Final answer:
Arthur's statement 'Thank you sword, for saving me' is ironic as it credits the inanimate object with the victory that typically would be attributed to the knight's own skill and bravery. It personifies the sword, giving it agency and importance it does not inherently possess.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Thank you sword, for saving me' is considered ironic because typically, it is the skill and bravery of the knight or hero that accounts for their triumph, not the inanimate object like a sword. The statement gives the credit of the victory to the sword itself, as if it acted with its own will and power.
In historical and legendary contexts, such as the tales of Charlemagne and King Arthur, swords like Joyeuse and Excalibur are famous and may be seen as symbolically significant, but the irony lies in the fact that swords do not possess the agency to save of their own accord.
However, Arthur's act of thanking the sword could also illustrate a personification of the sword, attributing life and agency where there is none. This exaggerates the sword's importance over his own actions or qualities, thus resulting in an ironic expression of gratitude as one might express towards another human being or a deity.