The Once and Future King

The Once and Future King

by T.H. White

33 hours of listening on audible and I’m finished with a thrilling classic novel called The Once and Future King by T. H. White.  It is the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the round table.  Many of you have heard of King Arthur, Merlyn (the wizard), Queen Guenever and Sir Lancelot, but have you read their entire story, from origin to conclusion?  I can now say I have.  This book is broken into five parts (in this edition):

1.) The Sword in the Stone: Arthur’s early life with his uncle, Sir Ector and how Merlyn trained him through his wizardry, turning Arthur (known as Wart at the time) into animals and insects to teach him lessons needed for his reign as King.
2.) The Queen of Air and Darkness: Arthur’s life with his relatives in the Orkney Clan.  Arthur coming into his own as a very young ruler, establishing his close relationship with Lancelot, and the creation of the round table of knights.  It is the beginning of how he will rule as the King.
3.) The Ill-Made Knight: Lancelot falls in love with Queen Guenever, and they attempt to hide their relationship from the King.  We are also introduced to Elaine, who has an affair with Lancelot (though he is tricked to think it is Guenever), and this one-night affair produces a son, Galahad.
4.) The Candle in the Wind:  the house of Agravaine reveals itself to Arthur and the secret of Guenever and Lancelot are brought to light, affecting all three characters.
5.) The Book of Merlyn: Merlyn’s lessons are revealed to Arthur as his life is coming to an end.  All of the insects and animals appear to reflect each of the lessons.

While I have watched movies & read a short synopsis of this classic tale, this was my first time taking it all in.  The third and fourth parts were my favorite as it brought much of what I remember together.  It is a rich, complicated history with some twists and turns.  The relationship between Lancelot and Arthur from childhood is remarkable as is the story of betrayal.  Even Guenever has to endure Elaine’s production of an offspring, something she herself could never do.  This might be a good read for a long break…perhaps between semesters?  Glad I added it to my collection of books finished!