"He is remembered in the stars - Arcturus and Telyn Idrys -
and the mountains do not forget."
___ John Matthews, "The King's Moon Rite"
The title that medieval legend gave to King Arthur was Rex Quondam Rexque Futurus - literally, "The King Who Was and the King Who Shall Be." If we look at the unfolding story of King Arthur as he moves from Celtic warlord to medieval king, from a figure of myth and legend to the refiguring of the archetype within the many novels and stories of our own era, we recognize a potent legend that has given Arthur's name long life and glory beyond the days of his actual existence.
The need for the only heroic is one that seizes every generation. We hunger after heroes who win through great odds, titans whose stories bring hope in dark and difficult times. Those who have heroic capability soon pass beyond the limits of their own lives; they become invested with the regalia of sovereignty - the weapons, tools, and emblems of the qualities by which they are known and to which they are entitled by right of intention, deed, and common consent. Even if heroic qualities are innate in someone, however, that person becomes a hero only if he assents to live beyond the limits of one existence.
Those who have experienced the inspiration of heroes in their lives know the reality of these deathless ones, those who stand by our side and show us how to go through motions of heroism when we stand friendless and in need. There is an undying sovereignty in every heroic heart that causes us to say, "The king is dead!" and "Long live the king!" in the same breath.
From what unimaged futures will Arthur come among us again? He who is not dead, but resting in Avalon, is not a done-for king but a king of all our futurity.
"Which heroes - male and female - inspire you? How do their deeds and qualities live in you?"
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]
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