Lady of the Lake - mystic figure in charge of Excalibur. Source of wisdom as Merlin was.
3 Queens - We don't find out who these women are, but they are entrusted with King Arthur's body at his final moments. They board a barge and sail away to who knows where.
Guinevere - Guinevere, a woman Arthur believed to be ideal and true, is a main cause for the battle that kills Arthur. Her ethereal qualities are unmasked to leave her just a mortal woman. When she realizes this, she enters a convent as penitence for her sins and misdeeds.
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King Arthur does everything possible to be assured that Excalibur makes it to the Lady of the Lake. As he is dying, he has Sir Bedivere take the sword to the lake, but doesn't tell him why. Three times Sir Bedivere goes, but doesn't do as commanded. When he finally does, the Lady of the Lake reaches forth from the water and takes the sword. This is, in a way, symbolizing how important women were as they are given very precious pieces of the story. Arthur could've easily given Excalibur to the best of his knights, but chose instead to return it to the safe-keeping of the Lady. Just as it was entrusted to him, he knew she would entrust it, when designated, to another brave and wise recipient.
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