King Arthur and the Sword in the Lake

Long ago, after Arthur had pulled the sword from the stone and become king, that sword snapped in two one day. “Oh dear,” said Arthur, holding the broken pieces. “Now I have no sword at all.” His wise friend Merlin was standing beside him. “Do not worry,” said Merlin. “I know where a very special sword is waiting for you.”

So Arthur and Merlin rode together through a deep green forest. At last they came to a wide, quiet lake. The water was as smooth as glass, and mist floated over it like a soft blanket.

In the middle of the lake, something was shining. An arm in a sleeve of white silk rose up out of the water. In its hand it held a sword that sparkled in the sun. “Look!” whispered Arthur. “Whose sword is that?” “It belongs to the Lady of the Lake,” said Merlin. “Here she comes now.”

A lady in a long, flowing dress came walking toward them across the water. Her feet did not even get wet. “Good morning, King Arthur,” she said in a gentle voice. “Lady, may I have that beautiful sword?” asked Arthur. “You may,” said the Lady of the Lake, “if you promise to give me a gift one day, when I ask for it.” “I promise,” said Arthur. “Then take the little boat by the shore,” she said, “and row out to the sword.”

Arthur and Merlin climbed into the little boat. Splash, splash went the oars, and the boat slid across the still water. When they came close, Arthur reached out and gently took the sword and its case. Then the arm in the white sleeve sank back down into the lake without a sound. The sword was called Excalibur, and it was the finest sword in the world.

As they rowed back, Merlin asked, “Which do you like better, the sword or its case?” “The sword, of course!” said Arthur. “The case is even more precious,” said Merlin. “As long as you wear it, you will be kept safe from harm.” So Arthur took great care of the sword and the case.

Arthur rode home with Excalibur shining at his side. And he ruled as a fair and kind king, and he always remembered the lady who walked on the water.