Alfred Tennyson

Idylls of the King Alfred Tennyson

The Coming of Arthur. Gorlois and Ygerne bear one daughter, Bellicent. King Uther overcomes Gorlois in battle and forces the widow to marry him immediately. Shortly afterward King Uther dies. Ygerne's son, Arthur, is born at a time when he could have been the son of Gorlois or the son of Uther. The birth of Arthur is shrouded in great mystery. Merlin the magician rears the prince until it is time for him to take over Uther's kingdom and to receive from the Lady of the Lake the magic sword, Excalibur. After the marriage of Arthur and Guinevere, the king and his loyal members of the Round Table, in twelve battles, drive the enemy out of the kingdom. Gareth and Lynette. Bellicent, Arthur's sister, allows her youngest son to join his two brothers at King Arthur's court on the condition that Gareth serve as a kitchen knave under the surly directions of Sir Kay the seneschal. When the young boy presents himself to King Arthur, Gareth makes the king promise to give him the first quest that comes along. One day Lynette comes to the court asking for Sir Lancelot to save her sister from wicked knights who hold her captive. King Arthur sends Gareth with Lynette, who grumbles disdainfully at the kitchen knave ordered to serve her.