Arthur, the illegitimate son of the king of Dumnonia, Uther Pendragon, is banished from the country by his father because of the death of his prince-brother in battle with the Saxons. Having found shelter across the sea in Brittany, he becomes a respected chief of the local tribe and does not wish to return to his homeland. Meanwhile, the king dies, and his death frees the hands of the traitors who had attempted to kill the prince and seize power. Merlin persuades Arthur to return.