King Arthur Pendragon is a character from British mythology.
History[]
Background[]
The Sword and the Stone[]
Arthur Pendragon was son of England's king Uther Pendragon. Uther died with Arthur was a baby, leaving him to be adopted by the knight Sir Ector who did not realize of Arthur's regal heritage. Ector was a somewhat cruel parent that treated Arthur as a servant and lesser to his biological son, Sir Kay and given the nickname of, "Wart".
When Arthur was twelve, Arthur became the apprentice to the time-travelling sorcerer, Merlin. Merlin took Arthur on multiple adventures, preparing the unknowing Arthur for when he would become king. When Merlin became disappointed in Arthur taking a job as Kay's squire, Merlin left Arthur angrily to vacation in 20th century Bermuda while Arthur was left caring for Merlin's owl Archimedes. While trying to find a replacement sword for Sir Kay, King Arthur pulled the sword from the stone and became King of England.
King of England[]
After this, Arthur became king of England and Merlin returned to be his advisor. Arthur's reign became legendary and he was affiliated with leading the Knights of the Round Table. One of Arthur's most trusted knights was Sir Lancelot du Lac (who in Arthurian tradition, had a secret love-affair with Arthur's wife Queen Guinevere). King Arthur's knights also became affiliated with stories of seeking out the Holy Grail.
Fantasyland[]
Arthur came to be viewed as a prominent figure in, and possible ruler of, the magical realm of Fantasyland. Arthur became absent for a long period of time (sometimes described as him being on vacation), causing Merlin to seek after another to pull the sword from the stone and rule.
Appearances[]
Arthur appeared as a boy pulling the sword from the stone in the Magic Happens parade at Disneyland
Camp Minnie-Mickey[]
A badge with Arthur's bird form appeared on Goofy's vest for meet 'n' greets.
Fantasyland[]
Le Carrousel de Lancelot[]
This carousel is named for King Arthur's knight, Sir Lancelot. Lining the top of the carousel are murals of medieval (possibly Arthurian) scenes, including one of a king at the head of a table of knights, possibly representing King Arthur and his knights of the round table.
King Arthur Carrousel[]
This carrousel is named after King Arthur. In Disneyland Paris, the attraction is, "Le Carrousel de Lancelot", named after Arthur's friend and knight, Sir Lancelot.
Sword in the Stone[]
This Fantasyland staple depicts King Arthur's sword and has a plaque, referencing the King of England while having artwork showing young Arthur's face.
Oogie Boogie Bash[]
Arthur's bird form appeared caged by Madam Mim.
World Showcase[]
Belle's Library[]
A book of King Arthur stories appeared in Belle's library.[1]
World Showcase Players[]
These players would perform the comedic show, "King Arthur and the Holy Grail" in the UK Pavilion.
Trivia[]
- The horse "Jingles" on King Arthur's Carrousel is associated with being Mary Poppins' horse.
Gallery[]
