EXCALIBUR The enchanted sword bequeathed by King Uther Pendragon on his death to any who could pull it from the stone into which he had thrust it. Uther knew that only his son could perform this feat, and indeed, Arthur drew the sword out on his fifteenth birthday, proving himself King of Britain. Near his own death, Arthur threw the sword into a lake, where it is said the lady of the lake retrieved it, holding it forever beneath the still waters.