Caliburn
The historical chronicle "History of the Kings of Britain," written around 1135 by the Welsh cleric Geoffrey of Monmouth, presents a very detailed account of King Arthur, whereby it is suggested that the king was born in the late fifth century and died around 542. In these chronicles, Excalibur is called Caliburn, and this sword is said to have been forged on the Isle of Avalon.
Robert de Boron
Around the late 12th century, in his poem "Merlin," the French poet Robert de Boron describes how King Arthur pulled the Excalibur out of a stone. A Norse legend, "Sigurd," presents a similar account.
The historical chronicle "History of the Kings of Britain," written around 1135 by the Welsh cleric Geoffrey of Monmouth, presents a very detailed account of King Arthur, whereby it is suggested that the king was born in the late fifth century and died around 542. In these chronicles, Excalibur is called Caliburn, and this sword is said to have been forged on the Isle of Avalon.
Robert de Boron
Around the late 12th century, in his poem "Merlin," the French poet Robert de Boron describes how King Arthur pulled the Excalibur out of a stone. A Norse legend, "Sigurd," presents a similar account.
Sir Thomas Malory
In Sir Thomas Malory's (1405 to 1471) "Le Morte d'Arthur," it is the Lady of the Lake who hands Excalibur to King Arthur. The sword is said to have an unbreakable blade and a scabbard that will protect the king from shedding any blood and from death itself on the battlefield. The sword is eventually returned to the Lady of the Lake and disappears forever.
Different Spellings
Excalibur is spelled in several different ways in various accounts over the centuries. The alternate name, Caliburn, also takes various forms, including Caladfwich and Caledwich. According to Irish legend, the sword was named Caladbolg. Several sources say the sword was forged by an elfin blacksmith, which accounted for its magical powers. As these accounts were written by hand, authorities suggest the possibility that in some cases, the names were misspelled.
Camelot Project
What would such a magnificent sword have looked like? Some accounts say it had a gold hilt and was studded with gleaming jewels to rival its shining blade possessing the brilliance of 30 torches. Images of Excalibur are part of a comprehensive study called "The Camelot Project," compiled at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York (see Resources below). The project consists of Arthurian texts, images, bibliographies and basic information related to the tales of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table.
Swords in the Water
It is interesting to note that the depositing of swords in sacred lakes and rivers was a Celtic practice from ancient times. It may even have been part of funeral rites. Excavations have uncovered axes, sickles and other weapons evidently disposed of in this way. Apparently, the River Thames in England was a popular place for depositing swords such as Excalibur.
In Sir Thomas Malory's (1405 to 1471) "Le Morte d'Arthur," it is the Lady of the Lake who hands Excalibur to King Arthur. The sword is said to have an unbreakable blade and a scabbard that will protect the king from shedding any blood and from death itself on the battlefield. The sword is eventually returned to the Lady of the Lake and disappears forever.
Different Spellings
Excalibur is spelled in several different ways in various accounts over the centuries. The alternate name, Caliburn, also takes various forms, including Caladfwich and Caledwich. According to Irish legend, the sword was named Caladbolg. Several sources say the sword was forged by an elfin blacksmith, which accounted for its magical powers. As these accounts were written by hand, authorities suggest the possibility that in some cases, the names were misspelled.
Camelot Project
What would such a magnificent sword have looked like? Some accounts say it had a gold hilt and was studded with gleaming jewels to rival its shining blade possessing the brilliance of 30 torches. Images of Excalibur are part of a comprehensive study called "The Camelot Project," compiled at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York (see Resources below). The project consists of Arthurian texts, images, bibliographies and basic information related to the tales of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table.
Swords in the Water
It is interesting to note that the depositing of swords in sacred lakes and rivers was a Celtic practice from ancient times. It may even have been part of funeral rites. Excavations have uncovered axes, sickles and other weapons evidently disposed of in this way. Apparently, the River Thames in England was a popular place for depositing swords such as Excalibur.
