Strength
A major theme of the novel is strength. The narrative deals with the way that characters use displays of force as a means of establishing and defending their honor. The problems with this performative attitude are accentuated in the jousting scene between Pellinore and Grummore, where their initially respectful engagement devolves into taunts and childish fighting. Scenes like this one show how these knights and lords take part in posturing and are not actually particularly tough.
Absurdity of the Aristocracy
A major theme in the novel is the absurdity of the rank and privilege given to the landed aristocracy. While knights and lords were traditionally portrayed as noble and brave, White skewers this perception by writing upper-class characters like Kay and Sir Ector as bumbling, incompetent, and petty. In contrast, Wart demonstrates bravery and kindness. By highlighting this gap, White is able to underline the way in which being highborn does not determine (or particularly help) having strong character, and how the things that are given to them are not earned or tied to their values.
False Chivalry
White's portrayal of chivalry is similarly critical. While the courtly rules of this world are clearly delineated, White repeatedly shows knights behaving in a way that runs directly counter to this code. Sir Ector is irritated by the demands of the king's hunting party. Kay tries to take credit for Wart's removal of the sword from the anvil. In these moments, the knights' false appearance of chivalry is stripped away to reveal their more selfish motivations.
Mercy
Mercy is another key theme in the novel, as it deals with another aspect of being a just king. In his lessons with Wart, Merlyn shows him the benefits of choosing peace. Late in the novel, Wart is turned into a badger and meets a hedgehog who he intends to eat. He listens to the hedgehog sing a song and realizes that he once belonged to Merlyn. He decides to spare his life and seems to realize the importance of showing mercy, particularly to creatures who are weaker than him. This is an important lesson for him to learn, as he will eventually be required to exercise this same restraint as ruler.
Magic
Magic is another major theme in the novel, as Merlyn is shown practicing it repeatedly when he transforms Wart and himself into various animals and battles with a witch. Magic, as portrayed in the story, does not provide perfect, infallible solutions to the characters' problems. Instead, it works as a tool to assist them in various quests. When Merlyn takes the boys to see a giant, they have to firmly clasp hands to maintain invisibility. Likewise, when Wart becomes various animals, he still has to engage with their customs and earn their respect. In this way, magic functions as sort of a proxy for power itself, as it requires constant exertion from its holder and does not elevate them above having to engage with different beings.
The Value of Friendship
At the conclusion of the novel, as Wart attempts to lift the sword from the anvil, he initially struggles. However, when he tries again, he is able to pull it free as he hears the voices of his human and animal friends. The strength he derives from these relationships in this moment reveals the qualities that will make him a just ruler later in life. By appreciating this multitude of friends, he is shown to be able to embrace a variety of perspectives. Unlike the haughty Sir Ector and Grummore, Wart is strong because he is kind and compassionate.
True Inheritance
The final scenes in the novel deal with the nature of true inheritance. Wart is named King of England and is revealed to be King Pendragon's son after pulling a magical sword from an anvil. Comically, Kay and Ector cannot remove the sword from the anvil, even after Wart puts it back in to give them a chance. His kindness in this moment only further demonstrates that he was meant to be king all along, as they are entirely incapable of completing the task. The sword underscores the fact that Wart was always going to inherit this legacy, but first had to learn some important things about ruling a kingdom.
