Sophie-David
This is an intriguing card. The Legend Seven of Spears images a triumphal arch which honours Arthur and his opponents the twelve kings whom he defeated. A Keeper of Words notes that the ever industrious Merlin made copper and brass statues of Arthur and the twelve kings which were then gilded in gold. Each of the statues of the defeated kings held tapers which burned magically without being extinguished until Merlin died.
In the picture the gilded and illuminated statues of the kings look considerably larger and more impressive than the inset and non-illuminated statue of Arthur at the top of the arch. Although Arthur is placed above the kings, Merlin has devised a way of giving each one of those he defeated a significant monument: they may have been bettered in the field, but they are each worthy opponents. As the text suggests, this card is about
Two guards sit through the night's watch, perhaps chatting about their lives and adventures. Triumphal arches do not normally need guards, but their presence suggests that perhaps Merlin's magic tapers really did need replacing and lighting on a regular basis. Additionally, the valuable gold figures would have been vulnerable to theft, especially in the isolation of a forest path. The guards are probably also responsible for keeping the triumphal garland of flowers that adorns the top of the arch new and fresh. And lastly, the brazier centred in the arch not only accentuates its presence, but has the practical purpose of warming the guards or any travelers that may pass this way.
In the picture the gilded and illuminated statues of the kings look considerably larger and more impressive than the inset and non-illuminated statue of Arthur at the top of the arch. Although Arthur is placed above the kings, Merlin has devised a way of giving each one of those he defeated a significant monument: they may have been bettered in the field, but they are each worthy opponents. As the text suggests, this card is about
It is interesting that the arch is placed in a rural setting on a forest path, since most triumphal arches were situated in towns where everyone would see them daily. This arch seems to connect the victor more closely with the Land, celebrating the sacred union of Arthur the King and Britannia, the Land's Sovereignty or spiritual avatar.Promoting unity and encouraging all sides to work together for the common good.
Two guards sit through the night's watch, perhaps chatting about their lives and adventures. Triumphal arches do not normally need guards, but their presence suggests that perhaps Merlin's magic tapers really did need replacing and lighting on a regular basis. Additionally, the valuable gold figures would have been vulnerable to theft, especially in the isolation of a forest path. The guards are probably also responsible for keeping the triumphal garland of flowers that adorns the top of the arch new and fresh. And lastly, the brazier centred in the arch not only accentuates its presence, but has the practical purpose of warming the guards or any travelers that may pass this way.