Guide Note

The Sword in the Stone is the first book in the "The Once and Future King" series written by T.H. White. In the story, a young boy named Wart discovers his destiny as the true born King by pulling a magically embedded sword out of a stone.

The Sword in the Stone became the inspiration for Disney's 18th full length animated feature, the last to be released while Walt Disney was still alive.

Set in medieval times, the film tells the story of King Arthur at eleven years old. Arthur, then known as Wort, meets and receives instruction from the wise but somewhat forgetful old wizard Merlin, which includes a climactic battle between Merlin and the evil Madame Mim. During a momentous tournament, aspiring knight's squire Arthur unwittingly pulls the enchanted from it's stony prison, proving that he is the intended king.

Fast Facts

1. Original release date: December 25, 1963
2. Directed by: Wolfgang Reitherman
3. Duration: 79 minutes
4. Re-released to theaters on March 25, 1983
5. Released to DVD on March 20, 2001
6. Nominated for a "Best Music" Academy Award