Sword at Sunset summary

A Different Arthurian Legend

In Sword at Sunset by Rosemary Sutcliff, we are presented with a different take on the Arthurian legend. The story is narrated by Artos, a Romanized Briton who is a war leader. The Romans have left Britain and the island is under threat from the Saxons. Artos is a man of both Roman and Celtic heritage, and he is trying to unite the Britons to fight against the invading Saxons.

Artos is a complex character, a man of deep emotions, but also a brilliant warrior. He is a champion of the old, Roman ways, and holds fast to the idea of a united Britain. He wants to establish a stronghold in the west of the country, from which he can repel the Saxons and keep the island free.

The Formation of the Round Table

In his quest to unite the Britons, Artos forms a brotherhood of warriors, the core of which becomes the famed Round Table. This brotherhood is not just a group of soldiers, but a band of brothers, bound by loyalty, trust, and respect. Their code of conduct is based on the old Roman virtues, and they are sworn to serve the land and its people.

Artos's vision is to create a society where every man has a stake in the land, and every man is free. He wants to establish a society based on equality and justice, a society that would be the envy of the world. However, he soon realizes that his dream is a difficult one to achieve, especially in a land torn by war and divided by tribal loyalties.

Personal Struggles and Losses

Alongside his political struggles, Artos also faces personal challenges. He is deeply in love with Guenhumara, a woman who is married to his friend, Bedwyr. Artos and Guenhumara's love is a forbidden one, and their relationship is fraught with tension and guilt. This love triangle adds a layer of complexity to Artos's character, and he often finds himself torn between his duty and his heart.

Furthermore, Artos suffers many personal losses throughout the novel. His closest companions and friends, including Bedwyr and his foster brother Cei, are killed in battle. These losses weigh heavily on Artos, and he begins to question the worth of his cause. Despite these personal setbacks, Artos continues to fight, driven by his sense of duty and his desire to create a better world.

The Fall of Artos and His Dream

As the story progresses, Artos's dream of a united Britain begins to slip away. His brotherhood is fractured, and the Britons are unable to put aside their differences and unite against the common enemy. Artos himself is a broken man, physically and emotionally scarred by the years of war.

In a poignant final act, Artos realizes that his dream is unattainable. He takes his sword, Excalibur, and returns it to the Lady of the Lake, symbolically ending the age of heroes. The novel ends with Artos's death, and the realization that his vision of a united Britain will remain unfulfilled.

In Conclusion

In Sword at Sunset, Rosemary Sutcliff presents a gritty, realistic portrayal of the Arthurian legend. She strips away the magical elements and presents us with a man, Artos, who is driven by his ideals but ultimately defeated by the harsh realities of his world. It is a powerful and moving retelling of the Arthurian story, one that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.