Le Morte d’Arthur · Character

Uther Pendragon

Arthur's father, the former king of Britain.

minor

Also known as King Uther, Uther, King Uther Pendragon

First appearance: Book I

Uther Pendragon shows up with force in Book I. The page is where that presence becomes real.

King of Britain, father of Arthur, dies at the beginning of the chapter after warring against the Duke of Cornwall.

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In Book I: King of Britain, father of Arthur, dies at the beginning of the chapter after warring against the Duke of Cornwall. Later, in How Uther Pendragon Sent for the Duke of Cornwall and Igraine His Wife: King of…

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See Uther Pendragon in Book I

Character Web

6 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Supporting and legendary figures
Central tragic figures
Royal and advisory figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Uther Pendragon appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book I
King of Britain, father of Arthur, dies at the beginning of the chapter after warring against the Duke of Cornwall.
How Uther Pendragon Sent for the Duke of Cornwall and Igraine His Wife
King of all England, falls sick from love and anger over Igraine.
How Uther Pendragon Made War on the Duke of Cornwall
King Uther, with Merlin's aid, disguises himself to lie with Igraine and begets Arthur; later marries Igraine.
Of the Birth of King Arthur and of His Nurture
King Uther acknowledges himself as Arthur's father, reassures Igraine, and arranges for the child's fostering with Sir Ector as advised by Merlin.
Of the death of King Uther Pendragon
King Uther falls sick, leads his army despite illness, wins a battle, and on his deathbed declares Arthur his heir.
How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.
Mentioned by Merlin as Arthur's father, begotten on Igraine after the duke's death.
XXIII
Invoked by Arthur when swearing by his father's soul in his defiance of Rome.
The Sword and the Damosel
His death is referenced as the event preceding Arthur's reign.
XI
Mentioned as having wedded Igraine after the Duke of Tintagil, father of Arthur.

Chapter companion notes

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See Uther Pendragon in Book I