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The Road to Camlann: The Death of King Arthur
The Road to Camlann.jpeg
First edition
Author Rosemary Sutcliff
Illustrator Shirley Felts
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Published 1981 by The Bodley Head
Media type Print
Pages 143
ISBN 0-370-30384-9

The Road to Camlann: The Death of King Arthur is an exciting book by Rosemary Sutcliff. It is the third part of her special Arthurian story series. This book tells the sad and dramatic story of how King Arthur's famous kingdom, Camelot, came to an end. It shows the events that led up to the final, big fight known as the Battle of Camlann.

The story explains how a very close friendship between Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot caused problems. It also shows how King Arthur's own son, Mordred, turned against him. These events together led to the downfall of Arthur's reign.

Rosemary Sutcliff used parts of an old book called Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Malory. She used it to describe the feelings of one character, Ector, after the big battle.

What is The Road to Camlann About?

This book is the last in a trilogy, which means a series of three books. It follows The Sword and the Circle and The Light Beyond the Forest. The story focuses on the final days of King Arthur's rule. It explores the reasons why his powerful kingdom of Camelot fell apart.

Key Events Leading to Downfall

The book describes several important events. These events slowly but surely led to the end of King Arthur's time.

The Friendship of Guinevere and Lancelot

Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot were two of King Arthur's most trusted people. They shared a very strong and special friendship. This close bond became a source of trouble for the kingdom. People started to talk and spread rumors. These rumors were used by Arthur's enemies to cause problems.

Mordred's Betrayal of King Arthur

King Arthur had a son named Mordred. Mordred was not loyal to his father. He secretly worked against King Arthur. Mordred's actions were a big part of the kingdom's downfall. His betrayal led to a lot of conflict and sadness.

The Final Battle of Camlann

All these problems built up over time. They eventually led to a huge and terrible battle. This battle was called the Battle of Camlann. It was the last major fight for King Arthur and his knights. The book describes this battle and its sad outcome.

Who Was Rosemary Sutcliff?

Rosemary Sutcliff was a famous British writer. She was known for her historical novels, especially those about ancient Britain. Her books often retell old legends and myths. She made these stories exciting and easy to understand for young readers.

Sutcliff's Arthurian Trilogy

Sutcliff wrote three books about King Arthur. They are:

These books together tell the full story of King Arthur. They cover his rise to power, his adventures, and the sad end of his kingdom.

Why is This Book Important?

The Road to Camlann is important because it retells a classic legend. It helps young readers understand the famous King Arthur stories. It shows how loyalty, betrayal, and friendship can change history. The book also teaches about the power of old stories and how they are passed down.

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