it could dazzle adversaries with its brightness. Excalibur's modern incarnations draw inspiration from medieval longswords, as shown in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Every adaptation presents a different perspective on how Excalibur may have appeared in the actual world.

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