“If I were to be made a knight,” said the Wart, staring dreamily into the fire, “I should insist on doing my vigil by myself, as Hob does with his hawks, and I should pray to God to let me encounter all the evil in the world in my own person, so that if I conquered there would be none left, and, if I were defeated, I would be the one to suffer for it.”

T.H. White, The Once and Future King

Ah, the Sword in the Stone – my favorite of all Disney movies. I could watch it over and over again and never tire of it. I was surprised how true the movie was to White’s story. I’ve always been half in love with Wart. His kindness, charm and beautiful heart. Always wanting to do what’s right. Such a noble boy that grew into the ideal king. As a boy, he experienced life as a fish, a bird and not to mention that ridiculousness as a squirrel. Wouldn’t it be incredible to experience that?

Anyway – it’s been years since I’ve read The Once and Future King, but I came across this quote the other day and it’s been on my mind ever since. It’s no wonder Tennyson penned Idylls of the King. Merlin shaped Arthur’s ideals and he was true to them his entire life. Besides White and Tennyson, I’ve read Mallory’s Le Morte de Arthur and Bradley’s The Mists of Avalon. I don’t recall ever reading Arthur be anything other than brave, chivalrous, sacrificing and true to his word and his people.

Several days of pondering this quote in my head have made me realize that it’s not LOTR that holds the most sacred spot in my heart for fantasy. It’s Arthur.

What’s yours?

Until the next adventure,

Stephanie