The Once and Future King

By: T. H. White

Quote - A Taste of The Once and Future King: The Ill-Made Knight was not involved in an Eternal Triangle. It was an Eternal Quadrangle, which was eternal as well as quadrangular. He had not given up his mistress because he was afraid of being punished by some sort of Holy Bogy, but he had been confronted by two people whom he loved.

Summary: The story of the legendary King Arthur, from boyhood on.

Review:

The first part is called The Sword in the Stone, and it's easy to see that it inspired the Disney movie by the same name. It goes into depth on Arthur's adventures as a young boy, from ants to geese to fish. Young Arthur is a riot sometimes!

The next three parts focus on Arthur's reign, on Guenever, Lancelot, Gawain and his brothers, and on Queen Morgause. It tells details on all, and keeps such a contemporary air that it's almost like the twenty-first century in medieval garb. The legends are real, and they make mistakes and have doubts and fears just like anyone else. This is storytelling at its best!

The Characters - My Analysis

Arthur

Sometimes naive, often forgiving, very cool. Arthur is full of curiosity and compassion. He does his best for his kingdom, often putting the people before himself, and forcing himself to think in ways that don't come naturally. He's really loving, not to mention trusting. He makes a wonderful king, and what few mistakes he makes are often not his fault.

Lancelot

The Illmade Knight is one of the most angst filled characters you can find anywhere. He's deeply religious, and deeply devoted to Arthur. He's also got extremely low self-confidence, but he feels deeply for Guenever. He becomes deeply torn between Guenever, loyalty to Arthur, and service to God later in the book.

Guenever

She was young when she married Arthur, and felt a form of hero-worship for him. She's a capable queen, and often wise beyond her years. She often sees what is hidden to others, though she can't deny herself the happiness she so desires, even at the price of death.

Kay

He's actually rather decent. He is slightly jealous of Arthur when they're younger, but he becomes a loyal friend. Kay's a guy to have on your side.

Merlyn

Absentmindedly wise, he knows the future instead of the past. He cares a great deal for Arthur and gives him many experiences early on that will help him later in life. A wonderful old man.

Archimedes

Yes, there actually is a talking owl. I just couldn't resist putting him in here. His sarcastic sense of humor is a constant source of amusement, and a great addition to the story.

Sir Ector

Arthur's foster father is caring enough, although he believes that arms are the be-all and end-all of what a boy needs to know. He's fair though, and he cares about his people.

King Pellinore

Forever in search of his own Questing Beast, and always losing it. He plays a part in Arthur's childhood, and has a lovely adventure later in life. He's soft-hearted, and though he likes to complain he's very willing to help.

Sir Grummore

A friend of both Sir Ector and King Pellinore. He's rather sensible, but also rather like an overgrown child.

Sir Palomides

Sir Grummore's partner in crime, though rather more educated-seeming than Grummore. They're really fun.

Gawain

The eldest of the Orkney clan, he's one of the more decent ones. He's totally dedicated to his family, but his loyalty is unquestionable, and he's quite cool. Plus, he's got the funniest accent. ^-^

Gareth

The youngest of the Orkney clan, a generous boy at heart. He's a perfect knight who cares for the weak, hates tyranny and oppression, and is generally good. Too soft-hearted for his own good at times though.

Mordred

The child of Arthur and Queen Morgause. He's a nasty piece of work, and devious to boot. Treachery and trickery are just his style.