In literature and folklore, the image of a sword in the stone has become synonymous with the idea of an extraordinary feat or test of worthiness. One such depiction is the tale of the "Witch on the Sword in the Stone." According to this story, a powerful witch, known for her magical abilities, conjured a powerful spell that placed an enchanted sword within a stone. The sword could only be removed by someone with a pure heart and unwavering determination. The witch intended for the sword to serve as a test for those seeking to become the next ruler of the land. Many ambitious knights and warriors attempted to pull the sword from the stone, but none prevailed.
Akko, the Fool’s Journey, and Staying True to Who You Are
She often lays the cards out almost as if they were a tarot spread and in these cards, Akko seems to find the answers to her problems in the earlier parts of the series. There is only one other witch at Luna Nova who has the triple moon symbol featured in her design, and that is Ursula also known as Chariot du Nord or Shiny Chariot.
Many ambitious knights and warriors attempted to pull the sword from the stone, but none prevailed. It seemed that no one possessed the qualities necessary to overcome the witch's powerful enchantment. Some would give up easily, while others would try with all their might but still fail.
The 7 Words of Arcturus and The 7 Heavenly Virtues -- and how they correlate.
After watching episode 16, wherein Akko learned the importance of the virtue 'patience', confirmed my suspicious that The 7 Words of Arcturus are based on The 7 Heavenly Virtues.
The first word "Noctu Orfei Aude Fraetor" meaning-- "Strive for a place of idylls" demonstrated Diligence. Akko had the Willingness (zeal) and integrity to work hard for her dreams, despite the hardship she was going through in the Arcturus Forest. This lead to the Shiny Rod appearing itself to her as the 'chosen one'.
The second word "Phaidoari Afairynghor" meaning-- "that which is dreamed cannot be grasped, but work towards it, day after day, and you will find it in your hands" demonstrated Temperance. Akko was able to wake it in Blue Moon in the Blue Moon Abyss when rejecting the notion that her dreams could only be fulfilled by renouncing her past, choosing to go forward by her own account, working day after day to realize them. To simplify, even though Akko's dream could be attained, right in front of her, she did not let her passion get the best of her. Showing this, the Shiny Rod transformed into an axe to 'cut down' the temptation.
The third word "Arae Aryrha" meaning-- "Do not compare yourself with others, do what only you can do" demonstrated Kindness. Akko was able to wake it in Samhain Magic in her determination to free Vajarois from her curse of sorrow, breaking 1600 years of tradition. Thus she proved herself by her own qualities instead of just trying to emulate Shiny Chariot or to outperform Diana as she initially intended. In the end, Akko realized that helping to free Vajarois was more important than beating Diana in the competition, a true act of kindness indeed. Additionally, the opposite of Kindness is Jealousy/Envy, further supporting the theory.
The fourth word "Mayenab Dysheebudo" meaning-- "You still have something important to see it through, something you severly lack" demonstrated Patience. Akko was able to wake it in Pohjola's Trial by realizing the importance of being patient to make the antidote to save her friends from the Greenman Disease (Although, ironically, the episode felt a bit rushed).
With all these said and done, I may have been able to figure out what the Last Word of Arcturus will be about, and that is Charity. Which can only be awakened if Akko and Diana finally get along and become friends -- something Chariot and Croix were unable to do. Evidently this can be seen in the OP itself--
Years passed, and the sword became a symbol of virtue, strength, and leadership. It attracted various individuals who believed themselves to be worthy. However, it wasn't until a young squire named Arthur arrived that the witch's spell was finally broken. Arthur, in a twist of fate, stumbled upon the sword while fetching supplies for his knight. Unaware of its significance, he approached the sword with humility and curiosity. With a gentle tug, the sword effortlessly slid out of the stone, astonishing those around him. News of Arthur's feat spread quickly, and he was hailed as the true heir to the throne. His unwavering determination, purity of heart, and humble nature set him apart from others who had tried before. Under his rule, the land experienced an era of peace and prosperity. The tale of the "Witch on the Sword in the Stone" serves as a reminder that true greatness lies within individuals who possess the right qualities and virtues. It emphasizes the importance of character and integrity in the face of challenges. The story encourages readers to strive for personal growth and embrace their unique strengths, as these attributes are what ultimately lead to the removal of the sword..
Reviews for "The Sword in the Stone: A Turning Point in Arthurian Legend"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed by "Witch on Sword in the Stone". The plot was confusing and the characters lacked depth. The writing felt disjointed and I struggled to stay engaged with the story. Overall, I found it difficult to connect with anything in the book and it left me unsatisfied as a reader.
2. Mary - 3/5 - I had mixed feelings about "Witch on Sword in the Stone". While the concept was intriguing, I felt that the execution fell short. The pacing was slow and the story dragged at times. Additionally, I found it hard to believe in the motivations of the characters. Although there were some interesting elements, I couldn't fully enjoy the book as a whole.
3. David - 1/5 - "Witch on Sword in the Stone" was a complete letdown for me. The writing was amateurish and the plot was filled with cliches. I didn't care about any of the characters and the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. It seemed like a poorly constructed story that lacked originality and depth. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a satisfying reading experience.
4. Sarah - 2/5 - I found "Witch on Sword in the Stone" to be a forgettable read. The story lacked tension and the conflict felt forced. The characters were one-dimensional and their actions lacked consistency. It felt like a book I've read a hundred times before, and I couldn't find anything unique or refreshing about it. Overall, it was a mediocre reading experience.
5. Alex - 2/5 - "Witch on Sword in the Stone" didn't live up to my expectations. The writing style was clumsy and the world-building felt underdeveloped. The story had potential but failed to deliver a captivating narrative. I struggled to connect with the protagonist and found the supporting characters to be forgettable. It was a lackluster reading experience that left me disappointed.