An alternative reading of the well known myth King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is presented in this short story. This story presents the possibility that Arthur pulling the sword out of the stone wasn't just because he was a rightful king, but also because Merlin made a spell.
Full Description:
Dominant, alternative, and resistant readings to a text were new concepts that I learnt in my year 12 literature class. Dominant readings of a text are generally the most accepted reading of the text as they represent the beliefs and values that are most powerful in a culture. Alternative readings are less common but are still considered acceptable as they don’t challenge the dominant reading, it’s more just looking at the story in a slightly different light. Finally, resistant readings are often viewed as unacceptable as they challenge the dominant cultural believes and the prevailing views. The task relating to this topic was to “choose a traditional text and create a response that challenges the dominant reading of the text”. I wrote a story that aims to challenge the dominant reading of the well-known myth ‘King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table’. Many versions of this legend imply that Arthur is the rightful king of Camelot and that his pulling the sword out of the stone was an indication of this. However, I created an alternative reading that suggests Merlin meddled with the future to assist the orphaned Arthur. Charles Morris’ 1891 version of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table’ presents the dominant reading that Arthur is the rightful King of Camelot as he pulled Excalibur out. The 1963 Disney version ‘The Sword in the Stone’ and the 2008 TV show ‘Merlin’ strongly support the dominant reading that Arthur’s kingship was his destiny. These versions contain a bond between Merlin and Arthur, thus suggesting a long-term fondness between the two. Therefore, I created Arthur’s backstory which explores the beginnings of their relationship and justifies Arthur’s success with the sword, due to Merlin’s magic. I’ve always loved this story and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to write it through an entirely different perspective, challenging the well-known myth.
