The Once and Future King contains much deliberately anachronistic humour, affectionate mockery of the source text and commentary on totalitarianism. The work explores human nature regarding power and justice. As the young Arthur becomes king, he attempts to quell the prevalent "might makes right" attitude with his idea of chivalry, even as he foresees the ascendancy of another form of might, namely legal prowess in the courtroom, and a form of fascism outside the courtroom.