Essay Questions

Why does Lot betray King Uther? How does he attempt to usurp the Kingdom?

Lot wants to become High King. He attempts to find Arthur to kill him so that when he marries Morgan he will be in line for the throne upon Uther’s death. Lot delays in joining the battle in the hope that Uther will perish. Only Arthur’s joining the fight, saves the King and wins the battle for Uther’s forces. This does not stop Lot from continuing his drive for the throne. He breaks Uther’s sword so that he cannot give it to Arthur as his successor. A broken sword is a symbol of a broken Kingdom and the shock of the broken sword kills King Uther, who was already dying. Merlin and Arthur foil Lot’s plans to take over the Kingdom.

How does Arthur show his trust in Merlin? What does Merlin do to ensure that Arthur will become High King?

Merlin ensures that Arthur will become King by entombing his sword in the altar of the chapel and engulfing it in flames. He knows that only Arthur will have the trust in Merlin to lift the sword from the stone and risk touching the flames. The relationship of trust between Arthur and Merlin is what ensures Arthur’s succession to the throne.

Why does Merlin not trust Lord Cador. How does Cador show his loyalty to King Arthur?

Merlin does not trust Lord Cador because he believes that Cador blames Merlin and Uther for the death of his father. He feels guilty about the death and projects these feelings onto Cador without talking to the man. Once they do speak, he realizes his mistake. Cador shows his loyalty to Arthur by proclaiming Arthur to be the true king. He tells the nobleman that Arthur has the sword of Macsen and therefore is the rightful heir.