The Knight in Rusty Armor

The knight, Squirrel, and Rebecca approach the Castle of Knowledge, which is larger and grander than the last castle. Squirrel and Rebecca enter with the knight, since “knowledge is for all” (46). The knight contemplates an inscription that asks him to question whether he loves his family or needs them. He begins to cry when he realizes that while he does need them, he prioritizes how they fulfill a need for him. He realizes he needs other people to love him because he doesn’t love himself. Merlin appears to congratulate him on gaining self-knowledge.

Rebecca finds a mirror that shows “the real you.” In it, the knight sees a man who is a “perfect specimen.” Sam says that his reflection in the mirror represents his potential. The knight initially feels sad at what he could have been, but then he realizes he can still be that way if he reclaims those attributes.

Squirrel takes him to an apple tree that will test his views on ambition. Merlin helps the knight realize there are different kinds of ambition. Ambition from the mind drives people to compete with one another and be discontent. Ambition from the heart doesn’t compete, instead allowing people to fulfill their potential to the benefit of all.