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.
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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鈥檛 challenge the dominant reading, it鈥檚 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 鈥渃hoose a traditional text and create a response that challenges the dominant reading of the text鈥�. I wrote a story that aims to challenge the dominant reading of the well-known myth 鈥楰ing Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table鈥�. 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鈥� 1891 version of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table鈥� presents the dominant reading that Arthur is the rightful King of Camelot as he pulled Excalibur out. The 1963 Disney version 鈥楾he Sword in the Stone鈥� and the 2008 TV show 鈥楳erlin鈥� strongly support the dominant reading that Arthur鈥檚 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鈥檚 backstory which explores the beginnings of their relationship and justifies Arthur鈥檚 success with the sword, due to Merlin鈥檚 magic. I鈥檝e always loved this story and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to write it through an entirely different perspective, challenging the well-known myth.
