CASTLE OF WONDERS

 

The greatest treasure of the castle was its miraculous pillar, which brought the entire kingdom to life within its column.


Like the Castle of Maidens, the Castle of Wonders held many women captive within its walls. The castle and its 500 residents were bound by a powerful spell, cast by the Otherworldly magician, Klingsor.



Determined to release the women, Gawain entered the enchanted castle. Within its ornate hall stood an equally beautiful bed. Gawain approached teh bed, but as he tried to sit upon it, it moved of tis own accord. The knight, accepted the challenge, threw himself upon it, and held on with all his might. The possessed bed, hurled itself about the room, slamming into walls with tremendous force. As it came to rest, the shaken knight was subjected to a second ordeal. An ungodly rain of stones pelted down upon him, nearly knocking him senseless. This was followed by a deadly rain of arrows fired by a mechanised army of archers who were affixed to the wall of the hall. The bewildered Gawain could hardly believe what he saw, and found it harder still to believe he had survived. Lastly, the battered knight faced an enormous lion which burst into the hall. Gawain threw himself into battle with the giant cat, and in mustering all his strength overcame the beast. In doing so, he broke the enchantment that lay over the castle.



Eager to show their gratitude, the women of the castle led Gawain to the chamber which held the castle's treasures, the finest of which was a magnificent pillar. The magical pillar was like no other; one could view the entire kingdom within the column. Every creature, movement, stone, and stream could be seen upon its living surface.



It waas explained to Gawain that the kingdom, castle and its miraculous pillar could all be his if he agreed to stay with the women he had freed. Gawain was honored and grateful for the offer, but on careful consideration decided that his heart lay with his life as a Knight of the Round Table to which he then returned.



Ferguson, Anna-Marie. "Keeper of Words." 1995 Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, Minnesota. (259)

 

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