Arthur’s Departure to Avalon

Later Arthurian tradition does not always end with an ordinary royal death. After the catastrophe at Camlann, Arthur passes towards Avalon, leaving open the possibility that his departure is not final and that the king may return.

This expectation became one of the legend’s most durable themes. It transforms political defeat into suspended hope and helps explain the later image of Arthur as the “once and future king”.

Source trail: medieval Arthurian chronicle and romance traditions, especially Malory’s Le Morte Darthur.

Related Journal record: Legend of King Arthur.