Read the passage. right so came an adder out of a little heathbush, and it stung a knight in the foot. … and anon he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought none other harm. and when the host on both parties saw that sword drawn, then they blew beams, trumpets, horns, and shouted grimly. … and king arthur took his horse and said, “alas, this unhappy day! ” and so rode to his party, and sir mordred in like wise. what is the main idea of this passage from morte d’arthur by sir thomas malory? king arthur attempts to slay, or kill, sir mordred. sir mordred fatally wounds king arthur. king arthur and sir mordred are expressing their distrust of each other. a knight kills a snake with his sword.

In this passage from Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory, the key word to understand the whole idea of the happenings is: adder, it means snake.

And if you still have doubts about the general idea of the passage and think that the first three options: “King Arthur attempts to slay, or kill, Sir Mordred”. “Sir Mordred fatally wounds King Arthur”.” King Arthur and Sir Mordred are expressing their distrust of each other.”  Can be correct, read this sentence:

“and so rode to his party, and Sir Mordred in likewise.”

None of the first three options can be posible if the two of the knights go together to a party afterwards.

The right answer is:

A knight kills a snake with his sword.

demonstrative would be the answer.