The Story of the Grail and the Passing of King Arthur facts for kids

The Story of the Grail and the Passing of Arthur is an exciting adventure novel written by the American author and artist Howard Pyle. It was published in 1910. This book is the last in Pyle's series about the legendary King Arthur and his brave Knights of the Round Table.

The story shares tales of famous knights. You'll read about Sir Geraint and his loyal wife Enid. It also tells the amazing journey of Sir Galahad as he seeks the magical Holy Grail. Finally, the book describes the end of King Arthur's reign.

The Adventures of King Arthur's Knights

This book dives into the world of medieval knights. It shows their bravery, challenges, and loyalty. Howard Pyle was known for his detailed drawings. His books bring these classic legends to life for young readers.

The Story of Sir Geraint

One morning, Queen Guinevere and her court woke up late. They were supposed to go hunting with King Arthur, but he had already left. Sir Geraint, a brave knight, went with them to catch up.

On their journey, they met a young lady. She wanted to know the name of a knight traveling with her. But his companion refused to tell. Sir Geraint stepped forward and demanded to know the knight's name. He followed them to where they were going.

Geraint learned that the knight was a famous champion. He was competing in a tournament the next day for a prize called the Sparrow-Hawk. Sir Geraint decided to join the tournament too. However, he had no armor or weapons.

He found an old, worn-down castle nearby. The castle owner was happy to help Geraint. He gave him the best armor he had. But the armor was very old-fashioned and rusty. Geraint kindly accepted it anyway.

At the castle, Geraint also met Enid. She was the owner's beautiful daughter. She was much younger than him. At the tournament, people made fun of Geraint's old armor. But he was so skilled that he won the tournament! The knight he defeated said his name was Gaudeamus. This was to save his own life.

Geraint and Enid's Marriage

Later, Geraint walked in the garden with Enid. He asked her to be his wife, and she happily said yes. They were married and Enid was welcomed into the court.

However, Geraint started to feel a bit jealous. He saw Enid playing with a handsome young knight named Sir Peregrans. Geraint felt like he hadn't been a good husband. He even regretted marrying her a little. He thought she might be happier with someone else.

Sir Geraint kept these feelings to himself. He began to treat Enid coldly. One evening, Geraint suddenly said he wanted to go back to his father's castle. So they left. They spent time happily there. But Geraint started to ignore his duties as a knight. People began to whisper. They said Geraint was always with his wife, and that she had made him weak.

A Journey of Misunderstanding

One morning, Enid woke up very early. She thought about the gossip she had heard. She felt sad that her husband wasn't as strong as he used to be. She blamed herself. She whispered, "Is it true that my love keeps my husband from great adventures? Can a woman's love really stop a man from his goals?"

Geraint woke up but kept his eyes closed. He heard Enid whisper, "I am at fault and not a true wife for this noble hero." Geraint immediately felt betrayed. He thought Enid meant she had been unfaithful.

Geraint quickly decided to go on an adventure. He took his wife with him. He told her not to say a single word. However, Enid soon saw thieves in the woods. She overheard them planning to rob Geraint. She disobeyed him and warned him. Geraint fought and defeated all the thieves.

Enid and Geraint arrived at an inn. Geraint asked for a feast with the innkeeper's friends. An Earl who joined the feast saw Enid. He thought she was very beautiful. He gave Enid two choices: she could willingly become his companion and Geraint would be safe, or she could be forced to become his companion and Geraint would die. Enid told the Earl to pretend to carry her off unwillingly.

The next morning, Enid quickly escaped with Geraint to avoid the Earl. The innkeeper, not knowing Enid's trouble, told the Earl where Geraint and Enid were going. The Earl and his men caught up to them. Geraint fought and defeated all of them.

Geraint's Recovery and Realization

People thought Geraint was acting strangely. His constant adventures were tiring Enid. Geraint was badly wounded by two giants. Another Earl, the Earl of Limours, took him to his castle. Geraint was thought to be dead, or very close to it.

The Earl of Limours quickly told Enid how beautiful she was. He said, "When your lord is dead, I will marry you. You will have me, this castle, and all these lands." Enid cried, thinking about life without Geraint. The Earl offered her food, but she refused unless her husband was with them. Geraint lay on a bed near the table. Enid still refused to eat or drink.

The Earl became very angry and hit Enid. Geraint had heard everything. He heard how loyal Enid was to him. He became very angry and grabbed the sword nearby. He quickly jumped out of the bed, as if rising from the dead. He killed the Earl of Limours. Then he rode away with his wife. A friend met them and invited them to his castle. Geraint finally understood Enid's true loyalty and love.