When I was a child, before I had learned how to read, I was a movie aficionado. My parents enabled me by purchasing all the latest Disney movies out there, because let's be honest, who doesn't want their child sitting quietly for hours on end? My absolute favorite movie to watch back then was The Sword In The Stone. It was funny, scary, sad, and educational all in one animated package. If you are unfamiliar with this movie I implore you to rent the DVD and watch it because it can be enjoyed no matter what age you are. Although, a quick summary would be that Arthur, then a young boy known as "Wart" is being raised by a negligent and harsh stepfather when he happens to come across Merlin, a wizard who takes it upon himself to become the boys tutor. Merlin though, has strange ways of tutoring because he teaches Wart life lessons by turning him into various kinds of animals: fish, bird, and squirrel. Each of the transformations is meant to instill in Arthur the concept of Mind over Might, it is better to use your head instead of your fists.
Progressing through the years into literacy and schooling, the legends of King Arthur have been incorporated into almost every English literature class since the 8th grade with T.H. Whites' book, The Once and Future King. It was after reading that book that I discovered it was the basis for my favorite childhood movie! I have been hooked ever since continuing on through the years to read any and all King Arthur legends that come my way, and I hope that while you follow my blogs as I further explore the relationship of King Arthur and Merlin, that you will learn to appreciate the life instilling lessons and mentorship of Merlin and the progression of Arthur into a great king as I have come to admire.
