At The End Of Morte D'Arthur By Sir Thomas Malory, King Arthur Is Mortally Wounded By Sir Mordred. Which Statement Is The Most Likely Prediction Of What Will Happen To King Arthur After He Goes Off On The Barge With The Women?A. He Will Be Interred

The Fate of King Arthur: Unraveling the Mystery of the Barge

Sir Thomas Malory's epic tale, "Morte d'Arthur," has captivated readers for centuries with its richly woven narrative of chivalry, honor, and the tragic fall of King Arthur. As the story reaches its climax, the legendary king is mortally wounded by his illegitimate son, Sir Mordred. In a poignant and enigmatic scene, King Arthur is taken aboard a barge, accompanied by a group of women, including his half-sister, Morgan le Fay, and his wife, Guinevere. The question on every reader's mind is: what happens to King Arthur after he departs on this mystical vessel? In this article, we will delve into the possible interpretations of this pivotal moment in the story and explore the most likely prediction of King Arthur's fate.

The Barge: A Symbol of Transformation and Renewal

The barge, a symbol of transformation and renewal, has been the subject of much speculation and debate among scholars and readers. On one hand, it can be seen as a means of transportation, carrying King Arthur to a mystical realm where he will be reunited with his ancestors and the spirits of the land. On the other hand, it can be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey of the soul, where King Arthur is taken to a realm beyond the mortal world, where he will be free from the burdens of his earthly life.

The Women on the Barge: A Key to Understanding King Arthur's Fate

The presence of the women on the barge is a crucial element in understanding King Arthur's fate. Morgan le Fay, his half-sister, is often seen as a symbol of the feminine principle, representing the power of the goddess and the cycles of nature. Guinevere, his wife, represents the earthly aspect of love and loyalty. Together, they embody the dualities of life and death, light and darkness, and the eternal cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth.

The Most Likely Prediction: King Arthur's Interment

Considering the symbolism of the barge and the presence of the women, the most likely prediction of what will happen to King Arthur after he departs on the barge is that he will be interred. This interpretation is supported by the fact that King Arthur is taken to a mystical realm, where he will be reunited with his ancestors and the spirits of the land. The barge, as a symbol of transformation and renewal, suggests that King Arthur's journey is not an end, but a new beginning, where he will be freed from the burdens of his earthly life and reunited with the natural world.

The Argument for Interment

The argument for interment is further strengthened by the fact that King Arthur's body is not mentioned again in the story. This suggests that he has been taken to a realm beyond the mortal world, where he will be free from the physical constraints of his earthly life. The presence of the women on the barge, particularly Morgan le Fay, who is often associated with the power of the goddess, reinforces this interpretation. The goddess, as a symbol of the feminine principle, is often associated with the cycles of nature and the eternal cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth.

The Argument Against Interment

On the other hand, some scholars and readers argue that King Arthur's fate is not as straightforward as interment. They suggest that the barge is a symbol of transformation and renewal, but not necessarily a physical journey to a mystical realm. According to this interpretation, King Arthur's journey is a metaphorical one, where he is taken to a realm of spiritual transformation and renewal. This interpretation is supported by the fact that King Arthur's body is not mentioned again in the story, but his spirit and legacy live on.

In conclusion, the most likely prediction of what will happen to King Arthur after he departs on the barge is that he will be interred. This interpretation is supported by the symbolism of the barge, the presence of the women, and the fact that King Arthur's body is not mentioned again in the story. While there are alternative interpretations, the argument for interment is the most compelling and widely accepted explanation of King Arthur's fate. As we reflect on the enigmatic scene of King Arthur's departure on the barge, we are reminded of the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of Sir Thomas Malory's epic tale, "Morte d'Arthur."
Frequently Asked Questions: The Fate of King Arthur

Q: What is the significance of the barge in "Morte d'Arthur"?

A: The barge is a symbol of transformation and renewal, representing King Arthur's journey to a mystical realm where he will be reunited with his ancestors and the spirits of the land.

Q: Who are the women on the barge, and what is their significance?

A: The women on the barge are Morgan le Fay, King Arthur's half-sister, and Guinevere, his wife. They represent the dualities of life and death, light and darkness, and the eternal cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth.

Q: Why is King Arthur taken to the barge, and what happens to him there?

A: King Arthur is taken to the barge because he is mortally wounded by Sir Mordred. On the barge, he is reunited with his ancestors and the spirits of the land, and his spirit is freed from the burdens of his earthly life.

Q: Is King Arthur's journey on the barge a physical or metaphorical one?

A: While the exact nature of King Arthur's journey is open to interpretation, the most widely accepted view is that it is a metaphorical one, representing his spiritual transformation and renewal.

Q: What is the significance of King Arthur's body not being mentioned again in the story?

A: The fact that King Arthur's body is not mentioned again in the story suggests that he has been taken to a realm beyond the mortal world, where he will be free from the physical constraints of his earthly life.

Q: What is the most likely prediction of what will happen to King Arthur after he departs on the barge?

A: The most likely prediction is that King Arthur will be interred, reunited with his ancestors and the spirits of the land, and his spirit will be freed from the burdens of his earthly life.

Q: Why is the fate of King Arthur so important in the context of "Morte d'Arthur"?

A: The fate of King Arthur is crucial to the story because it represents the end of an era and the beginning of a new cycle of life and death. It also serves as a reminder of the transience of human life and the power of storytelling to transcend time and mortality.

Q: What can readers learn from the story of King Arthur's fate?

A: Readers can learn about the importance of transformation and renewal, the power of storytelling, and the enduring legacy of Sir Thomas Malory's epic tale, "Morte d'Arthur." They can also reflect on the human experience and the universal themes of life, death, and the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Q: How does the story of King Arthur's fate relate to the broader themes of "Morte d'Arthur"?

A: The story of King Arthur's fate is closely tied to the broader themes of chivalry, honor, and the fall of Camelot. It represents the end of an era and the beginning of a new cycle of life and death, serving as a reminder of the transience of human life and the power of storytelling to transcend time and mortality.