The Once and Future King is a work by T. H. White based upon the 1485 book "Le Morte d'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Malory. It was first published in 1958. It collects and revises shorter novels published from 1938 to 1940, with much new material.
Introduction
The Once and Future King
The Once and Future King | Introduction
T.H.White. T. H. White' T. H. White. T. H. White
when did the arthurian legends reach their height of popularity
user
With the outbreak of the Second World War.
assistant
who was he?
user
He was a legendary British leader who, according to medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries.
assistant
who was he married to?
user
Sorry. I cannot find the answer based on the context.
assistant
any novel in which his romance tradition is continuing in 20th century?
user
"The Once and Future King", "Arthur Rex", and "The Mists of Avalon".
assistant
who was the author of the first one mentioned above?
user
The Once and Future King is a work by T. H. White based upon the 1485 book "Le Morte d'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Malory. It was first published in 1958. It collects and revises shorter novels published from 1938 to 1940, with much new material.
The Once and Future King | Introduction
Terence Hanbury "Tim" White (29 May 1906 – 17 January 1964) was an English author best known for his Arthurian novels, "The Once and Future King", first published together in 1958. One of his most memorable is the first of the series, "The Sword in the Stone", published as a stand-alone book in 1938.
T. H. White | Introduction
Other examples include Stephen R. Lawhead's novel "Avalon: The Return of King Arthur" (1999), featuring a reincarnated Arthur who rises to restore the British monarchy as it is about to be abolished. In "Vinland Saga", a manga on the Viking invasion and rule of England, the character Askeladd, a Norwegian-Welsh half-blood, recounts the tale of his true king and ancestor, Lucius Artorius Castus and his glorious return from Avalon to save Britannia.
King Arthur's messianic return | Modern adaptations
Most of the book takes place in "Gramarye", the name White gives to Britain, and chronicles the youth and education of King Arthur, his rule as a king, and the romance between Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere. Though Arthur, if he existed at all, would have ruled some time around the 6th century, the book is set around the 14th century (and Arthur is portrayed as an Anglo-Norman rather than a Briton), and the actual monarchs of that period are referred to as "mythical". The book ends immediately before Arthur's final battle against his illegitimate son Mordred. Though White admits his book's source material is loosely derived from "Le Morte d'Arthur", he reinterprets the epic events, filling them with renewed meaning for a world recovering from World War II.
The Once and Future King | Summary
In the adventure with Robin Hood in the original book, the outlaws take the boys to attack the cannibal Anthropophagi and the Wart kills a Sciopod. In the 1958 version, the boys lead an attack on Morgan le Fay's Castle Chariot and Kay kills a griffin. The revisions reflect White's preoccupation with political questions in "The Once and Future King", and generally give the first part of the work a more adult flavour.
The Once and Future King | Plot
The author T.H. White covered this topic extensively in the Arthurian novel "The Once and Future King". Merlin teaches young Arthur to challenge this concept; Arthur, after assuming the throne, attempts to tame violence in his realm.
Might makes right | References in literature
In the latter half of the 20th century, the influence of the romance tradition of Arthur continued, through novels such as T. H. White's "The Once and Future King" (1958), Thomas Berger's tragicomic "Arthur Rex" and Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" (1982) in addition to comic strips such as "Prince Valiant" (from 1937 onward). Tennyson had reworked the romance tales of Arthur to suit and comment upon the issues of his day, and the same is often the case with modern treatments too. Bradley's tale, for example, takes a feminist approach to Arthur and his legend, in contrast to the narratives of Arthur found in medieval materials, and American authors often rework the story of Arthur to be more consistent with values such as equality and democracy.
King Arthur | Modern legend
The Sons of Avalon Saga is a series of Arthurian Legend novels, by American novelist, Dee Marie. The first book in the series, "Sons of Avalon, Merlin’s Prophecy", begins with the birth of Merlin, and ends with the conception of King Arthur. Future books in the series explore the birth and life of King Arthur and his court.
The Sons of Avalon Saga | Introduction
The Coming of the King: The First Book of Merlin is a 1988 historical fantasy novel by Nikolai Tolstoy drawing upon Arthurian legend and more broadly, Celtic and Germanic mythology. The novel is the first in an as-yet unfinished trilogy. Tolstoy is also the author of the 1985 nonfiction "The Quest for Merlin", which explores the historical roots of Merlin.
The Coming of the King | Introduction
The author emphasizes the glory and idealism of Arthur's court at Camelot, but the ultimate futility of any attempt to ignore human nature and sinfulness. The book is written in an archaic style appropriate to the subject, but with a witty and engaging tone. It is essentially respectful of the Arthurian tales while putting a more modern, even somewhat rueful imprint on them. For instance, the wizard Merlin makes occasional anachronistic references to such things as aircraft, viruses and nuclear power, but always couched in period-appropriate terms, reminiscent of T.H. White's characterization of Merlin, in "The Once and Future King," published in 1958.
Arthur Rex | Major themes
In the novel "The Once and Future King", by T.H. White, a reference is made that states "before King Arthur had made his chivalry, the Knight of the Tower Landry had been compelled to warn his daughter against entering her own dining hall in the evening unaccompanied – for fear of what might happen in the dark corners". In the novel "Timeline", by Michael Crichton, a reference is made which states
Geoffroy IV de la Tour Landry | Cultural references
The Queen of Air and Darkness is a fantasy novel by English writer T. H. White. It is the second book in his series "The Once and Future King". It continues the story of the newly crowned King Arthur, his tutelage by the wise Merlyn, his war against King Lot, and also introduces the Orkney clan, a group of characters who would cause the eventual downfall of the king. The original second book in the series was The Witch in the Wood, published in 1939. It has the same general outline as the replacement work, but is substantially longer and most of the text is different.
The Queen of Air and Darkness | Introduction
White reinterprets the traditional Arthurian characters, often giving them motivations or traits more complex than or even contradictory to those in earlier versions of the legend. For example: White allows Sir Thomas Malory, in the form of a young page named Tom, to have a cameo appearance towards the end of the final book. Due to his living backwards, Merlyn makes many anachronistic allusions to events in more recent times; of note are references to World War II, telegraphs, tanks, and "an Austrian who … plunged the civilized world into misery and chaos" (i.e. Adolf Hitler). A veiled reference to Nazism also occurs when Sir Agravaine suggests setting up an organisation of "National Communists" who use Jews as a scapegoat and have the fylfot as their badge.
The Once and Future King | Characterization in the work
The Ill-Made Knight is a fantasy novel by British writer T. H. White, the third book in the series "The Once and Future King". It was first published in 1940, but is usually found today only in collected editions of all four books of the novel.
The Ill-Made Knight | Introduction
The story starts in the final years of the rule of King Uther Pendragon. The first part, "The Sword in the Stone", chronicles Arthur's upbringing by his foster father Sir Ector, his rivalry and friendship with his foster brother Kay, and his initial training by Merlyn, a wizard who lives through time backwards. Merlyn, knowing the boy's destiny, teaches Arthur (known as "Wart") what it means to be a good king by turning him into various kinds of animals: fish, hawk, ant, goose, and badger. Each of the transformations is meant to teach Wart a lesson, which will prepare him for his future life.
The Once and Future King | Plot
Floyd C. Gale praised "The Sword in the Stone" as "blithely comic and entirely delightful", stating that it was "in utter contrast to the mounting tragedy" of the other three volumes of the series. Fantasy historian Lin Carter wrote, "... the single finest fantasy novel written in our time, or for that matter, 'ever' written, is, must be, by any conceivable standard, T. H. White's "The Once and Future King". I can hardly imagine that any mature, literate person who has read the book would disagree with this estimate. White is a great writer."
The Once and Future King | Reception
However, on the cusp of a united peaceful Britain, Arthur's decision to marry Guinevere plunges the island into war again.
The Winter King (novel) | Introduction
The story begins in the year 972, when Romieux de Provence, a young nobleman descended from Charlemagne and King Alfred, leaves his native Kingdom of Arles for England and the royal court of Edgar I. After being shipwrecked on the coast of Cornwall, Rumon encounters Merewyn, a teenage girl who claims to be a descendant of King Arthur. Merewyn leads him to her house, where Merewyn's dying mother, Breaca, reveals to Rumon that in fact, Merewyn is the product of her rape by a Viking warrior. This is later confirmed by the Prior of Padstow Monastery, who witnessed the Viking raid.
Avalon (novel) | Plot summary
Maleagant appears in modern retellings like Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" and T. H. White's "The Once and Future King" (as Sir Meliagrance).
Maleagant | Modern fiction
Set during the reign of Edward III of England in the 14th-century, the novel follows the romance between Joan of Kent and Edward's eldest son, Edward, the Black Prince.
The First Princess of Wales | Plot summary
The First Princess of Wales (originally published as Sweet Passion's Pain) is a 1984 historical fiction novel by American author Karen Harper. Set during the 14th-century, it follows the romance between Joan of Kent and Edward, the Black Prince.
The First Princess of Wales | Introduction
The Forever King is a fantasy book written by Molly Cochran and Warren Murphy, the authors of "Grandmaster", which reached #3 on The New York Times bestseller list. "The Forever King" is the first in the Forever King Trilogy. The second title is "The Broken Sword: King Arthur Returns" while the third book is called "The Third Magic". Robert Jordan, author of "The Dragon Reborn" calls "The Forever King" "a fresh and exciting view of the Arthur legend.” Set in modern and medieval times, the antagonist Saladin has lived through many of the world's ages by using the Holy Grail...
The Forever King | Introduction
The first recension of the poem is believed to have been written in Kent or the London area in the second half of the 13th century, making it the oldest known English Arthurian romance. The second recension dates from the 15th century. The name of the original author is unknown, but stylistic, thematic, dialectal and other similarities have led some scholars to believe that he was the same poet who wrote the romances "King Alisaunder", "Richard Coer de Lyon", and perhaps "The Seven Sages of Rome". Scholars often treat this romance as having been intended for a popular audience, but it has also been argued that it was aimed at the gentry or even at children.
Of Arthour and of Merlin | Date, authorship and audience
Later, however, Harper felt the romance between Edward and Joan in her novel better resembled the "longtime, sometimes secret love between Prince Charles and Camilla", as the author felt both couples faced opposition from their respective families.
The First Princess of Wales | Development
First King of Shannara is a 1996 epic fantasy novel by American writer Terry Brooks.
First King of Shannara | Introduction
In the early years before Camelot, we meet the stable boy who would later become the once and future King, Arthur, who was motivated to fulfill his prophecy of finding Excalibur at a very early age, which he would follow through as an adult years later (33 years before the Storybrooke residents' arrival, including 28 years of Regina's Curse), when he pulled the sword out the stone. While he proclaimed to his kingdom that he had found the entire sword, Arthur, like Merlin, only spoke in half truths, as the King left out the part about the sword being split in half, after he shows a portion from the case.
The Broken Kingdom | In the Characters' Past
The Book of Merlyn is an Arthurian fantasy book by British writer T. H. White. It is the conclusion of "The Once and Future King", but it was published separately and posthumously.
The Book of Merlyn | Introduction
Merlyn instills in Arthur the concept that the only justifiable reason for war is to prevent another from going to war and that contemporary human governments and powerful people exemplify the worst aspects of the rule of Might. White revised the original "Sword in the Stone" heavily for the four-part book in 1958. He took out the wizards' duel between Merlyn and Madame Mim, the adventure with T. natrix the snake, and the episode with the giant Galapagas. The first of those was replaced with the adventure of the ants. In the Wart's adventure with Merlyn's owl, Archimedes, the boy Arthur becomes a wild goose instead of visiting the goddess Athena.
The Once and Future King | Plot
1300) and the Red Book of Hergest (c. 1380-1410). In the text's question-answer form, a succession of "future" kings is prophesied, with Idwal among them. This succession agrees with the historical genealogies from father to son, but does not agree with the known royal succession.
Idwal Iwrch | Introduction
This novel covers the time from when Arthur Pendragon first becomes king to the time Merlin, now getting on in years, begins to lose his powers and becomes a sort of master spy to assist King Arthur as he begins the task of uniting all of Britain. Arthur is now King and hard at work establishing Camelot as the center of government and authority. A few ambitious lords from other parts of Britain have designs on Arthur's throne, and Merlin is kept busy preventing them from doing so. Having unwisely taken Morgause (his half-sister) to his bed as a very young man after his first battle and victory, Arthur is now the father of Mordred.
The Last Enchantment | Plot summary
This book is based mostly on the Middle English poem Alliterative "Morte Arthure", which in turn was heavily based on Geoffrey of Monmouth's "Historia Regum Britanniae". Caxton's print version is abridged by more than half compared to Malory's manuscript. Vinaver theorized that Malory originally wrote this part first while without knowledge of French romances. In effect, there is a time lapse that includes Arthur's war with Claudas and the birth of Galahad from Book V. The opening of Book II finds Arthur and his kingdom without an enemy. His throne is secure and his knights including Gawain have proven themselves in battles and quests.
Le Morte d'Arthur | Book II (Caxton V)
Of Arthour and of Merlin, or Arthur and Merlin, is an anonymous Middle English verse romance giving an account of the reigns of Vortigern and Uther Pendragon and the early years of King Arthur's reign, in which the magician Merlin plays a large part. It can claim to be the earliest English Arthurian romance. It exists in two recensions: the first, of nearly 10,000 lines, dates from the second half of the 13th century, and the much-abridged second recension, of about 2000 lines, from the 15th century. The first recension breaks off somewhat inconclusively, and many scholars believe this romance was never completed.
Of Arthour and of Merlin | Introduction
He recognizes the problem with identifying the father with Roger I of Tosny and follows an alternative reconstruction that would make the Iberian crusader a distinct Roger de Tosny, nephew of Roger I.
Stephanie, Queen of Navarre | Possible first marriage
Arthur Rex: A Legendary Novel is a 1978 novel by American author Thomas Berger. Berger offers his own take on the legends of King Arthur, from the heroic monarch's inauspicious conception, to his childhood in bucolic Wales, his rise to the throne, his discovery of the great sword Excalibur, his establishment of the Knights of the Round Table, his long and honorable reign, and his heroic death in battle against the evil Mordred, his bastard son.
Arthur Rex | Introduction
The King's Damosel (also known as The King's Damsel) is a fantasy novel based on Arthurian legend by Vera Chapman first published in 1976. It served as the inspiration for the 1998 Warner Bros. film "Quest for Camelot". It is part of the "Three Damosels" trilogy, along with "The Green Knight" and "King Arthur's Daughter".
The King's Damosel | Introduction
The first novel was published in 2004. The series continues after the death of Alfred, as his heirs consolidate the nation. The most recent novel, "Sword of Kings" was the twelfth in the series, and was published in October 2019. On 5 March 2020, Cornwell announced on social media that the 13th book will be titled "War Lord", and will be the final novel in the series. "The Last Kingdom" and "The Pale Horseman" were the basis for the first series of the television series, "The Last Kingdom", while "The Lords of the North" and "Sword Song" were the basis for the second series.
Bernard Cornwell | Saxon Stories/The Last Kingdom
"The Queen of Air and Darkness" is the second book in the four-part work "The Once and Future King" which chronicles White's own version of the legend of King Arthur. Although it is the shortest book in the series, it is a vital point in the story for several reasons: The novel begins with the four Orkney children, Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth, telling each other stories late at night. As they speak, it becomes clear that they have great respect and love for their mother, the beautiful Queen Morgause, although she does not devote herself entirely to motherhood, but has a desire to understand and unlock her magical powers whilst her husband, King Lot, is off to war against King Arthur.
The Queen of Air and Darkness | Plot
He travels north to Powys, where he is formally betrothed to Ceinwyn. However, when King Leodegan's daughter Guinevere enters the feasting hall, Arthur is immediately stricken with love. He abandons Ceinwyn and marries Guinevere, destroying any hope of alliance and plunging Britain back into civil war.
The Winter King (novel) | Part Two: The Princess Bride
Chaos ensues as Rome abandons Britain, leaving native Britons alone to defend their shores from the growing Saxon invasion. Set in 5th Century Britain, this retelling of the traditional legends of Merlin, King Arthur, and Avalon, blends a mixture of historical fact with Arthurian fantasy. The tale spans the mysterious birth of Merlin, climaxing with the conception of Arthur, the legendary future king of Britain. A young Merlin advises three High Kings: to fight through the bedlam, fight for the right to rule, fight to save the future treasure of Britain!
The Sons of Avalon Saga | Plot summary
Mortimor, in love with Elinor de Montfort, disturbs the masquerade and battles Friar Hugh ap David as a proxy for Lluellen.
The Famous Chronicle of King Edward the First | Scene 8
The Orc King is a fantasy novel by American writer R. A. Salvatore, the first book in the Transitions series.
The Orc King | Introduction
The Candle in the Wind is a fantasy novel by British writer T. H. White, the fourth book in the series "The Once and Future King". Written in 1940, it was first published in 1958 in the collected edition. It deals with the last weeks of Arthur's reign, his dealings with his son Mordred's revolts, Guenever and Lancelot's demise, and his perception of right and wrong.
The Candle in the Wind | Introduction
Here Be Dragons is a historical novel written by Sharon Kay Penman published in 1985. The novel is the first in a trilogy known as the Welsh Princes series set in medieval England, Wales and France that feature the Plantagenet kings.
Here Be Dragons | Introduction
When Kay is old enough to be knighted, Ector's young ward serves as his squire. In "The Once and Future King" T. H. White says his lands lie in the "Forest Sauvage"; some later writers have used this as well.
Sir Ector | Introduction
Friar Hugh ap David cheats a Farmer at cards and gets King Edward to take his side. In battle, King Edward downs Lluellen, and David downs Mortimor.
The Famous Chronicle of King Edward the First | Scene 11
Birth of the future Edward II in a tent in Wales, making him the first Prince of Wales. Elinor is angry at Edward for not offering her or his son enough honor, demanding that all English men will cut their beard and all English women will cut off their breasts.
The Famous Chronicle of King Edward the First | Scene 10
Arthur is also said to have been betrayed by one of his advisers, and Riothamus was betrayed by one of his supposed allies. Finally, the Arthurian romances traditionally recount that King Arthur was carried off to Avalon (called "insula Auallonis" by Geoffrey of Monmouth, the first author to mention the legendary isle) before he died; Riothamus, after his defeat at Déols, was last known to have fled to the kingdom of the Germanic Burgundians, perhaps passing through a town called Avallon (which was within Burgundian territory and not far from Bourges).
Historicity of King Arthur | Riothamus
Lady of Avalon is a 1997 historical fantasy novel by American writers Marion Zimmer Bradley and Diana L. Paxson. It is the sequel to "The Forest House" and the prequel to "The Mists of Avalon".
Lady of Avalon | Introduction
Ancestors of Avalon is a 2004 historical fantasy novel by American writer Diana L. Paxson, and illustrator Dominic Harman, based on an idea of Marion Zimmer Bradley. The book is one of 7 prequels to Bradley's fantasy novel "Mists of Avalon". The characters of Ancestors of Avalon have appeared earlier in Bradley's fantasy novel "The Fall of Atlantis". "Ancestors of Avalon" is the missing link to the implied connection to the mythical Atlantis in Bradley's Avalon-series.
Ancestors of Avalon | Introduction
John Dee gets visited by Elizabeth I of England in Mortlake. She implies she wants to do some research on "our royal ancestor" King Arthur. Subsequently, her Secretary of State Sir William Cecil assigns him to seize King Arthur's bones. This would finally refute the still popular myth of King Arthur's messianic return. Sir William Cecil wants to have Arthur's bones "formally presented" to the Queen by Dee, who HRH considers "her Merlin".
The Bones of Avalon | Part 1
The novel begins at the end of the story. The prologue leads you to know how Guinevere came to write the story of her and Arthur, and the Knights. Guinevere is in a convent when Lancelot comes to her telling her of Arthur's death and deterioration of Britain. Lancelot tells her that he had a vision of Merlin telling him to go to her and ask her to write down the story of her life, and the life of Arthur. He says that it isn't meant for the people of today, but a future generation of Britons. The novel then opens with Guinevere's birth, and a prophecy that was told to her father the night she was born.
Queen of Camelot | Plot summary
The Winter King: A Novel of Arthur is the first novel of the "Warlord Chronicles" trilogy by Bernard Cornwell, originally published in the UK in 1995 by Penguin Group. The book is based on characters and plot elements from Arthurian myth, but considerably changed and re-worked. The novel is divided into five parts narrated by the protagonist, Derfel Cadarn. A former warrior sworn to Arthur and now an elderly monk, Derfel tells the story of how Arthur became a warlord in Dark Age Britain despite illegitimacy to the throne. After being banished to Armorica by his father, the High King Uther Pendragon, Arthur returns to protect the new king, his infant nephew Mordred.
The Winter King (novel) | Introduction
She relates this to the "once and future king" concept with the introduction of the quest that forms the overall theme for the series: the search for Eliander, a Carotian prince magicked away long ago to a place outside normal space-time. In the second book, "Tapestry of Enchantment," Dragon Moon Press, 2010 this theme of the once and future king comes to the fore when the one character from a world outside the Carotian Union (the system Eliander's return is meant to save) discloses that he believes he is living in the time of his own world's Promised One; his search for this Promised One becomes a strong theme in the series and become the pivot point of the sequel.
Baháʼí Faith in fiction | Karen Anne Webb's "Adventurers of the Croatian Union" series
The two series of works for which he is known best, his Merlin saga and the Tales of the Werewolf Clan, were both started during the "Weird Tales" period. "King of the World’s Edge", the first Merlin novel, was written as early as 1925. On publication (Weird Tales, 1936) it was compared favorably to the stories of Robert E. Howard, of whose fiction Munn confessed to being a great admirer. The novel starts in the last days of King Arthur, and follows the adventures of Myrdhinn (Merlin) and a Roman centurion, who leave Britain for new lands to the West, and find themselves in the kingdom of the Aztecs.
H. Warner Munn | Early career
Thus Arthur, "the once and future king", is an illegitimate child (though later legend, as found in Malory, emphasises that the conception occurred after Gorlois's death and that he was legitimated by Uther's subsequent marriage to Igraine). This act of conception occurs the very night that Uther's troops dispatch Gorlois. The theme of illegitimate conception is repeated in Arthur's siring of Mordred by his own half-sister Morgause in the 13th century French prose cycles, which was invented by them; it is Mordred who mortally wounds King Arthur in the Battle of Camlann.
Uther Pendragon | Introduction
The Pendragon Cycle is a series of historical fantasy books based on the Arthurian legend, written by Stephen R. Lawhead. The cycle was originally planned as a four-book series, but the original publisher opted to stop after the first three books, resulting in "Arthur"'s rather abrupt ending and the existence of many unexplored stories and plotlines. Lawhead moved to a new publisher a few years later and it decided to expand on the trilogy by finishing the series and two additional books were planned. The later book "Avalon" is not considered to be a true addition to the cycle, but rather a 'related semi-sequel' to round out the "Once and Future King" aspect of the legend.
The Pendragon Cycle | Introduction
The book is divided into four parts: A final part, called "The Book of Merlyn" (written 1941, published 1977), was published separately following White's death. It chronicles Arthur's final lessons from Merlyn before his death, although some parts of it were incorporated into the final editions of the previous books. Although it does conclude the story of Arthur, "The Book of Merlyn" had also been the workshop in which White first wrote the adventures with the ants and the geese. Much of it became redundant once they were transferred to the revised "The Sword in the Stone". But as the only text in which all Arthur's animals were brought together, and the final parts of his life were related, lovers of the story would not like to lose it.
The Once and Future King | Summary
Kirkus Reviews finds the author has improved on the first book with this novel: A second, even smoother medieval adventure for Brother Cadfael ("A Morbid Taste for Bones")—once a Crusader and man of the world, now an accomplished herbalist at the monastery in 12th-century Shrewsbury, a town racked by civil war. King Stephen has conquered, his enemies have all been massacred, but—while preparing these nameless bodies for Christian burial—Cadfael finds one to be the victim of a more personal sort of murder. So he tries to identify both victim and murderer... while aiding two heroic young people on the lam.
One Corpse Too Many | Critical reception
The Guinevere trilogy is a trilogy of historical novels written by Persia Woolley about the Arthurian legend from the first-person perspective of King Arthur's wife, Guinevere.
Guinevere trilogy | Introduction
"The Mists of Avalon" is a generations-spanning retelling of the Arthurian legend that brings it back to its Brythonic Celtic roots (see Matter of Britain). The plot tells the story of the women who influence King Arthur, High King of Britain, and those around him. The book's protagonist is Morgaine, priestess of Avalon, who is King Arthur's half-sister. Their mother, Igraine, is married to Uther Pendragon after Morgaine's biological father, Gorlois, is killed in battle. Rumors spread in Avalon that before Igraine knew her husband Gorlois was killed, Uther consulted with Merlin who used his magic to transform the king into the likeness of Gorlois and thus gain access to Igraine at Tintagel.
The Mists of Avalon | Plot
The narrative is mainly based on the Prose "Merlin" in the version from the Post-Vulgate "Suite du Merlin" (possibly on the manuscript Cambridge University Library, Additional 7071). Arthur is born to the High King of Britain (Malory's "England") Uther Pendragon and his new wife Igraine, and then taken by Sir Ector to be secretly fostered in the country after the death of Uther. Years later, the now teenage Arthur suddenly becomes the ruler of the leaderless Britain when he removes the fated sword from the stone in the contest set up by the wizard Merlin, which proves his birthright that he himself had not been aware of.
Le Morte d'Arthur | Book I (Caxton I–IV)
The Avalon series is set in the same universe as Bradley's first novel, "The Fall of Atlantis", originally published as the novellas "Web of Light" and "Web of Darkness". The pagan religious order of priests and priestesses in this novel influences the later conception of Avalon. Several characters in the story, including the sisters Domaris and Deoris and their children Micail and Tiriki, are implied to have been reincarnated as later characters in the Avalon series. More overt connections are established by Diana L. Paxson, who continued the history of the surviving Atlanteans in "Ancestors of Avalon" and referenced their deities in "Sword of Avalon".
Avalon Series | Connection to other works
The King's Peace is a fantasy novel by Welsh-Canadian writer Jo Walton, published by Tor Books in October 2000. The first of Walton's published novels, it is also the first of three "Sulien" novels. It was followed in 2001 by a sequel, "The King's Name", and in 2002 by a prequel, "The Prize in the Game". The novels are a reinterpretation of the story of King Arthur.
The King's Peace (novel) | Introduction
"King Alisaunder" dates from the end of the 13th century or the early 14th century, and is based on the Anglo-Norman "Roman de Toute Chevalerie". The name of the author is not known, but he probably lived in or around London, and he is thought by some to have also written the romances "Richard Coer de Lyon", "Arthour and Merlin" and "The Seven Sages of Rome".
King Alisaunder | Composition and authorship
One Good Knight (2006) is the second novel in the Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms series by Mercedes Lackey. Characters from the first novel "The Fairy Godmother" are either mentioned or appear as secondary characters.
One Good Knight | Introduction
Arthur has been featured in several historical fiction novels, such as "The King's Pleasure", by Norah Lofts, "Three Sisters, Three Queens" by Philippa Gregory and "Katherine, The Virgin Widow", by Jean Plaidy. In "The Constant Princess", by Philippa Gregory, Catherine promises Arthur to marry his brother, thus fulfilling not only her own destiny of becoming Queen of England, but also the couple's plans for the future of the kingdom. "The Alteration", by Kingsley Amis, is an alternate history novel centred on the "War of the English Succession", during which Henry VIII attempts to usurp the throne of his nephew, Stephen II, Arthur and Catherine's son.
Arthur, Prince of Wales | Popular culture
Priestess of Avalon is a 2000 novel by American writer Marion Zimmer Bradley, completed posthumously by Diana L. Paxson. It follows detailing the life of Helena, first wife of Western Roman Emperor Constantius Chlorus and mother of Constantine.
Priestess of Avalon | Introduction
This trend towards placing Arthur in a historical setting is also apparent in historical and fantasy novels published during this period.
King Arthur | Modern legend
Although pre-dated by John Ruskin's "The King of the Golden River" (1841), the history of modern fantasy literature is usually said to begin with George MacDonald, the Scottish author of such novels as "The Princess and the Goblin" and "Phantastes" (1858), the latter of which is widely considered to be the first fantasy novel ever written for adults. MacDonald was a major influence on both J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. The other major fantasy author of this era was William Morris, an English poet who wrote several novels in the latter part of the century, including "The Well at the World's End".
Fantasy | Modern fantasy
Queen of the Summer Stars is a 1991 novel by Persia Woolley and is the second volume of the Guinevere trilogy that relate the Arthurian legend from the perspective of Guinevere. The novel introduces Lancelot and also outlines King Arthur's victory at the Battle of Badon Hill as well as his betrayal by his halfsister Morgan la Fay, the death of Merlin and the death of Morgause by her son Agravain Guinevere takes in and raises Mordred Morgause and Arthur's son after Mordred is revealed to Guinevere as King Arthur's son.
Queen of the Summer Stars | Introduction
Æthelstan: The First King of England is a 2011 non-fiction book written by Sarah Foot about Æthelstan. The book aims to be an extensive biography about the reported First King of England, including his family life and the relationship he had with his numerous half-brothers. It discusses his role during the turbulent time for the Kingdom of Mercia, Wessex and Northumbria.
Æthelstan: The First King of England | Introduction
Though its popularity was never remotely comparable to that of Geoffrey's "Historia Regum Britanniae" it did have a noticeable influence on medieval Arthurian romance, and has been drawn on by modern writers such as Laurence Binyon and Mary Stewart.
Vita Merlini | Introduction
The Summer King is a fantasy novel by O. R. Melling about twin sisters and the Irish fairy world. It was first published on June 30, 1999, and is the second book in the Chronicles of Faerie series, the first being The Hunter's Moon, the third being The Light-Bearer's Daughter, and the fourth and last being The Book of Dreams.
The Summer King (novel) | Introduction
King Javan's Year is a historical fantasy novel by American-born author Katherine Kurtz. It was first published by Del Rey Books in 1992. It was the eleventh of Kurtz' Deryni novels to be published, and the second book in her fourth Deryni trilogy, The Heirs of Saint Camber. Although the Heirs trilogy was the fourth Deryni series to be published, it is a direct sequel to the second trilogy, The Legends of Camber of Culdi.
King Javan's Year | Introduction
Friar Hugh, halter about his neck, says his farewell to the dead Lluellen, but he is captured by Mortimor at the bidding of Queen Elinor.
The Famous Chronicle of King Edward the First | Scene 17
In this case, Morgaine is presented as a woman with unique gifts and responsibilities at a time of enormous political and spiritual upheaval who is called upon to defend her indigenous heritage against impossible odds. The story is told in four large parts: "Book One: Mistress of Magic", "Book Two: The High Queen", "Book Three: The King Stag", and "Book Four: The Prisoner in the Oak". The novel was a best-seller upon its publication and remains popular to this day. Bradley and Diana L. Paxson later expanded the book into the "Avalon" series.
The Mists of Avalon | Introduction
The King's Way () is a novel by the French author Françoise Chandernagor first published in 1981. It is the story of Françoise d'Aubigné, marquise de Maintenon, who in the 17th century was almost the queen of France. It follows her destiny, from her birth in a prison in Niort and her poor childhood, to a marriage to a disabled poet, and her life in the court of Louis XIV, king of France, where she became his companion and finally his wife.
The King's Way (novel) | Introduction
Igraine says that she is becoming a Christian nun and moving to Glastonbury. She says that she wants to seek repentance for betraying Gorlois long ago and being twice widowed. Morgaine is startled by this news and distressed. Meanwhile, Arthur has been given a Christian Princess as his bride. As Arthur introduces his bride to Lancelot, she is revealed to be Gwenhwyfar. Lancelot and Gwenhwyfar are bewildered by this twist of fate, and have an awkward first meeting. Arthur then happily reunites with Morgaine. But soon, Arthur naively reveals that he was the King's Stag at the Beltane feast. Morgaine, shocked that she'd made passionate love to her own brother, cries in despair and shame.
The Mists of Avalon (miniseries) | Part III: Arthur is crowned
The first six novels of "Les Rois maudits" were published in France by Del Duca between 1955 and 1960, and the final volume was released by Plon in 1977. The initial six books were first issued in English (translated by Humphrey Hare) between 1956 and 1961, by Rupert Hart-Davis in the United Kingdom and by Scribner's in the United States, with periodic reprints through the 1980s. Between 2013 and 2015, HarperCollins reissued the entire series in print and audiobook, including the last installment "The King Without a Kingdom", which had never previously been published in English.
The Accursed Kings | Novels
It is a two-part text, the first dealing with England in the decades before the Norman Conquest (1066) and the activities of the family of Godwin, Earl of Wessex, and the second dealing with the holiness of King Edward. It is likely that the two parts were originally distinct. The first book is a secular history, not hagiography, although book ii is more hagiographic and was used as the basis of later saint's lives dedicated to the king, such as those by Osbert of Clare and Aelred of Rievaulx.
Vita Ædwardi Regis | Introduction
This, and other aspects of his reign, made Ashe propose him as a candidate for the historical King Arthur, with Avallon becoming the Arthurian Avalon. No ancient source mentioning Riothamus places him anywhere near Avallon and Geoffrey of Monmouth, who is the first to mention "the isle of Avalon" (Latin "insula Auallonis") and based his description of the isle on Classical descriptions of the Fortunate Isles, is explicit that it was an island in the western seas. In Geoffrey's day (and, indeed, going all the way back to geographers of antiquity), the Fortunate Isles were identified with the Canary Islands.
Avallon | King Arthur and the French Avallon theory
David is drawn on a hurdle with Mortimor and officers, accompanied by Friar Hugh, the Novice, the Morgan Pigot the Harper, and Lluellen's head on a spear.
The Famous Chronicle of King Edward the First | Scene 22
Despite Merewyn meeting with her aunt Merwinna at the coronation, Queen Alfrida refuses to let her go to Romsey Abbey, and instead employs Merewyn. A few years later, Rumon starts an illicit affair with Queen Alfrida, who is living in Corfe Castle after her husband's death. Merewyn learns of the affair, and leaves the employment of the Queen for Romsey Abbey. Rumon then witnesses Queen Alfrith's treachery and deception, which leads to the murder of the young King Edward in 978. Alfrida plans Edward's death in order to give the throne to her own son Æthelred, and promptly dumps Rumon after her plan succeeds.
Avalon (novel) | Plot summary
Introduction of the Welsh characters and their plot against England, including the comic relief group of Friar Hugh ap David, Morgan Pigott the Harper, and Jack the Novice.
The Famous Chronicle of King Edward the First | Scene 2
Britomart reveals to the Redcrosse Knight that she is pursuing Sir Artegall because she is destined to marry him. The Redcrosse Knight defends Artegall and they meet Merlin, who explains more carefully Britomart's destiny to found the English monarchy. Britomart leaves and fights Sir Marinell. Arthur looks for Florimell, joined later by Sir Satyrane and Britomart, and they witness and resist sexual temptation. Britomart separates from them and meets Sir Scudamore, looking for his captured lady Amoret. Britomart alone is able to rescue Amoret from the wizard Busirane. Unfortunately, when they emerge from the castle Scudamore is gone. (The 1590 version with Books I–III depicts the lovers' happy reunion, but this was changed in the 1596 version which contained all six books.)
The Faerie Queene | Summary
Kingdom of Summer is the second book in a trilogy of fantasy novels written by Gillian Bradshaw. The novel tells of the ascendancy of King Arthur and the planting of the seeds of his downfall. The tale is recounted by Rhys ap Sion, a Dumnonian farmer who becomes the servant of Gwalchmai ap Lot (the hero of the preceding book, "Hawk of May").
Kingdom of Summer | Introduction
The largely fictional stories of ancient Britain written by Geoffrey of Monmouth use the names of many historical personages as characters, and the use of these names is a literary convenience made in order to advance the plot of Geoffrey's stories. One of these stories uses the names of Cadfan and other contemporary people, telling of how a certain Edwin spent his exiled youth at the court of King Cadfan, growing up alongside Cadfan's son, the future King Cadwallon. There is no historical basis for this story, as is readily acknowledged in the preface of works on the subject. Nevertheless, a "traditional" story arose blending Geoffrey's fiction with known history, implying that the future King Edwin of Northumbria had actually spent his youth at the court of King Cadfan, growing up alongside Cadfan's son, the future King Cadwallon.
Cadfan ap Iago | Fictionalization by and after Geoffrey of Monmouth
In 1870 the Scottish Arthurian scholar John Stuart-Glennie published "The Quest for Merlin", the first in a projected but uncompleted cycle of five dramas collectively entitled "King Arthur; or, The Drama of the Revolution". Set during the reign of Vortigern, it promotes the author's creed of "Nature-worship of Heathenism and the Fraternal Sentiment of Christianity", which is to be embodied in Merlin. One of its characters is Ganieda, who tells her brother that "Merlin" (1889), is a verse play by Professor John Veitch, with only three characters: Merlin, "Gwendydd (The Dawn) - His twin sister", and "Hwimleian (The Gleam) - His early love".
Gwenddydd | Modern literature
The original novel which inspired the series, "The Mists of Avalon" (1983) is set in Sub-Roman Britain. It focuses primarily on Morgaine, half-sister to King Arthur and priestess of Avalon. Morgaine's desire to preserve the matriarchal pagan religion of her people leads her to develop an enmity for Christianity, a newly rising power in Britain, and to come into conflict with her brother. In addition to Morgaine's story, the novel focuses on other Arthurian women, including Arthur's mother Igraine, Viviane, the High Priestess of Avalon, and Arthur's queen, Gwenhwyfar, whose Christian piety leads to further conflict with Morgaine.
Avalon Series | The Mists of Avalon
The novel was first published in 1984 as "Sweet Passion's Pain" by Zebra Books before being re-released as "The First Princess of Wales". Three Rivers Press published it in paperback in December 2006. In a 2006 review, "Publishers Weekly" praised the author for "breath[ing] a lust for life into history's distant icons" and for "keep[ing] the tension taut as she weaves together the many subplots into a first-rate epic. Love prevails in a grand fashion at the end."
The First Princess of Wales | Release and reception
This begins the second part of the miniseries. Morgaine, convinced by Morgause, decides to return to Camelot. Arthur has become the great king everyone has hoped for, and Gwenhwyfar is beginning to grow distressed at her inability to produce the son Arthur needs to succeed him. Arthur assures Gwenhwyfar that they are still young and have years to bear children. Morgaine returns to Camelot and is greeted by Arthur. She is introduced to Sir Accolon, a pagan Knight of the Round Table and son of the elderly pagan King Uriens of North Wales. Accolon and Morgaine are drawn to each other.
The Mists of Avalon (miniseries) | Part V: Morgaine returns to Camelot
Merlin explains that the father of the great king would be wearing a dragon on his arm, but Igraine will not listen. Morgaine has a vision, seeing her father dead. Viviane notes that Morgaine has "the Sight". The High King, Ambrosius, summons his nobles to a feast to name his successor, Uther Pendragon. Igraine is immediately drawn to Uther; Gorlois interrupts their discussion jealously.
The Mists of Avalon (miniseries) | Part I: Igraine and Uther
How much earlier than this it existed is still debated. It did, in fact, remain a powerful aspect of the Arthurian legend through the medieval period and beyond. So John Lydgate in his "Fall of Princes" (1431–38) notes the belief that Arthur "shall resorte as lord and sovereyne Out of fayrye and regne in Breteyne" and Philip II of Spain apparently swore, at the time of his marriage to Mary I of England in 1554, that he would resign the kingdom if Arthur should return. A number of locations were suggested for where Arthur would actually return from. The earliest-recorded suggestion was Avalon.
King Arthur's messianic return | Origins
The film's opening text establishes that King Arthur (Sean Connery) of Camelot, victorious from his wars, has dedicated his reign to promoting justice and peace and now wishes to marry. However, Malagant (Ben Cross), a Knight of the Round Table, desires the throne for himself and rebels. The film opens with Lancelot (Richard Gere) a vagabond and skilled swordsman, dueling in small villages for money. Lancelot attributes his skill to his lack of concern whether he lives or dies. Guinevere (Julia Ormond) the ruler of Lyonesse, decides to marry Arthur partly out of admiration and partly for security against Malagant, who is shown raiding a village.
First Knight | Plot
The Accursed Kings () is a series of historical novels by French author Maurice Druon about the French monarchy in the 14th century. Published between 1955 and 1977, the series has been adapted as a miniseries twice for television in France. American author George R. R. Martin called "The Accursed Kings" "the original game of thrones", citing Druon's novels as an inspiration for his own series "A Song of Ice and Fire".
The Accursed Kings | Introduction
The Famous Chronicle of King Edward the First, sirnamed Edward Longshankes, with his returne from the holy land. ALSO THE LIFE OF LLEVELLEN rebell In Wales. Lastly, the sinking of Queen Elinor, who sunck at Charingcrosse, and rose againe at Pottershith, now named Queenehith. is a play by George Peele, published 1593, chronicling the career of Edward I of England.
The Famous Chronicle of King Edward the First | Introduction
Avalon is a 1965 novel by the American author Anya Seton. It is a fictional story about Saint Rumon and Merewyn, set against a broad historical background of Anglo-Saxon England and the Viking expansion to Iceland and Greenland. It follows their journey and acceptance into the English royal court, Merewyn's kidnapping by Vikings, Rumon's epic search for her and their ultimate reunion back in England.
Avalon (novel) | Introduction
In an epilogue to the novel, set many years later, three men stand watching the funeral cortège after Lincoln's death. "There goes the first American" says one. The young British attaché replies, "I dare say you are right, Professor, but I think it is also the last of the Kings."
The Path of the King | Plot
Sharon Penman called the novel "a wonderful book [...] [that] breathes new life into an ancient legend." Books called the novel "A uniquely compelling novel which is bound to have a resounding and lasting impact on Arthurian fiction."
The Kingmaking | Introduction
The other three novels in the series are "The Island of the Mighty" (1936), "The Children of Llyr" (1971), and "The Song of Rhiannon" (1972). The novel is a retelling of the story of the First Branch of the Mabinogion, "Pwyll Pendefig Dyfed" ("Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed"), and hence is chronologically the first of Walton's Mabinogion novels, though published last.
Prince of Annwn | Introduction