The Once and Future King is an Arthurian novel written by T. In the magical epic of wizardly and war, King Arthur learns many valuable aspects of becoming a great king from Merlyn and animals. He is taught to be skillful in both mental and physical forms by many distinct animals living in diverse societies. Arthur then learns that power must be used for the better of things and to make good deeds. King Arthur, loved and admired by many, has the mentality of creating a country in which chaos is terminated. King Arthur creates a more civilized England by applying the lessons he learns from Merlyn and creates a Round Table in which helps protect the defenseless. .
In the beginning of the novel, Arthur is taught by many animals: the fish, merlin, ants, owl, wild goose and badger. Arthur terrified by what the Tench says, "There is nothing except the power which you pretend to seek all power and pitilessness springing from the nape of the neck"" (White, 52). The huge fish claims that the desire of power is the most important part of becoming a monarch. The reason why Merlyn brought Arthur into this environment is to show what he should not be. Arthur learns not to overpower anybody no matter the circumstances and that the reason to rule is to create peace and order to construct a civilized country. The ants agree with "might makes right."" They believe that as long as they have the ability to overpower their enemies or weak ones, they are meant to rule or to be king. This only resulted them into fighting with other ants, believing that it is their right to kill others while getting curious if others kill them. Merlyn wanted to show Arthur how the kingdom he longs for may turn out horrifically if he rules over it with the desire for power and the belief of being greater and stronger than everybody else. This would only result in battles, corruption and violence.
Arthur not only sees the negative intentions of rulers, but he also learns positive aspects of what a ruler should be.
