Book Name | : Blossom English Textbook For Class VIII Second Language |
Subject | : English |
Class | : 8th (Madhyamik/WB) |
Publisher | : Prof. Nabanita Chatterjee |
Chapter Name | : A King’s Tale (7th chapter) |
Table of Contents
ToggleIntroduction to the Story
King Arthur was a king of the Britons several hundreds of years ago. He was a very popular and brave king. There are many legends about him. The following tale is an adaptation of the ancient Arthurian legends.
(40 words)
Summary of the Story
Many years ago, England was ruled by a kind king named Uther-Pendragon. After his passing, his wise advisors, Merlin and Sir Ulfius, entrusted a baby named Arthur to a loyal knight, Sir Ector. Meanwhile, England fell into chaos as rival barons fought for the throne. Arthur, raised by Sir Ector, grew up to be a strong and gentle young man.
During a time of strife, a sword appeared in a stone, and Arthur, at the age of eighteen, was the only one able to pull it out, making him the rightful king. Arthur’s priority was to bring peace to England, and he was aided by Merlin and the magical sword Excalibur.
He married Lady Guinevere and gathered noble knights around the famous Round Table, vowing to help the weak and punish the wicked. Arthur ruled with justice and kindness, and when he grew old, he returned Excalibur to a magical lake, and then sailed into the sunset, leaving a legacy of goodness and chivalry.
(160 words)
Characters of the Story
King Uther-Pendragon: He was a fair and just ruler who was deeply loved by his people. His commitment to protecting and befriending his subjects brought peace and happiness to England. His untimely death created a power vacuum, leading to political strife and the need for a strong successor.
Arthur: Arthur’s life began with tragedy as his parents, King Uther-Pendragon and Lady Igraine, passed away soon after his birth. Raised by Sir Ector, he grew into a kind, strong, and just young man who later became the legendary King of England. His ability to pull the sword from the stone established his rightful claim to the throne.
Merlin: A trusted advisor and a magician, Merlin’s wisdom and guidance were pivotal in Arthur’s upbringing. He foresaw Arthur’s destiny as a great king and played a crucial role in helping him fulfill his potential.
Lady Guinevere: The beautiful Lady Guinevere, daughter of the King of Cornwall, became Arthur’s queen. Her presence was integral in Arthur’s reign, and her marriage to the king solidified his rule as the protector of England.
Sir Ector: As a loyal subject and a true knight, Sir Ector took in the infant Arthur and raised him as his own son upon the instructions of Merlin and Sir Ulfius, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to the late King Uther-Pendragon’s wishes.
The Knights of the Round Table: These noble knights, gathered around the famous Round Table, were Arthur’s closest companions. Their vows to protect the weak, uphold justice, and punish the wicked set the standard for chivalry and gallantry in Arthur’s realm. They embarked on numerous quests to help those in need, spreading stories of their valor and kindness far and wide.
Excalibur: An enchanted sword retrieved from a mystical lake, Excalibur symbolized Arthur’s dedication to protecting the common people and ensuring justice throughout his kingdom. It was an emblem of his noble commitment and served as a potent weapon.
The Greedy Barons: These rival nobles were discontented with Arthur’s gentle and just rule. They coveted power and wealth and were displeased by Arthur’s commitment to the welfare of the common people, resulting in political tensions and conflicts.
The Mysterious Arm: Emerging from the mystical lake, this enchanted arm offered Excalibur to Arthur. It represented the divine recognition of Arthur’s role as a protector of the common people, reinforcing his legitimacy as the rightful king of England.
Theme of the Story
The central theme of this story is the emergence of a just and compassionate leader in times of turmoil and adversity. It emphasizes the qualities of leadership, fairness, and the commitment to protecting and uplifting the common people. King Arthur’s journey from obscurity to a legendary ruler embodies the theme of nobility, chivalry, and the pursuit of a more just and harmonious society.
(60 words)