Are there any traditional sources, which gives Excalibur such a power? Or does this qualify as a definite Monty Python reference?
Friday, November 19, 2010
Whoops! Missed this, somehow.
From Deities & Demigods - The entry for King Arthur.
He wields the sword Excalibur, a +5 lawful good sword of sharpness, that has a scabbard that prevents him from being cut by any attack.
Are there any traditional sources, which gives Excalibur such a power? Or does this qualify as a definite Monty Python reference?
Are there any traditional sources, which gives Excalibur such a power? Or does this qualify as a definite Monty Python reference?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I'm pretty sure it's part of the arthurian canon, but it's the scabbard (a gift from the lady of the lake) that has the power, not excalibur.
ReplyDeleteExcalibur does *something* definitely, but not sure what. It is the scabbard which gives him protection. He loses both early in the saga.
ReplyDeleteYes, the scabbard is sometimes reputed to protect its bearer from being cut, which might explain why Arthur is often depicted as being mortally wounded by a blow to the head rather than being stabbed.
ReplyDeleteFrom Wikipedia: 'In Chretien de Troyes's Perceval, Gawain carries Escalibor and it is stated, "for at his belt hung Excalibor, the finest sword that there was, which sliced through iron as through wood". This statement was likely picked up by the author of the Estoire Merlin, or Vulgate Merlin, where the author (who was fond of fanciful folk etymologies) asserts that Escalibor "is a Hebrew name which means in French 'cuts iron, steel, and wood'". It is from this fanciful etymological musing that Malory got the notion that Excalubur meant "cut steel" (""the name of it said the lady is Excalibur that is as moche to say as cut stele"").'
ReplyDeleteAs for the scabbard, that is part of canon as well. Arthur is effectively invincible until Morgan steals his scabbard and chucks it; it is never recovered.
Do they refer to the abilities of the sword in Monty Python? I well recall the scene with the black knight, but it wasn't explicitly mentioned. Nor can I recall them mentioning anything about the scabbard.
ReplyDeleteSad times when passing ruffians freely wield around +5 swords of sharpness.
ReplyDeleteMight have to ask Rob.
ReplyDelete