any years earlier, Merlin had a dream which foretold the birth and reign of Arthur. The dream also predicted that Arthur was to find a magic sword. So Merlin brought Arthur to the shore of a lake, where a hand holding a beautiful sword reached out of the water. It was the Lady of the Lake. Arthur took the sword, which was named Excalibur.

The Lady of the Lake told Arthur that the sword was meant for him alone, and that it would serve him well. But she also told him that when he dies, the sword must be returned to the lake. Arthur agreed.

Arthur and Merlin then parted ways. Arthur went to rule his kingdom, and Merlin retired to a cave under the mountains where he would study for many years.