Sherwood Forest is a setting in the early history of Arthur’s reign, associated with the castle of Bedegraine and with Merlin’s return to the king after the great battle. Its appearances connect the record of Arthur’s victories with the continuing adventures and warnings that unfold beyond the court.

Setting and association with Bedegraine

After the great battle, Merlin leaves Arthur and the allied kings to visit his master, Bleise, in Northumberland. When Merlin later returns to Arthur, the king is at Bedegraine, described as one of the castles standing in Sherwood Forest. The forest is thus established not simply as open country but as the setting for a royal residence during the aftermath of conflict.

Merlin’s record of Arthur’s battles

Before returning to Bedegraine, Merlin recounts the great battle to Bleise, including how it began, who took part, how it ended, and which side suffered the defeat. Bleise writes the account word by word. The same passage explains that Merlin has Bleise record all the battles of Arthur’s days and the deeds of the worthy knights at Arthur’s court. Sherwood Forest therefore frames a return to the king after Merlin has helped preserve the events of the realm in written form.

Merlin’s return to the king

Merlin arrives at Bedegraine disguised so thoroughly that Arthur does not recognize him: he wears black sheepskins and large boots, carries a bow and arrows, and brings wild geese. The arrival takes place on the morning after Candlemas Day. His request for a gift and his claim that great treasure lies buried where the battle was fought prompt Arthur to treat him as a churl, until Ulfius and Brastias identify him. Arthur is astonished, while Merlin’s disguise becomes a source of amusement to the king and his companions.

A later encounter on the forest road

In a later episode, Arthur rides out before dawn, having arranged for his horse and armor to be brought outside the city. At daybreak he finds three churls pursuing Merlin and drives them away. Merlin tells Arthur that he could have saved himself, but warns that Arthur is nearer to death than he is. As they continue together, they come to a fountain and a richly appointed pavilion, where an armed knight waits. The encounter moves from Sherwood’s surroundings into another trial for Arthur, while Merlin’s warning casts the king’s journey in a darker light.