Unlimited Blade Works, Saber is one of the central characters and one of the most iconic figures in the series. Her true identity is Artoria Pendragon, also known as King Arthur.
Artoria Pendragon was the legendary King of Britain who pulled the sword Excalibur from the stone and united the land. In life, she was a king who ruled with honor and strength, but her reign was marred by tragedy and the eventual downfall of her kingdom.
Saber is known for her strong sense of duty, nobility, and unwavering resolve. She carries a sense of responsibility and pride in her role as a heroic spirit. Her demeanor is stoic and serious, reflecting her commitment to her ideals and her past struggles. Despite her outwardly stern and disciplined nature, she also has moments of vulnerability, particularly regarding her regrets and her desire to fulfill her duties as a king.
Saber Pendragon, also known as Artoria Pendragon, is one of the most iconic characters in the Fate series. Her story is deeply intertwined with both Arthurian legend and the unique narrative of the Fate franchise. Here’s a rundown of her background:
Identity: Artoria Pendragon, commonly known as King Arthur, is a legendary figure from British folklore. She is often depicted as the noble and virtuous ruler of Camelot, who wielded the famous sword Excalibur.
Reign: According to legend, Artoria was a young girl who, after pulling the sword from the stone, became the rightful king of Britain. Her reign is characterized by chivalry and the quest for justice, but it is also marked by personal sacrifice and tragedy.
Legacy: Artoria’s story is steeped in themes of honor, leadership, and the burden of destiny. Her end is often depicted as tragic, with her kingdom falling into disarray and her own life ending in sorrow.
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In the Fate series, Artoria Pendragon is portrayed as the Saber-class Servant in various storylines. Her role and the details of her life can differ somewhat depending on the specific iteration or adaptation:
Fate Series Legend
Fate/ Stay Night
Background: In this visual novel and anime adaptation, Artoria is summoned as a Saber-class Servant in the Fifth Holy Grail War. Her character is shown as a young woman with a strong sense of duty and a deep-seated desire to fulfill her ideals of justice.
Motivation: She is driven by a desire to correct the mistakes of her past and fulfill her role as a king properly, even though she harbors deep regrets about her reign and the consequences of her actions.
Persona: Her depiction is often one of internal conflict, struggling with her ideals and the reality of her past failures. She is both noble and deeply human, grappling with personal desires and the weight of her legendary status.
2. Fate/Zero:
Background: This prequel series explores her role as a participant in the Fourth Holy Grail War. The story delves into her motivations and the challenges she faces, showing her complex relationship with her master and her struggle to reconcile her ideals with the harsh realities of the world.
Persona: Here, Artoria’s character is explored more deeply, showing her sense of isolation and the emotional toll of her responsibilities. She is depicted as a tragic hero, bound by duty and her sense of honor.
3. Fate/Grand Order:
Background: In this mobile game, Artoria appears in various forms, including her original self and alternate versions such as "Saber Alter" and "Lancer Alter." Each version reflects different aspects of her character and explores various "what if" scenarios.
Persona: Her different forms reveal different facets of her personality, from the idealistic and noble King Arthur to more complex and darker versions, each offering unique insights into her character.
SABER'S WEAPON
Description: Excalibur is the most famous weapon associated with Artoria Pendragon. It is a powerful and legendary sword that symbolizes her kingship and valor.
Appearance: In most adaptations, Excalibur is depicted as a shining, sword with a distinctive cross-shaped hilt. It often radiates a powerful aura, reflecting its status as a divine weapon.
Ability: Excalibur has a Noble Phantasm, which is its ultimate attack. Known as Excalibur: Sword of Promised Victory, it unleashes a devastating beam of light that can obliterate almost anything in its path. The attack is both visually spectacular and highly destructive, representing Artoria’s ideal of a shining, unbeatable blade.
Description: Caliburn is the sword Artoria wielded before she obtained Excalibur. It is another legendary sword from Arthurian myth, though it is often overshadowed by Excalibur.
Appearance: Caliburn is generally depicted as a less ornate but still impressive sword, reflecting its role as a symbol of Artoria’s initial rise to kingship.
Ability: While Caliburn doesn’t have a Noble Phantasm in the same sense as Excalibur, it is still a formidable weapon and has its own magical properties. It is often seen as a stepping stone to Excalibur, marking Artoria’s growth as a ruler and warrior.
SABER'S ULTIMATE (NOBLE PHANTASM)