The Mists of Avalon: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Mists of Avalon: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate dynamics of the characters within Marion Zimmer Bradley's retelling of the Arthurian legends, framed through a feminist lens. The narrative centers around Morgaine, a priestess and half-sister to King Arthur, who embodies the complexities of ancient pagan beliefs in a world increasingly dominated by Christianity. Morgaine's journey highlights her role as a guardian of the old ways, working to unify Britain's forces against invaders while also confronting the limitations imposed by her lineage and religious transformation.
Viviane, the Lady of the Lake, serves as a pivotal figure who orchestrates significant marriages to foster the emergence of a powerful leader, King Arthur, while also mentoring Morgaine in her sacred duties. Igraine, Morgaine's mother, navigates her own sacrifices and loves, contributing to Arthur's lineage through her union with Uther Pendragon. Arthur himself is portrayed as a destined leader, shaped by his upbringing and the mystical gifts he receives, including Excalibur.
Gwenhwyfar, Arthur's wife, embodies the struggles of a woman caught between her duties as queen and her personal turmoil, accentuated by her inability to bear an heir. Together, these characters reflect themes of power, sacrifice, and the clash between ancient traditions and emerging Christian ideals, inviting readers to explore the rich tapestry of their interconnected stories.
The Mists of Avalon: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Marion Zimmer Bradley
First published: 1982
Genre: Novel
Locale: Britain and the legendary Holy Isle of Avalon
Plot: Fantasy
Time: Perhaps the sixth century a.d.k
Morgaine, the principal narrator, a priestess of the ancient Mother Goddess and half sister of King Arthur. Later Christian myth called her Morgan le Fay, which equates her mythologically with the death aspect (Fate) of the Triple Goddess. This story, however, follows the Arthurian tradition that she was a human being, trained in the ancient wisdom (considered witchcraft by Christians). She is known in her maturity as Morgaine of the Fairies. In the context of this tale, the fairies are the original Celtic peoples, a small-statured, dark race overwhelmed by the Roman legions and driven into remote wild places. Though often despised and feared by Christians, they were valuable allies in the attempt to defend Britain from marauding Norsemen and Saxons. The Romans already had abandoned Britain to its several regional kings. Morgaine is an instrument of the Goddess in both the protective unification of Britain's forces under one king and the destruction of that king when he ceases to defend the religion of the Goddess from narrow-minded Christian priests.
Viviane, known as the Lady of the Lake, or the Lady of the Holy Isle of Avalon, a high priestess of the Old Religion. Early in this saga, Viviane arranges a marriage between her young half sister Igraine and Gorlois, the Romanized Duke of Cornwall. Viviane's secret purpose is to promote a savior king capable of commanding allegiance from all of Britain, both pagan and Christian. Viviane chooses Igraine's firstborn child, Morgaine, as her successor and trains her on Avalon to beapriestess.
Igraine, Viviane's half sister. Though raised on the Holy Isle, she has been sacrificed to the will of the Goddess in her loveless marriage to Gorlois, many years her senior. After the death of her first husband, however, she attains the great love of her life by marrying Uther Pendragon, a great warrior and champion of the native tribes who becomes high king of Britain. Igraine and Uther Pendragon share visions suggesting a series of reincarnations in which they were mated repeatedly as priestess and Druid, following their mysterious emergence from the sea as survivors of the lost Atlantis. From this physical and spiritual union comes the child who will be King Arthur.
Arthur, who is often cared for in early childhood by his sister Morgaine. He is adopted into the court of another king when he is slightly older. This was a custom among royalty, a device that provided a boy with foster brothers and protected him from too much coddling at a time when he must learn the arts of war and diplomacy appropriate to leadership. The young Arthur learns his lessons well, particularly the ability to make lasting friendships among his peers, who later become the loyal knights of the Round Table. His later kingmaking, a pagan rite of great antiquity, reinforces his military prowess as well as ensuring that the Celtic tribes will follow him as their sacred king. Viviane herself gives him the great sword, Excalibur, for which Morgaine embroiders a beautiful scabbard, interwoven with magic spells that will prevent him from bleeding to death of battle wounds.
Gwenhwyfar, Arthur's wife. She becomes high queen of Britain as part of a politically arranged marriage. One could hardly find a more beautiful woman to complement the splendid King Arthur. The king is pleased with her and loyal to her throughout his reign. She cannot, however, perform the most important duty expected of a queen—providing a son to inherit his father's throne. She suffers several spontaneous abortions, a pattern that mortifies her. She was somewhat neurotic from childhood, reared in a Christian convent where she learned to fear exposure to the open sky or to nature. She is a devout Christian, internalizing the Christian doctrine that women are responsible for bringing sin and death into the world. Her zeal to perform the proper role of a good Christian wife is further mocked by an erotic obsession with Arthur's best friend, the handsome Lancelet.