I bought the book not long after it was published to add to my personal library of King Arthur books. She presents the familiar and beloved characters of the Arthurian legends portrayed slightly different than history has shown us - yet still with the powers, loves, and romanticism all lovers of Arthurian legends know and love to read about.

Bradley takes the reader through the magical, romantic lands of ancient Paganism, the lives of High Kings, their beautiful Queens, and early Christianity from the viewpoint of the heroic women behind the warriors and kings. Book one ends with Arthur’s coronation and Morgaine’s decision to leave Avalon.The Mists Of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley, is a magical and legendary story about the women in the life of King Arthur.The book tells the story of Camelot, Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, Lancelot, Merlin, and Arthur's half sister Morgaine, the high priestess who rules within the realm of magic and mysticism - and all the other memorable people in their lives.Īvalon is a mythological dream world that comes alive with the magic of Bradley's creative abilities and expressive writing. Enraged and shamed by what her aunt has done, Morgaine plans to rid herself of the child that has resulted from their union. Miserable, but duty-bound, she tricks Morgaine and Arthur into becoming lovers during the night of the ritual fires. In spite of her great love and hope for Morgaine, Viviane is driven by an unrelenting vision. Meanwhile, Morgaine, Igraine’s daughter by her first marriage to Gorlois, has come under the apprenticeship of Viviane at Avalon. Their only child, Arthur, is believed to be the last hope in the long standing war between Saxons and Romans. In Book One: Mistress of Magic, the Lady of the Lake-Viviane-brings about the marriage of her younger sister Igraine to Uther Pendragon. No passive by-standers, these earthy priestesses from Avalon literally breathe life into a musty, oft-told tale. White’s The Once and Future King, the author makes use of the prerequisites of the Arthurian legend: Excalibur, the Holy Grail, Lancelet’s illicit love for Gwenhwyfar, the destruction of Camelot, but with a twist-she presents the entire panoramic story from the female point of view.

The mists of avalon mistress of magic