This book contains the following story:
"The Sword in the Stone" is a classic novel by T.H. White, first published in 1938. It is also the first part of White's larger work, "The Once and Future King," which reimagines the legend of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. Here's a summary of the plot of "The Sword in the Stone":
Summary:
The story begins in medieval England, where the young and orphaned Arthur, commonly known as Wart, lives in the castle of Sir Ector. Wart is unaware of his royal lineage. Sir Ector raises him as a foster child, alongside his own son, Kay.
One day, while accompanying Kay on a hunting trip, Wart stumbles upon the magician Merlyn, who lives backward in time, meaning he experiences time in reverse order. Merlyn becomes Wart's tutor and mentor, transforming him into various animals to teach him important life lessons. Merlyn is also aware of Wart's destiny to become the future King of England.
The central event in the story occurs when England is in turmoil due to the lack of a rightful king. To determine the heir to the throne, a sword is magically embedded in an anvil and stone, with an inscription proclaiming that only the true king of England can pull it out. Kay and other knights attempt to pull the sword but fail. When Kay realizes he has forgotten his sword and sends Wart back to get it, Wart stumbles upon the Sword in the Stone and easily pulls it out, unknowingly fulfilling his destiny.
Merlyn reveals Wart's true identity to him and informs Sir Ector of his foster son's royal lineage. Despite initial skepticism, Wart is recognized as the rightful king. The novel ends with Wart being prepared for his future role as King Arthur, symbolizing the beginning of his journey to becoming one of the most renowned and beloved kings in legend.
"The Sword in the Stone" explores themes of leadership, destiny, and the transformative power of education. It is a coming-of-age tale that captures the essence of Arthur's early years and sets the stage for the legendary events that follow in the Arthurian saga.
