1. The Lady of the Lake: One of the most popular stories involves King Arthur pulling the sword from a magical lake. In some versions, the sword is bestowed upon him by the Lady of the Lake, a powerful enchantress. When Arthur reaches for the sword, it willingly comes to him, granting him the divine right to rule.
2. Uther Pendragon: Another version suggests that Excalibur was originally wielded by King Uther Pendragon, Arthur's father. After Uther's death, the sword was placed in a mysterious stone, and only the rightful king could extract it. Arthur proves himself worthy by drawing the sword from the stone, symbolizing his claim to the throne.
3. Merlin the Magician: In some legends, Merlin the Wizard is credited with bringing Excalibur to Arthur. Merlin enchants a sword, imbuing it with supernatural powers, and gives it to Arthur as a gift, recognizing his destined role as the king of Britain.
4. Caliburn: In some older Welsh tales, Excalibur is known as "Caliburn," a sword forged by a skilled blacksmith. It is believed that Caliburn was passed down through generations before coming into the possession of King Arthur.
5. Avalon: In certain versions, Excalibur is associated with the mystical island of Avalon. Legend has it that after King Arthur's final battle, Sir Bedivere returns Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake at Avalon. By returning the sword, Arthur's kingdom is promised an era of peace and prosperity.
It's important to note that these origins are derived from various literary works, folklore, and medieval legends over time. Different versions of the Arthurian tales exist, and the story of Excalibur varies depending on the source and interpretation.