LE MORTE D'ARTHUR - Introduction Book I

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THE Classic Arthurian folklore. A drama of illicit love, the magic of sorcery, and the quest for the Holy Grail. A ignominious and chivalrous tale that's been recounted for centuries. All the famous characters are here... King Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot, Merlin, Excalibur, the sword in the stone, and all the Knights of the Round Table. StoryLink Radio presents here the original epic tale from Thomas Mallory first published in the year 1485. [new chapter added daily!]

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BOOK I

From the Marriage of King Uther unto King Arthur 

that Reigned After Him and Did Many Battles

The following is a synopsis of Book I – be aware there ARE spoilers here!

Arthur is born to Uther Pendragon and Igraine and then taken by Sir Ector to be fostered in the country. He later becomes the king of a leaderless England when he removes the fated sword from the stone. Arthur goes on to win many battles due to his military prowess and Merlin's counsel. He then consolidates his kingdom.

This first book also tells "The Tale of Balyn and Balan", which ends in accidental fratricide, and the begetting of Mordred, Arthur's incestuous son by his half-sister, Morgause (though Arthur did not know her as his half-sister). On Merlin's advice, and reminiscent of Herod's killing of the innocents in scripture, Arthur takes every newborn boy in his kingdom and sends them to sea in a boat. The boat crashes and all but Mordred, who later kills his father, perish. Arthur marries Guinevere, and inherits the Round Table from her father Leodegrance. At Pentecost, Arthur gathers his knights at Camelot and establishes the Round Table company. All swear to the Pentecostal Oath as a guide for knightly conduct.