4.7 The Sword in the Stone - Class 6 - Kumarbharati

Author: Adapted from King Arthur Legends

Genre: Legendary Tale / Folklore

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 6

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The lesson The Sword in the Stone narrates the legendary story of how Arthur became the King of Britain. After King Uther Pendragon’s death, the kingdom was left without an heir, and lords and knights fought for power. At Christmas, a mysterious sword appeared in the churchyard, inscribed: “Whoso pulleth out this sword is by right of birth King of England.” Many knights tried, but none could remove it. On New Year’s Day, Sir Ector attended the tournament with his sons, Sir Kay and Arthur. When Kay forgot his sword, Arthur rushed to fetch one. Passing the churchyard, he saw the sword in the stone and, without difficulty, drew it out, not knowing its significance. Kay tried to claim the sword, but Sir Ector tested both brothers and discovered that only Arthur could pull the sword. Merlin, the magician, revealed Arthur’s true identity as Uther’s son and the rightful heir. The people first doubted but were convinced when Arthur repeatedly drew the sword. Finally, they accepted Arthur as their King.

Theme / Central Idea

The story emphasises destiny, honesty, and humility. It conveys that true leadership is marked by integrity, courage, and rightful heritage, not by greed or force.

Character Sketches

Arthur

• Orphaned boy raised by Sir Ector.

• Brave, honest, and humble.

• Drew the sword unknowingly, proving his destiny as King.

• Symbol of innocence, courage, and true leadership.

Sir Kay

• Sir Ector’s elder son.

• Recently knighted but proud and ambitious.

• Tried to claim Arthur’s success dishonestly.

• Symbol of arrogance and envy.

Sir Ector

• Noble knight, foster father of Arthur.

• Wise, fair, and valued honesty.

• Tested both sons and accepted Arthur’s destiny with humility.

Merlin

• Great wizard and advisor.

• Entrusted Arthur to Sir Ector for safety.

• Revealed Arthur’s true identity.

• Symbol of wisdom, guidance, and destiny.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Arthur wanted to help his brother.”

   Answer: The infinitive is to help. It shows Arthur’s purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Change the voice: Arthur drew the sword from the stone.

   Answer: The sword was drawn from the stone by Arthur.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Use ‘shall’ in a sentence based on the lesson.

   Answer: Arthur shall be remembered as the rightful King of Britain.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Change into future tense: Sir Kay lied about drawing the sword.

   Answer: Sir Kay will lie about drawing the sword.

   
   

5. Wh-question framing

   Make a Wh-question for the underlined part: Arthur lived with Sir Ector.

   Answer: With whom did Arthur live?

   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Question: What do you learn from Arthur’s character?

   Answer: Arthur’s character teaches that honesty, humility, and courage are true qualities of a leader. His destiny shows that greatness comes naturally to the deserving.

   
   

2. Question: Why do you think Sir Ector tested his sons?

   Answer: Sir Ector tested his sons because he valued honesty. He wanted to know the truth about who had drawn the sword instead of blindly accepting claims.

   
   

3. Question: Do you think destiny plays a role in life? Why or why not?

   Answer: Destiny plays a role because some events happen beyond our control, like Arthur unknowingly proving himself as King. However, effort and character also matter.

   
   

4. Question: What message do you get from Sir Kay’s behaviour?

   Answer: Sir Kay’s behaviour shows that dishonesty and arrogance lead to shame. His lies could not hide the truth about Arthur’s greatness.

   
   

5. Question: Why is Merlin an important character in the story?

   Answer: Merlin is important because he protected Arthur and revealed his true identity. He symbolises wisdom and the guiding force of destiny.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. King Uther Pendragon died without an heir. → True

2. The inscription on the sword said whoever pulled it would be King of England. → True

3. Arthur drew the sword knowingly to become King. → False (He did not know its significance.)

4. Sir Kay truthfully admitted that Arthur had drawn the sword. → False (He tried to claim it first.)

5. The people finally accepted Arthur as King after seeing him draw the sword repeatedly. → True

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Question: What happened after King Uther Pendragon’s death?

   Answer: After King Uther’s death, there was no heir to the throne. Rivalry broke out among lords and knights, leading to lawlessness in Britain.

   
   

2. Question: Describe the sword in the stone.

   Answer: The sword was fixed in a steel anvil on a stone in the churchyard. The golden inscription declared that whoever drew it would be King of England.

   
   

3. Question: How did Arthur come to draw the sword?

   Answer: Arthur, hurrying to fetch a sword for Sir Kay, saw the sword in the churchyard and drew it effortlessly, unaware of its significance.

   
   

4. Question: What test did Sir Ector use to confirm the truth?

   Answer: Sir Ector asked both sons to replace and draw the sword again. Kay failed, but Arthur succeeded repeatedly, proving he was the rightful King.

   
   

5. Question: What is the moral of the story The Sword in the Stone?

   Answer: The moral is that honesty, humility, and destiny decide true leadership. Power gained by greed or lies cannot replace rightful rule.

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The lesson The Sword in the Stone is a legendary tale about courage, honesty, and destiny. The story of Arthur unknowingly drawing the sword shows how true greatness comes naturally. The contrast between Arthur’s humility and Kay’s arrogance highlights the value of integrity. Merlin’s role adds a magical and wise element, linking destiny with guidance. The story is memorable because it inspires faith in honesty and justice. It teaches us that true leadership is based not on power or greed, but on character, courage, and truth.

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