Artoria Pendragon is the legendary King Arthur of British folklore, reimagined as a female knight. Chosen by the mystical sword Excalibur, Artoria ruled Britain as its king while concealing her gender to fulfill her duties. Her noble goal of uniting the kingdom came at the cost of her own personal happiness, leaving her burdened with regrets over the kingdom’s eventual downfall. After her death at the Battle of Camlann, Artoria’s soul was bound to the Holy Grail as a Heroic Spirit, granting her the opportunity to fight in the Holy Grail Wars.

In Fate/Zero, Artoria is summoned by Kiritsugu Emiya, who seeks to use her strength in the Fourth Holy Grail War, though their clashing ideals strain their partnership. In Fate/stay night, she becomes the Servant of Shirou Emiya during the Fifth Holy Grail War, where their dynamic varies depending on the route: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, or Heaven’s Feel.

Artoria has a striking and regal appearance, characterized by her blonde hair tied in a bun, bright green eyes, and a slender yet athletic build. Her iconic outfit includes a blue and silver suit of armor, symbolizing her status as a knight, paired with a flowing blue cape. In combat, she wields Excalibur, a holy sword that radiates a golden light when unleashed. In her Saber Alter form, Artoria’s design changes dramatically, with darker armor, pale skin, and a corrupted version of Excalibur, reflecting her transformation into a fallen knight.

Artoria embodies the ideals of chivalry and selflessness, prioritizing the greater good above her own desires. She is a noble and disciplined warrior, often stoic but deeply compassionate. Her grea internal conflict arises from her regrets as a king, believing her reign to have been a failure. This fuels her determination to use the Holy Grail to undo her perceived mistakes. When corrupted into Saber Alter, her personality becomes cold and ruthless, a stark contrast to her usual noble demeanor.

Fate/Zero
In the Fourth Holy Grail War, Artoria is summoned by Kiritsugu Emiya. Their conflicting philosophies on heroism and morality cause significant tension. Artoria’s role is pivotal in battles against formidable foes, including Rider (Iskandar) and Berserker (Lancelot). Her ultimate goal is to use the Holy Grail to rewrite history and save her kingdom from ruin.

Fate/stay night
Artoria’s role varies across the story’s three routes:

• Fate Route: She forms a strong bond with Shirou Emiya, serving as his loyal Servant while exploring her own humanity.
• Unlimited Blade Works: Artoria’s contract with Shirou is broken by Medea, and she later becomes Rin Tohsaka’s Servant.
• Heaven’s Feel: Artoria is corrupted by the Black Shadow, transforming into Saber Alter and becoming the Servant of Sakura Matou.

Fate/Grand Order
Artoria is summoned by Ritsuka Fujimaru as a unique Guardian rather than a traditional Servant. Her role in the Grand Orders conflicts highlights her enduring status as a Heroic Spirit across multiple timelines and realities.

• Kiritsugu Emiya
  Her Master during the Fourth Holy Grail War, though their relationship is strained due to conflicting ideals.

• Shirou Emiya
  Artoria forms a deep bond with Shirou during the Fifth Holy Grail War, particularly in the Fate route, where their connection drives much of the story’s emotional core.

• Rin Tohsaka
  Becomes Artoria’s Master in the Unlimited Blade Works route, showcasing a different dynamic from her partnership with Shirou.

• Sakura Matou
  Artoria is corrupted and bound to Sakura as Saber Alter in the Heaven’s Feel route.

• Lancelot (Berserker)
  Their tragic history as knight and king is revisited during their confrontations in the Fourth Holy Grail War.