The legend of King Arthur - Estratto

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Retold by Brenda Warren Illustrated by Sumiti Collina

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Cornwall, in the 6 th century A.D. “Whoever pulls this sword from the stone will become king!� says Merlin.

Merlin is a wise magician with supernatural powers. He uses a magic spell to place a sword inside a stone.

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Merlin makes a prediction to his King Uther of Cornwall: “Sire, you will have a powerful son who will be king of England!�

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After some time Merlin is called to care for Arthur, King Uther’s son.

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15 years later...

One day King Uther falls ill and dies.

Merlin takes Arthur to the stone.

“Let me try to pull the sword from the stone!� Arthur says.

Arthur manages to pull the sword out and so...

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... he becomes King of England, at just fifteen years old!

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Years pass and Arthur wins many battles with the special sword.

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But one day he breaks it in combat.

“Oh no! The sword is broken!” he exclaims.

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Merlin takes him to a lonely lake.

Suddenly an arm holding a magnificent sword comes out of the water.

The Lady of the Lake, an enchantress, appears. “Arthur, this sword is called Excalibur. It is a magic sword, it protects the person who holds it.

It can be yours! Come and get it!�

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Arthur and Merlin go out in a boat to take the sword.

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Arthur makes his court at Camelot.

He marries the beautiful Queen Guinevere.

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Guinevere’s father gives Arthur a round table as a wedding present.

He says: “Everybody who sits at this table will have equal status, so nobody needs to quarrel.”

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The best knights of England sit with Arthur at the Round Table; they are all of equal importance and are loyal to Arthur. They fight many battles for him.

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Many years later, Arthur returns from battle to Camelot with his knights. They are wearing heavy armour and helmets. Arthur feels tired - he is old now.

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