Merlin

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The Arthurian Realm: The Madness of Merlin

Artist: William Blake – Public Domain – Source

This was first published as a two part article titled, British Legends: The Madness of Merlin (Part 1), on #FolkloreThursday.com, 24th, January, 2019, and British Legends: The Madness of Merlin (Part 2) on 31st January, 2019 by zteve t evans. Here it is published as one piece and the ending is different.

The Vita Merlini

The Vita Merlini, written by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the twelfth century, tells the story of Merlin after the Battle of Camlann where he ruled over South Wales, had a wife named Guendoloena and a sister named Ganieda.  Unlike many Arthurian stories, instead of glorifying war, it tells of the horrifying effect of war trauma on the individual and their families even one as famous and powerful as Merlin. The work was originally written in Latin and presented here is a retelling of the story from a translation by John Jay Parry (1).

After Camlann

After the Battle of Camlann, Arthur had been taken to Avalon and Britain split into many small kingdoms that fought among themselves. Merlin ruled over the South Welsh giving laws to the people and foretelling the future.  When Peredur of North Wales quarreled with Gwenddoleu, the King of Scotland, Merlin and King Rhydderch of Cumbria joined him against the Scots resulting in a savage battle.  Alongside Merlin were three brave brothers who had fought beside him in many ferocious conflicts.  They stormed through the enemy lines driving the foe back but eventually were overwhelmed by sheer numbers and slain.  Seeing his brave brothers-in-arms fall Merlin cried,

 “Where can I now find such brother-in-arms who have stood with me and fought the vicious foe?” 

Seeing blood and death all around he wept and lamented for all the dead and dying but the fighting continued unabated. 

The Britons rallied their troops and drove hard against the Scots forcing them to flee for their lives.  Seeing victory, Merlin called Peredur and Rhydderch to him telling them to bury the dead with honour, but then grief took him and he began to wail and cry, mourning the death of his comrades and so many brave warriors.

Madness in the Woods

Peredur and Rhydderch could not console him so great was his distress so they followed his instructions leaving him alone in his anguish.  As his cries rent the air his mind was taken by a fury and he fled into the woods where he found joy and peace in the quiet of the trees and hidden glades. Naked, he hunted animals and harvested the nuts, fruit, and roots surviving only from the gifts of the woods. He watched the animals and birds and learned of their ways and studied the trees and the plants and the natural world about him.

Winter came and food and shelter became hard to find and he struggled to survive.  He often talked out loud to himself about the problems he faced.  One day, while he was hidden among the trees and thickets, a traveller heard him and stopped to listen to what was being said.  To the surprise of the traveller when he approached, the wild man fled through the undergrowth faster than any animal.

Ganieda Seeks her Brother

William Blake [Public domain] (cropped) Source

After Merlin had fled to the woods, Queen Ganeida, Merlin’s sister and the wife of King Rhydderch, was greatly worried for his well being.  She sent searchers to the woods to look for him in the hope of bringing him back. The traveler had resumed his journey and meeting one these told of his strange encounter with a wild man and gave him directions to the scene of the incident.  The searcher thanked him and continued to the scene but Merlin had gone.  He searched all the wooded valleys and hidden glades and scoured the mountains searching places where few had ever trod.

The Fountain

At last, he came across a fountain hidden by hazel thickets and by the gushing water, naked and unkempt, sat the wild man of the woods, who sat talking to himself. Not wanting to alarm him the searcher hid behind a bush.  He was a good singer and played the lyre. Gently and softly he played the strings and sang softly of the mourning of Guendoloena for Merlin, her beloved husband and of the worry of Ganieda, for her brother.

The music and singing soothed Merlin’s soul and he stood to see where it came from. Seeing this, the singer slowly stood up still playing his lyre and repeated the song. The music stirred in Merlin pleasant memories of his wife and sister and was deeply moved by their love. He remembered who he was and what he had been and set aside his madness. He asked the searcher to take him to the court of his old friend King Rhydderch where they both lived.  

At the Court of King Rhydderch

As Merlin walked through the city gates, Ganieda and Guenedolena ran to meet him. They covered him in kisses and hugged him, making him feel greatly loved and he showed his own love to them.  Happily, they led him to the royal court where King Rhydderch received him with great honour.  Merlin seeing the vast crowd of people present and unaccustomed to human company, panicked and his madness returned. Desperately, he tried to escape to the sanctuary of the woods far away from the roaring of voices.

Rhydderch refused to let his old friend go.  He ordered him to be restrained and music played upon the lyre to ease his distress and begged him to stay offering expensive presents but Merlin told him he preferred the treasures of the woods.  Rhydderch worried about his safety in the wild and ordered him to be chained and Merlin fell silent and morose refusing to speak or smile to anyone.

Ganieda Unmasked

One day, Ganieda came looking for her husband who moved to embrace and kiss her affectionately.  Noticing a leaf caught in her hair he gently untangled it while lovingly chatting with her.  Merlin saw this, smiled knowingly and laughed.  This surprised the King and he urged him to say what was funny.  Merlin fell silent refusing to answer, but Rhydderch persisted with his question promising him gifts.  Merlin told him the freedom to return to the woods was the only gift he wanted and if he granted that he would tell him why he laughed. Knowing he had nothing to give that Merlin would value, Rhydderch finally agreed.

Therefore, Merlin said, “I laughed when I saw the affection you showed the Queen when you removed the leaf from her hair, when earlier, she lay under a bush with her lover, which is how the leaf got there.”

Shocked,  Rhydderch looked angrily at his wife.  Ganieda tried to conceal her shame by smiling and saying, “Take no notice of a raving madman who cannot tell lies from truth.  I will prove his madness!”

She called a young boy over saying, “Now dear brother, show us your powers of prophecy.  Tell us how this boy will die!”

Merlin said, “My dear sister, he shall die in manhood by falling from a cliff.”

Ganieda then told the boy to go and get his long hair cut short and put on different clothing.  When he returned thus disguised she made him stand before Merlin and said, “And now dear brother, tell the King what death you foresee for this boy!”

 Merlin replied, “This boy will grow up to meet death in a tree while his mind has shut out all reason.”

Ganieda turned to her husband and said, “This proves my innocence and my brother’s madness for the same boy cannot surely have two deaths. I will prove the point further! “

Taking the boy aside she told him to go and put on girl’s clothing and come back to her dressed in that way.  When he returned she presented him to Merlin saying, “Now, dear brother, tell us how this girl shall die!”

Merlin replied, “Girl, or not, death will be in a river!”

Rhydderch laughed at the three different deaths predicted for the same boy and was sorry he had doubted his wife.  Ganieda was greatly relieved, but deep inside she wept for her brother.  Rhydderch kissed and embraced his wife but inside he grieved for his old friend and brother-in-arms remembering his greatness.

Return to the Woods

Artist: William Blake – Public Domain – Source

Merlin went down to the city gates but Ganieda appeared and spreading her arms before him entreated him to stay.  He thrust her aside and strode on. Her servants tried to stop him but he simply glared down on them as if they were naught but impertinent little imps leaving them shuddering. 

Guendoloena came running through the streets and pushing all aside threw herself before him.  She wailed and wept, begging on her knees for him to stay, that they may live as man and wife again.  Merlin could not look upon her but Ganeida said, “Have pity on your wife who loves you and will die for you.  Would you have her live out the rest of her life in sorrowful longing for her husband?  Say the word and she will follow you to the forest and live as you live.  Say the word brother!”

Merlin bowed his head for a moment as if softening but then the madness in him spoke, “I will be free of her, free of you, free of love and its binding chains, therefore it is right that she be allowed her chance of happiness and marry a man of her own choosing, but beware should that man ever come near!  On her wedding day, I will come to her and give her my gifts.” His sister and wife watched his departure sorrowfully but marvelled how he could have known about the secret affair of the queen and both were convinced the three different deaths of the boy he had predicted proved his derangement. 

The boy grew into a young man and one day set off with friends hunting in the forest. The dogs roused a stag chasing it for many miles and he alone managed to keep up with the chase.  With the dogs hard on its heels the stag sought refuge in a high and rocky place.  In his excitement, the young man became oblivious to the dangers and urged his horse forward.  Coming suddenly to a high ledge looking down upon a river, his horse suddenly stopped throwing him over its head and over the cliff.  As he fell his foot caught in the branch of a tree that overhung the river leaving his body suspended in the air while his head was submerged in the water drowning him and fulfilling Merlin’s prophecy.

Guendoloena’s Wedding Gifts

Returning to the woods Merlin lived as the wild beasts lived.  Through the winter he suffered greatly from the cold, damp and the biting wind but preferred this to the wars and violence of corrupt kings, rejoicing in the absence of human society.

Years passed and one cold night when the stars were clear and bright the moon threw down its light to fall upon a high mountain.  Silhouetted against the magnificence of the heavenly vault a lone madman stood staring up at the sky studying the movements of the heavenly bodies.  He saw the intrigue, murder, the death of kings and all the great events of Britain.  From Venus came a double ray of light that was cut in two.  Knowing this told of Guendoloena’s wedding he set off to take her presents as he had promised.

He came across a stag and by talking soothing words it allowed him to climb upon its back and he rode through the woods with its does following in a long line. Arriving at the place of the wedding he made the beasts stand patiently and obediently while he called out, “Guendoloena! Guendoloena! Guendoloena! I have brought your wedding presents as I promised!”

Laughing at the sight of him upon the stag with the does in obedient line, she came running, marveling how he managed such a feat.

From a high window, the bridegroom looked down at the scene and seeing Merlin riding the stag laughed.  Hearing him, Merlin looked up and realizing who he was flew into a rage.  Grasping the antlers of the stag he wrenched them from their sockets and hurled them at the laughing bridegroom.   The antlers struck with great force embedding in his skull, killing him outright. 

Prophecies of Death

Frank Vincentz [Public domain] Source

Merlin fled upon the stag chased by servants.  The stag outran them until it reached a river which it leaped over, but Merlin slipped from its back into the water.  He was caught and taken to Ganieda at the royal court where he sat silent and morose refusing food and drink causing his sister great grief and worry.  Rhydderch ordered food be placed before him in the hope of tempting him but to no avail, so he ordered that Merlin should be taken for a walk around the marketplace in the hope seeing people and all the different goods and novelties might cheer him.

In the marketplace, Merlin saw a man of ragged appearance sitting before a door begging for money to buy new clothes.  Merlin stood looking at him, laughed and walked on.  Further on, he saw a man purchasing a new pair of shoes while also buying patches of leather.  Merlin stood and laughed and people stared.  Seeing them stare he refused to go on and the servants took him back to the palace and reported to the King.  Rhydderch, curious to know why Merlin had laughed offered to free him if he told him.

Merlin told him he had seen a man begging for coins to buy new clothes when he was sitting on a secret hoard of money. He was laughing at his audacity and the gullibility of people who gave to him and said, “Dig below where he sits and you will find his treasure.”

Next, he had seen a man buying new shoes and leather to patch them with when they became worn.  He had laughed at the irony and futility of the act as he was destined to die by drowning telling him, “He is now lifeless on the river shore.”

Rhydderch sent servants to search the river banks but went himself to where the ragged man sat and digging up the ground below him found his treasure.  His servants returned from searching the river and reported they had found the body of the man who brought the shoes.

Merlin was freed and made his way the gates where his sister caught up with him. She still loved him and begged him to at least see out the winter in comfort with her, but he told her,

“Dear sister, why do you fight to keep me?  Winter will be hard but not as hard as living among the savagery of people, therefore let me be.  But, if you will then build me a lodge in the remoteness of the woods where I may watch the movement of the stars and predict the fate of our people. You can visit me and bring me food and drink and keep me company.”

He left and Ganieda built a lodge for him and would bring food and drink and Merlin thanked her for that and for her company.   One day he told her she needed to return quickly to court as her husband was dying, but told her to come back after the burial with Taliesin who had recently arrived after visiting Gildas in Brittany.

Ganieda returned to court to find to her grief that Merlin had spoken truly.  After her husband’s funeral, she returned with Taliesin to Merlin’s lodge where she decided to live out her days.  Merlin and Taliesin talked of many things.  Merlin told him how they had taken the grievously wounded King Arthur to the Isle of Avalon after the battle of Camlann, leaving him in the care of Morgan le Fay.  He told him the story of the Kings of the Britons from Vortigern to Arthur and then foretold a long period of Saxon domination which would eventually lead to a return to British rule under Cadwalader after prolonged and bloody conflict.

The Healing Fountain

As he spoke one of his servants came rushing in excitedly announcing that a new fountain had gushed forth at the foot of the mountain. Merlin and Taliesin followed the servant to see the wonder.  Both marveled that it should have appeared so suddenly and sat down watching it flow.  Feeling thirsty, Merlin cupped his hands and drank from the fountain and then bathed his brow. As its pure water coursed through his body his madness left him and his reason returned.

Many princes and chieftains came to see the place where the wonderful waters had cured Merlin of his madness.  Seeing him whole and sane again they asked him to rule and guide them with his wisdom and knowledge.  Merlin refused and told them he now preferred his life in the woods to one in a royal court.

Maeldinus

Just as he finished speaking the air was rent by wild howls and cries and a madman rushed out of the woods towards them.  Seeing them he stopped suddenly and then ran around looking to escape.  He was quickly captured and brought before Merlin, who groaned for he knew the man and his heart went out to him understanding what he endured and said, “His name is Maeldinus.  He was my friend many years ago when he was a strong and noble knight. Having such friends I thought myself fortunate.”

He told how they had both been among a hunting party and finding a spring of fresh water they all sat down to rest and quench their thirst.  One of their party found a pile of apples and Merlin shared them out.  Although there was none left for him he was happy for them to enjoy the fruits. His friends all declared they were the finest apples they had ever tasted but their pleasure did not last long.  Soon they were howling wildly and running madly through the woods to become lost in the forest and that was the last time he had seen them and Maeldinus.  

He discovered the poison apples were placed there by a woman who had loved him but who he had spurned.  She had placed the apples for him to find intending revenge, but luckily he had not eaten one and was spared.  Finishing his story, he ordered his servants to make the man drink from the fountain.  They obeyed and the wildness fled from his eyes and intelligence and reason shone forth and he recognized Merlin and remembered who he was.  Merlin invited him to stay and serve him and Maeldinus was pleased to accept.  So Merlin now had his sister Ganieda and Maeldinus as companions and then Talisien spoke and said that he too would remain with him in the lodge.

Ganieda the Prophetess

After the death of her husband, Ganieda lived with her brother and his friends enjoying the closeness of nature and the companionship.  Sometimes she became of elevated spirit and would foretell events to come to her companions concerning the destiny of the Britons.  One day when the spirit came upon her she made a long prophecy concerning the wellbeing of Britain causing her companions to marvel and wonder.  Merlin spoke approvingly and with love telling her that the spirit that spoke to him had fallen silent and the task of foretelling the future was now given to her.

Geoffrey of Monmouth

At this point, Geoffrey brings Vita Merlini to an end saying.

“I have brought this song to an end.  Therefore, ye Britons, give a wreath to Geoffrey of Monmouth.  He is indeed yours for once he sang of your battles and those of your chiefs, and he wrote a book called “The Deeds of the Britons” which are celebrated throughout the world. “(2)

Although the works of Geoffrey of Monmouth are no longer considered as accurate reference books his influence on British culture cannot be denied and as cultural products of his time they are priceless and certainly he earns at least a bouquet.

Offering a Prayer

Instead of a tale of heroism and glory he gave us a very tragic human story concerning one of the most powerful, important and enigmatic characters of Arthurian tradition. It showed the love and dedication of family and friends supporting a sufferer of trauma through dark times.  Therefore, perhaps we can offer our own thoughts and prayers to our own divinities to comfort and heal those afflicted by inner anguish, torment or war trauma and offer support where ever we can.

© 24/01/2019 zteve t evans and #FolkloreThursday.com

References, Attributes and Further Reading

Copyright January 24th, 2019, zteve t evans and #FolkloreThursday.com

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Warrior Women — The Battle of Britomart and Radigund the Amazon Queen

1) Britomart – Frederic Shields, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This article was first published under the title of British Legends: Warrior Women — The Battle of Britomart and Radigund the Amazon Queen on #FolkloreThursday.com, 28/02/2019 by zteve t evans, and has been revised and edited by zteve t evans and different images added 23/04/2024.

The Faerie Queene

Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene, a monumental and unfinished poem published between 1590 and 1596, is a masterpiece that transports readers to a parallel universe of medieval times, offering a unique perspective on Elizabethan society. Through the intricate and richly detailed plot, Spenser alludes to historical events and notable figures, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of the human experience. The Faerie Queene is not merely a literary work but a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring legacy of great literature. Its influence can be felt in contemporary literature, and its message resonates with readers today, inspiring them to explore the world of fantasy and appreciate the many ways literature enriches our lives. Spencer draws on Arthurian influences, legend, myth, history, and politics, alluding to reforms and controversial issues that arose in the reigns of Elizabeth I and Mary I.

It is an allegorical work that both praises and criticizes Queen Elizabeth I, represented in the poem by Gloriana, the Faerie Queene. A knight represents the six human virtues of Holiness, Chastity, Friendship, Temperance, Justice, and Courtesy. Spencer raises many questions about Elizabethan society, especially about the role of women in maintaining the patriarchal order, represented by a spectacular battle between Britomart, the Knight of Chastity, and Radigund, the Amazon Queen. The following text summarizes the battle, discusses its implications, and ends with a question for the reader.

Britomart, the Knight of Chastity

2) Britomart by Walter Crane, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In the narrative, Britomart is a virgin female knight who personifies the virtue of Chastity and is associated with English virtues, particularly military prowess. The name “Brit” comes from “Briton” while “Martis” comes from the Roman god of war, “Mars”, meaning “warlike person”.

From an early age, she eschewed traditional feminine activities. Instead, she chose to train in using weapons and developing combat skills. She dressed in armour like a knight, behaved like a knight, fought like a knight, and wielded a magical black spear, becoming a formidable warrior.

After a long quest and many adventures seeking him, she finally married Artegall, the Knight of Justice, whom she had seen in Merlin’s magic-looking glass. Yet, as was often the way with knights, Artegall was bound to a quest that to abandon would bring loss of honour. Gloriana, the Faerie Queene, had given him the task of rescuing Lady Eirena from the tyrant Grantorto, and it was his chivalric duty to complete the quest or die trying. Despite her sorrow at his leaving, Britomart knew she had to allow him to complete it and looked forward to his return.

Queen Radigund, the Warrior Queen

On his quest, Artegall, accompanied by Talos, an iron man who helped him in the dispensation of justice, arrived in the country of the Amazons, ruled by Radigund, a warrior queen. Radigund fought against any knight entering her realm who would not submit to her will. After defeating them, she forced them to obey her every command or die. She made all defeated knights remove their armour and, against their will, wear female clothing, compelling them to work by spinning thread, sewing, washing clothes and other tasks those women usually did. If any refused or complained, she executed them. On hearing Artegall had arrived, Radigund challenged him to fight on the condition that the loser, if they lived, would obey the winner’s will. Artegall accepted, and a ferocious fight began.

The Battle of Radigund and Artegall

Radigund attacked him furiously, driving him back, but he struck her shield, splitting it in two. Enraged, she fought back viciously, badly wounding his thigh. Thinking she had him at her mercy, she taunted and mocked him. Now, it was his turn to be enraged, and he struck a decisive blow to her head, knocking her senseless to the ground. As he stooped to take off her helmet to decapitate her, he was stunned by her beautiful face and could not harm her. Instead, he threw away his sword, cursing that he had hurt such a lovely woman. Recovering her wits, Radigund sprang to the attack, driving him back. He could not return the blows, having thrown his sword away. He would not have done so anyway, perceiving it dishonourable to fight a female. Instead, he deflected her blows with his shield while pleading for her to stop fighting.

Artegall Surrenders

3) Artegall and Talos – Tate Britain, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

She refused and continued striking at him until he yielded, not wishing to harm her again. Despite his initial victory, by throwing his sword away and yielding, he was now bound by the terms he had agreed upon and was taken into the servitude of the Amazon Queen. She took his armour, dressed him in female clothing, and kept him prisoner, making him work at female tasks, which for a knight in those times was perceived as being demeaning and humiliating. Talos escaped and took the news of his captivity back to Britomart.

Britomart in the Land of the Amazons

Learning of her husband’s plight, Britomart set out to rescue him accompanied by Talos. They barely rested until reaching the land of the Amazons and then set up their pavilion outside the city. Seeing this, Radigund armed herself and, ordering trumpets to sound, marched out of the city gates to challenge her. Britomart stepped boldly out of the pavilion, ready for whatever the day would bring. When the two finally met face to face, Radigund recited the strict conditions she wanted the fight governed by. These were the same Artegall and all the other knights had agreed that now bound them to her in their defeat.

The Knight of Chastity Versus the Amazon Queen

Britomart refused these conditions, declaring she would only be bound by the rules of chivalry. This angered Radigund, who signalled for the trumpet to sound the beginning of the fight. They both attacked each other savagely, asking for no quarter and giving none. Fighting furiously, they hacked and stabbed at one another until the ground under their feet was red with blood, but doggedly, they fought on. Eventually, Radigund, sensing Britomart was weakening, thrust forward with all her strength, taunting her by saying, “This is for the man you love so much. I will tell him you died just for him!” and struck powerfully at her shoulder, cutting her to the bone.

Despite being sorely wounded, the blow roused Britomart to great anger. Throwing herself forward, she brought her sword down upon her foe’s helmet, splitting it apart. Radigund fell senseless to the ground, and Britomart finished her off with one blow. When the Amazons saw the death of their queen, they fled. Britomart desperately wanted to find her beloved Artegall and began searching the city until she found where the knights were imprisoned. On entering, she was shocked to the core by what she saw.

Freeing the Defeated Knights

Every knight had been made to wear female clothing and forced to do female tasks. At last, she found Artegall, who had also suffered the same fate as the others. Seeing her, he turned his face away in shame. Quickly finding other garments, she made him and the others put these on, and soon, her husband looked like the man she knew him to be

They stayed in the city until Britomart had recovered from her wounds. During this time, she took control of the realm, changing the government and the ways of the Amazons and dispensing justice that Radigund had usurped. The people soon grew to love her, listened to her wisdom, and followed her teachings. She freed all the captured knights and made them city magistrates, making them swear loyalty to Artegall, the Knight of Justice.

Artegall, remembering his quest to save Lady Eirena from the villainous clutches of the tyrant Grantorto, told Britomart that it was his knightly duty to resume his adventure. Britomart knew he was obliged to complete the quest for the sake of his honour and reputation, and sorrowfully, she resigned herself to him leaving again.

The Role of Elizabeth I

4) Queen Elizabeth I – Formerly attributed to George Gower, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Spencer needed to be careful how he presented Radigund with Elizabeth ruling England. He made a great effort to show the Amazon queen as a wicked oppressor who does not rule men by respect but weakens and subjugates them. In contrast, Britomart emancipates men, bolstering their masculinity and self-assurance of their role in society. The captive knights were uncomfortable and distressed when forced to wear female apparel, perceiving themselves to have lost masculinity, strength, and identity.

Britomart’s cross-dressing, wearing the armour of a male knight, was her choice, in contrast to Radigund’s enforced cross-dressing of the captive knights. Britomart appeared happy and comfortable in her chosen attire, and her personality shone out. She became one of the bravest, most formidable, and arguably one of the most swashbuckling knights in The Faerie Queene. However, having rescued the captive knights from the renegade Radigund, she seemed like the handmaiden of Elizabethan patriarchy, but there is a twist.

In doing so, she accomplished what the male knights could not. She restored the patriarchal order after the strong arms of the male knights had failed. It was she who returned the Amazons to the patriarchal system. Whereas Radigund represents renegade female power at war with Elizabethan patriarchy, Britomart is seen as the correct application of female power, enhancing, and protecting that same patriarchy.

The question for the reader – Which form of female power do you prefer?

© zteve t evans

References, Attributions and Further Reading

Copyright zteve t evans

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The Arthurian Realm: Morgan le Fay – Healer, Witch and the Woman Question.

1) Morgan le Fay – AI image – zteve t evans

This article was first published on #FolkloreThursday.com on November 29, 2018, titled “British Legends: Morgan le Fay – Magical Healer or Renegade Witch?” written by zteve t evans, edited and revised 3rd May 2024 by zteve t evans, images may vary from original.

The Enigma of Morgan le Fay

In Arthurian tradition, the elusive sorceress Morgan le Fay becomes one of King Arthur’s most dangerous foes, breaking traditional family bonds and working to undermine and bring down the strict patriarchal system and chivalric order of the Arthurian world. The enigma of Morgan is that despite attempting to kill King Arthur and usurp his kingdom, she is the one who takes him into her care after being severely wounded by Mordred in the Battle of Camlann, bringing an end to his kingdom.   

This work draws from Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Vita Merlini, Historia regum Britanniae (The History of the Kings of Britain), and Sir Thomas Mallory’s  Le Morte D’Arthur and is influenced by other texts. It examines how Morgan’s character changes from benevolent to malignant and swings back to benevolent after the disaster of Camlann. To do this, we look at her early life and how she used Arthur’s famous sword, Excalibur, against him and stole its scabbard and then discuss the disaster it would cause. Next comes a discussion on two important topics that had a considerable influence on medieval society: the Querelle des Femmes, or the Woman Question and witchcraft, and it concludes with her return to Avalon.

As Ruler of Avalon

Geoffrey of Monmouth introduces her into Arthurian literature in Vita Merlini as Morgen, presenting her as the leader of nine benevolent sisters who rule the island of Avalon. She is the most beautiful, the most knowledgeable, and the most powerful of the sisters.  In addition to being a skilled healer, she can fly or transport herself at will from place to place and has shape-shifting abilities. It is uncertain whether these “sisters” are family or members of a religious or mystical cult.

In the work of some later writers, Morgan becomes King Arthur’s step-sister or full elder sister, but her character undergoes a radical change. As Arthur’s elder sister, she breaks the traditional bond of love between brother and sister and the nurturing role so often associated with the elder sister towards their younger brother. Furthermore, instead of the wise and benevolent sorceress, she evolves into a malign, sexual predator hating her brother and his wife, Queen Guinevere. Forsaking her place at the centre of the Arthurian establishment, she moves to its periphery, becoming a renegade attacking the established order. She targets the Knights of the Round Table, especially Sir Lancelot, weaving dark spells and plots to trap them. Eventually, she becomes nothing less than an enemy of the state and arguably its most dangerous adversary until Mordred emerges to usurp the crown, resulting in the Battle of Camlann. 

Morgan’s Early Life

In Historia Regum Britanniae, Geoffrey of Monmouth makes Morgan the youngest daughter of Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall and his wife Igraine.  When the King of the Britons, Uther Pendragon, first set eyes on Igraine, he became wildly infatuated with her. Unable to contain his lust, he attacked Cornwall to take Igraine for himself. 

Gorlois sent his wife to his safest stronghold, Tintagel, while he confronted Uther’s troops in battle. While the military confrontation took place, Merlin, using his skills of disguise, transformed Uther into the likeness of Gorlois to allow him access to Igraine at Tintagel. The guards, believing it was Gorlois, let him enter the stronghold, and Igraine, thinking he was her husband, lay with him, and that night, Arthur was conceived.  

While this was taking place, Gorlois was killed battling Uther’s army.  After satisfying his lust, Uther returned to his troops. On learning of the duke’s death he took Igraine to be his wife.  He married her eldest daughter, Morgause, to King Lot of Lothian and the next eldest, Elaine, to King Nentres of Garlot.  Morgan was the youngest, and he sent her to a nunnery. (2)

Morgan hated Uther because she knew what had happened the night her father died and deeply resented Arthur as the product of his lust.  At the nunnery, she was introduced to astrology, the dark arts of necromancy, and healing skills, which she became highly adept at. As her skill and knowledge grew, people began to call her Morgan le Fay in acknowledgement of her abilities.  Eventually, she joined Arthur’s court and became one of Queen Guinevere’s Ladies-in-Waiting. But that was not to last.     

Morgan and Guiomar

Morgan was a beautiful young woman. She was a good singer and musician, marvellously skilled with her hands, knowledgeable and well-spoken. For the most part, she was considerate and courteous, but when angered, she became vindictive, spiteful, and obstinate. She was alleged to be the lewdest and most lustful woman in Britain, taking many lovers. 

One day, Guinevere’s nephew, Guiomar, found her at work in a bedroom spinning golden thread, and the two fell in love at first sight. The lovers tried to keep their affair secret, but eventually, Guinevere found out and banished him from the court. This incident caused Morgan to develop a burning resentment towards her. It increased her animosity towards Arthur, which she had kept hidden. She left the court and further studied the arts of sorcery, greatly enhancing her magical abilities. 

Eventually, she returned to Camelot, and Arthur married her to King Urien of Rheged to create a strategic political alliance, deepening her resentment towards him. With Urien, she had a son named Owain and began secretly plotting the downfall of her husband and brother, King Arthur.

The Lady of the Lake and Excalibur

One of the most famous symbols of the Arthurian legend is Excalibur, the sword he obtained after breaking the sword he had pulled from a stone to become King. Needing a replacement, Merlin took him to the shores of a lake. From the shore, gazing towards the lake’s centre, he saw an arm holding a bright sword aloft out of the water. 

The moving serenely in a boat over the water the Lady of the Lake approached Arthur, and he asked if she would give him the sword in exchange for anything she desired. She told him to take the boat on the shore out to the arm, and he would be given the blade and a scabbard. When the time came, she would ask him to fulfil his part of the bargain. The boat took Arthur and Merlin across the lake to where the arm held the sword out of the water. Arthur followed her instructions and received the sword and scabbard. They returned to the shore, where he examined the sword exquisitely crafted with the finest workmanship.

“Which do you like best, the sword or the scabbard?” asked Merlin. “I prefer the sword!” replied Arthur. “Then you are a fool! The scabbard is worth ten of the sword, because while you wear it no matter how you are wounded you will not lose blood.  Always keep the scabbard safe by you at all times,” advised Merlin.

The Scabbard of Excalibur

Time passed, and during a battle, Arthur was wounded, and the wound produced no blood. Merlin reminded him that this was because of the scabbard of Excalibur and again warned him to keep it safe, reiterating that anyone who wore it would not lose blood if wounded.

At this time, Arthur still loved and trusted his sister, Morgan, even more than his wife, Guinevere. Therefore, he took the scabbard and Excalibur to her and asked her to keep both safe. However, Morgan secretly hated her brother and saw this as an opportunity to bring him down. Morgan created a fake sword holder and sword and gave the real sword and its enchanted holder to her lover Accolon for him kill King Arthur in a duel. She would then, with Accolon, take the throne. To make this happen, Morgan le Fay cast a complicated spell that transported them to a remote location where they could fight without interference from anyone in Camelot.

She sent Arthur the counterfeit Excalibur and its fake scabbard to use in the duel, while Accolon used the genuine items. In the following fight, Arthur was almost overwhelmed and bleeding from many wounds dealt by Accolon wielding Excalibur. In contrast, Accolon, despite receiving numerous blows from Arthur, remained unbloodied and uninjured. Weakened by blood loss, Arthur realised that his opponent was wielding the Excalibur and wearing the scabbard. 

As Accolon raised Excalibur to strike the death blow, the Lady of the Lake intervened, casting a spell that made him drop the sword. Arthur seized his chance, grabbed the blade, and, tearing the scabbard from Accolon, hurled it away. Now wielding Excalibur, Arthur defeated his opponent, badly wounding him and, without the protection of the genuine scabbard, causing blood to flow.

Morgan and Excalibur – Dora Curtis, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

With Accolon at his mercy, Arthur demanded an explanation of how he got Excalibur and its scabbard. Accolon told him of Morgan’s plot and how she hated and despised him. On hearing this, Arthur was genuinely emotionally hurt and shocked. He had entirely loved and trusted his elder sister and learning that she hated him hurt deeply. Nevertheless, for all that, Arthur would have spared Accolon, who died four days later from his wounds. As an act of compassion, Arthur sent his body to Morgan for her to mourn appropriately, but this further increased her hatred towards him.   Still weak from blood loss, Arthur decided to rest at a nearby nunnery to recuperate.

While Accolon and Arthur had been locked in mortal combat, Morgan at Camelot had been busy. As her husband, King Urien, lay sleeping, she had crept up to him wielding a knife intending his murder. Her son, Owain, arrived by chance in time to stop her from carrying out the fatal blow.  Owain would have killed his mother, but she claimed a sudden madness had afflicted her and believing her, he spared her life. 

The Theft of the Scabbard

Morgan had truly loved Accolon and was devastated by his death and the failure of her plot, and sought vengeance.  On receiving his body, she went to Guinevere, who at this stage was unaware of the fight between Arthur and Accolon, to request leave from the court, claiming she had received urgent news and needed to travel home to deal with it.  

Guinevere reluctantly gave consent, and at dawn the following day, Morgan left on horseback with a retinue of her knights.  After riding hard all day and night, they reached the Abbey where Arthur was recuperating.  She was met by the nuns, who took her to his room and offered to wake him. “Nay, let him be,” she said, “I will wake him later when he is rested.  Now, leave me with him!”  The nuns were terrified of Morgan and obeyed her without question.

Arthur was lying fast asleep on a bed in the room, and in his right hand, he tightly gripped Excalibur. Morgan thought about trying to steal the sword, but she knew if he should wake, he would surely kill her now. She decided she would not take the chance, and seeing the empty scabbard close by, she silently hid it under her cloak and quietly left him, riding off with her entourage following.

When Arthur awoke, he immediately discovered the scabbard was missing. Calling the nuns to him, he questioned them about what had happened while he slept. They told him about his sister’s visit and how she had ordered them out of the room, leaving her alone with him. On hearing this, Arthur ordered Sir Ontzlake to prepare their horses, and they set off after her.

Riding hard and fast, they eventually saw her and her knights in the distance. Looking back, Morgan saw it was Arthur and realised she could not escape. Despite having a company of knights, she knew they could not defeat Arthur and Sir Ontzlake. Nevertheless, she was determined he would not get the scabbard back. Riding to a nearby lake, she threw it far into the water, where the weight of the gold and jewels that embellished it quickly took it to the bottom.  

Looking to escape Arthur and followed by her knights, she galloped into a valley whose sides were littered with great stone blocks.  She turned herself and her knights into stone blocks with her magic arts. Just as she had done this, into the valley rode King Arthur and Sir Ontzlake, who looked around the valley but could only see blocks of stone.  Unable to find a trace of her, Arthur searched for the scabbard, hoping she had dropped it for them to find to end the chase.  Finding no trace, he returned to the Abbey.

As soon as he had gone, Morgan turned her knights and herself back into human form and rode back to her home country. Fearing her brother may seek revenge for her part in his attempted assassination and stealing the magical sword sheath, she strengthened her castles and town walls. For now, she was an enemy of the Arthurian state.

Arthur rode back to Camelot, where Queen Guinevere and the Knights of the Round Table warmly welcomed him home. They were outraged when they heard his story of the fight with Accolon, Morgan’s plot to take the crown, and how she had stolen the scabbard of Excalibur. They accused her of treason and demanded that she be burnt at the stake.

The Deadly Cloak

Despite the failure of her murderous plot, Morgan’s hatred for her brother had not diminished, and she came up with another plan to assassinate him. She sent one of her girl servants to Camelot, bearing him a most handsome cloak as a peace gift, begging his forgiveness. It was studded with precious gems and embroidered with threads of gold and silver, and Arthur was incredibly impressed. As he was about to try it on, the Lady of the Lake intervened, saying, “Sire, do not try the cloak yourself or let any of your knights try it until she who has brought this gift to you has worn it herself!”

“Perhaps you are right, I will follow your counsel,” he told her thoughtfully and called the girl to him. “Place this cloak over your shoulders that I may see how it looks worn,” he told her. “Sire, it is not my station to wear the clothes of a King!” she protested. “First, you must wear it before my knights try it on!” He spoke firmly, gesturing for the cloak to be draped over the girl’s shoulders. As soon as the cloak was placed upon her, it burst into flames, reducing her to ashes. Arthur was furious at the treachery of his sister. At the same time, he was hurt and bewildered that she had planned such an awful death for him.

Morgan’s Magic

morganlfay
Morgan Le Fay (cropped) – by Frederick Sandys – Public Domain

Having been thwarted in her plot and with the death of her lover, Morgan feared her brother’s vengeance. She removed herself to live in the margins of his kingdom in the forests and wild places, building her realm on the edge of Arthur’s. She delved deeper into the study of sorcery, mastering it to such an extent that she was revered as a goddess. At every opportunity, she sought to capture and imprison any of the Knights of the Round Table who came her way, especially Lancelot, whom she captured several times.  She had an unrequited love for him, but her overriding motive in capturing him was to hurt Guinevere and Arthur.

The Murals of Lancelot

During one period of confinement, Lancelot painted a mural depicting his life on the walls of his prison, which included his love affair with Guinevere. Years after he had been released, King Arthur and some of his knights came across Morgan’s castle. Arthur had heard nothing of Morgan for years and believed his sister to be dead. Seemingly forgetting and forgiving past wrongs, he was overjoyed to discover she was still alive and invited her to return to Camelot with him, but she told him, “Do not ask this of me, for I will never return to court. When I finally leave this place, I will go to the Isle of Avalon where the women live who know all the magic in the world,”   

Guiding him around her castle, she took great pains to show him the murals Lancelot had painted. As soon as he saw them, he finally realised Guinevere and Lancelot had been having a long love affair and was deeply upset. Morgan seized upon this, encouraging him to take vengeance on the betrayal of his trust by the two people closest to him.

The Importance of Excalibur’s Scabbard

Along with this betrayal, other events would eventually lead Arthur reluctantly to go to war with Lancelot, who would retreat to his castle in France with Guinevere. Arthur left Mordred as steward of his kingdom and went to war with Lancelot, but he was to betray him and usurp the crown. Arthur was forced to return for the final confrontation at the apocalyptic Battle of Camlann, where he killed Mordred but, bereft of the scabbard of Excalibur, was also mortally wounded.

If Morgan had not stolen and disposed of Excalibur’s original scabbard, Arthur would have been protected from harm had he worn it at Camlann. Thus, Morgan may have been indirectly responsible for the seriousness of his injury. Yet, it was she, despite her hatred, who took him or received him for healing in Avalon.

Querelle des Femmes, or the Woman Question

In much of Arthurian literature, the “Woman Question” and the witchcraft threat are presented through Morgan, mirroring the challenges and threats these topics were seen to pose to the established patriarchal order in medieval times. The “Querelle des Femmes” appeared during the 15th century as a literary debate discussing the role of women in medieval society and areas they were excluded from, including politics, religion, and other fields. There were arguments for and against greater female involvement. The debate began in France around Le Roman de la Rose, begun by Guillaume de Lorris, to be concluded by Jean de Meun, and spread around Europe, dividing the literary world. The thesis of the book centred on Meun’s misogynistic and stereotyped ideas on female status and those who challenged and rejected them.  In Morgan, these arguments are seen through her behaviour, the behaviour of other male and female characters, their roles in society and their relationships.

Witchcraft

The belief in magic goes back to the earliest times of humanity. Sorcery, enchantment, and other forms of magic are essential to the Arthurian world. They were also widely accepted as part of medieval life, coexisting with Christianity as it does in Arthurian texts. Eventually, it became unacceptable to the Christian Church as a severe threat, particularly from women, who too often unfairly suffered the consequences.

The Lady of the Lake saves Arthur from Morgan’s plots to kill him. She is seen in social terms as the model female upholding and defending the patriarchal order. At the same time, Morgan is the wayward lady, the renegade, who does not behave as she should, deliberately seeking to undermine patriarchy. Unable to fight directly in combat because of her gender, she uses the chivalric order to attack the strictly patriarchal Arthurian state.  She used Accolon to battle with Arthur, turning the chivalric rules against him, and even his sword, Excalibur, was used against him. 

She is not a passive participant in events like Guinevere, who gets abducted several times. Instead, Morgan is an active agent, and she abducts Arthur’s knights. An independent, strong-willed, active, intelligent woman armed with sorcery is seen as a danger to patriarchy and medieval society. To counter this, she is given a reputation of sexual predation and treachery to the family – the cornerstone of medieval culture and her magic becomes witchcraft. Her role is presented to the reader as an example of everything a high-status woman in medieval society should not be, hence the need to alienate her. This staining of her character is the consequence of her magic, independence, and intelligence. 

Return to Avalon

After the Battle of Camlann, Morgan had Arthur completely helpless, in her power and at her mercy. Yet her character now appears to have gone full circle. With him at her mercy, instead of killing him, she becomes the loving sister and the benevolent sorceress, taking up the traditional passive, healing, nurturing role often associated with good women in medieval society. Despite the fall of the renowned Arthurian order, patriarchy is not dead, and there seems to be no place in what remains for her. She foretells she will be found on,

“… the Isle of Avalon where the women live who know all the magic in the world.”

Like Morgan le Fay, Arthurian tales can be intriguing, healing, dangerous, appealing, tricksy, and open to interpretation. Through their sorcery using the power of words, the reader creates their own magical, meaningful experience. The Arthurian realm remains popular for creative, imaginative readers to explore and discover engaging and intriguing characters like Morgan le Fay, roaming amidst a magical and fantastical landscape that is very much a creation of the reader as the writer.

© zteve t evans

References, Attributions and Further Reading

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The Arthurian Realm: The Quest for the Sangreal

Sir Edward Burne-Jones, overall design and figures; William Morris, overall design and execution; John Henry Dearle, flowers and decorative details., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This article was first published October 11, 2018 on #FolkloreThursday.com, titled, British Legends: The Quest for the Holy Grail, written by zteve t evans, and has been revised and edited and republished here, 9th May 2024. Images and videos may vary from original.

The Sangreal

In Arthurian romance, the mystical, magical quest of the Sangreal is a famous story rooted in medieval times. However, its seeds may be from much earlier.  It uses allegories to blend pagan motifs, Christian tradition, and political and social concerns of the day into a story of spiritual evolution for the main protagonists, who must remain faithful to the quest.  

The Sangreal is another name for the Holy Grail, which eventually became conflated with the Holy Chalice.  There are several other versions of its name, and in different stories, it has appeared in various forms, such as stone or wood or as a cup or dish. The earliest of these romances was Le Conte du Graal by Chrétien de Troyes, who died before it was finished but was later added to by other poets.  

Other authors also created versions of the story, such as Le Roman du Graal, Joseph d’Arimathe, Merlin, and Perceval by Robert de Boron, the Vulgate Cycle, whose authorship is disputed, and Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach. Later, Sir Thomas Malory wrote Le Morte D’Arthur, blending Arthurian and grail traditions, and it is from this that the summarised version of the tale below draws the most.

Origin of the Sangreal

In this allegorical story set in the time of King Arthur, the Sangreal was the cup that Jesus Christ drank from at the Last Supper. The Sacred Spear was the one Longinus, the Roman soldier, used to pierce his side during his crucifixion.  Joseph of Arimathea brought them to Britain, and his descendants, the Grail Kings of Castle Corbenic, were granted guardianship on the condition that each guardian lived a life of purity in action and thought, dedicated to Jesus Christ.  For many ages, the Sangreal remained a visible, tangible object — alongside the Sacred Spear — that pilgrims came from far and wide to pray before.

Over time, one of its guardians allowed the moral standards that behoved his role to slip and sought forbidden love. The Sacred Spear punished his weakness, inflicting a wound to his groin that could not be healed, leaving the king maimed and kept alive only by the power of the Sangreal; after this, the Sangreal and Sacred Spear were hidden from the people’s eyes.  In those days, the fertility of the land was linked to that of the king, and his realm became a barren wasteland until the time came when the purest knight in the world would heal him.

Merlin’s Message

At Camelot, Merlin had not been seen for some time and, worried by his absence, King Arthur sent out knights to find him.  Sir Gawain went out searching, and while travelling through the forest of Brocéliande, he heard someone groaning. Following the sound, he found a column of dense mist that he could not penetrate.  From the mist came the voice of Merlin, who revealed that his mistress, Viviane — the Lady of the Lake — had imprisoned him there for eternity.  He instructed Gawain to return to King Arthur and tell him of his plight. Yet, emphasising that nothing could be done to save him, he gave an important message to relay:

“Tell Arthur a great event is now unfolding. The knight is born and ready to begin and accomplish this task for the good of the land and its people.  Now is the time of the quest of the Sangreal.”

Gawain quickly returned and delivered the message to King Arthur, who grieved for his old friend as he pondered the message.

Pentecost at Camelot

It was King Arthur’s custom to celebrate the feast of Pentecost with all his knights around the Round Table, where each knight had their seat inscribed with their name. One vacant seat with no inscription was known as the Siege Perilous. 

As the feast was about to begin, a squire brought the incredible news that a red marble slab had been found floating in a nearby river. King Arthur led his knights to the river to investigate. Fixed firmly within this slab, as if it had been driven in, was a sword upon which was inscribed the following words,

“Never shall I be drawn forth except by he who is the perfect knight and at his side, I will hang.”

Sir Gawain tried to draw the sword but failed, as did Sir Percival and many others, but none could set it free.

The Quest of the Sangreal

The Round Table – By Evrard d’Espinques, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Having investigated the wonder and tried their luck with the sword and failed, they returned to the Round Table to eat. While they were eating, the windows and doors suddenly slammed shut.  The candles flickered, went out, and then came back on again. A very old holy man accompanied by Galahad, the son of Sir Lancelot, stood before them. The holy man led Galahad to the Siege Perilous and seated him there.  They watched in awe as the lettering on the seat changed magically to read Galahad. King Arthur led Sir Galahad to the floating marble slab, who easily withdrew the sword to the wonder of all.

Arthur and his knights returned to their feasting, and again, the candles suddenly dimmed, and there was a peal of thunder.  A ray of light shone down, and in the middle of the Round Table appeared the glowing Sangreal veiled in white silk. Inspired by this miraculous event, Sir Gawain declared he would not rest, day or night, for one year and a day until he saw the Sangreal fully unveiled.  

Arthur remembered Merlin’s message and became unsettled. He knew the others would follow his example and realised there was every chance some would die on that quest or not return.  In the early summer days, as one hundred and fifty knights rode from Camelot on the Quest of the Sangreal, King Arthur wept, knowing the world had changed forever.

The White Shield

Galahad left Camelot alone and travelled until he came to the White Abbey, where he was shown a magical white shield bearing a red cross that once belonged to Joseph of Arimathea. He was warned that the shield was special and protected by a White Knight and reserved for a pure-hearted knight. Galahad decided to take it and left, but he had not gone far when the White Knight appeared. Instead of attacking him, the knight congratulated him on his decision and revealed the history of the white shield.

The following day, Galahad resumed the quest and, riding through a forest, met Sir Percival and Sir Lancelot, travelling together. However, because he now carried the white shield, they did not recognise him and jousted with him as was the knightly custom until an elderly anchoress appeared saying, 

“Galahad, without doubt, you are the best knight in the world!”

This accolade alarmed Galahad, who spurred his horse into the forest. Lancelot and Percival went after him but lost him. The two knights decided to split up: Lancelot rode on, and Percival remained and spoke to the hermitess.

Sir Percival’s Quest

She told Percival she was the sister of King Pellimore, which made her his aunt, and he was her nephew. She also told him the sad news that his mother was dead. Percival, in turn, told her about the knight with the white shield. The anchoress warned him that the knight was Galahad, who had an essential part in a miraculous event unfolding in the world. Furthermore, she foretold that of all the Knights of the Round Table, only three would achieve the Sangreal, and of these, two would be virgins and the third chaste. One, she continued,  would evolve to surpass his father in the same way the lion is stronger than the leopard. She advised Percival to visit the Maimed King, also known as the Fisher King, who dwelt in the castle of Corbenic.

Following her advice, Percival arrived at a monastery where a very elderly and venerable gentleman lay in a bed, suffering from many wounds. He was told this was King Evelake, who had been a companion of Joseph of Arimathea.  God had granted him time to live until the most perfect knight arrived who would achieve the Sangreal.

The Lion and the Serpent

Percival continued the quest and, travelling through a valley, came upon a strange scene. A massive serpent had hold of a lion cub by its neck. It was dragging it along when suddenly, an enormous lion appeared and fought the serpent. Percival joined the attack, killing the serpent with his sword. The lion appreciated his help and the serpent’s death, allowing him to stroke its head and shoulders. That night, it slept peacefully at his side.

While he slept, he dreamed of a young woman who rode upon the back of a lion and an old woman who rode upon the back of a serpent.  The young woman warned him of the approach of a great battle. The old woman demanded he give himself to her in compensation for the serpent that he had wrongly killed.  Percival refused, but the old woman vowed she would possess him if his faith ever failed.

The White Ship

The following day, accompanied by the lion, Percival travelled on and arrived at the seashore.  At midday, a black ship arrived, and a beautiful lady asked him why he wandered the wilderness.  He replied that his devotion to Christ made it safe for him to roam where he would. She said she had met Galahad earlier, and if he promised to help her, she would take him to him and command her servants to set up a pavilion and set a fine meal upon a table inside.  

The Lady asked Percival to join her, and while they ate, seeing how beautiful the woman was, he offered himself to her. She told him that only if he promised himself exclusively to her would she return his affections. He agreed, but as he prepared to sleep with her, he caught a glimpse of the crucifix on the handle of his sword and recalled that he had vowed to remain a virgin.  He made the sign of the cross, and the tent suddenly dissolved into black smoke and was gone.  Looking around, he saw the black ship sail away with the Lady onboard who shouted, “Betrayer!” He realised he had only just resisted temptation.

Over the horizon, a white ship appeared. Onboard was an elderly man who invited Percival to join him. Percival accepted the invitation, went onboard the vessel, and it took him over the sea, and as he sails away we shall catch up with how other knights on the quest fared.

Sir Bors Quest

Dindrane, Sir Galahad, Sir Bors and Sir Percival by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Before Sir Bors left Camelot, he went to see a holy man for advice, who asked if he would like to confess his sins before beginning the quest for the Sangreal. Bors took up the offer and vowed to remain chaste from then on. After this, he started the quest and, on his journey, came across a dead tree where a great bird sat in its uppermost branches upon a nest with its starving young.  It pierced its own body with its beak, and as it bled to death, the baby birds drank up the blood, saving them from starvation.

As evening fell, he met a young lady seeking a champion to fight a knight trying to steal her land.   Without hesitation, Bors agreed and spent the night in her tower, where he slept on the floor.  While asleep, he dreamed he saw two birds.  One was as white as snow, and the other as black as coal. The white bird said, “If you would give me meat and be my servant, I would give you all of the treasures of the world, and shall make you as white and as fair as I.” The blackbird countered, saying, “If you serve me and have me, my blackness will avail you more than the whiteness of the other.”

In the morning, Bors defeated his adversary, making him promise to esteem and honour the Lady and stop threatening her.  The defeated knight agreed, and Sir Bors, satisfied with the outcome, resumed his quest.  At the summer’s end, he arrived at the coast, where he found the white ship with Percival onboard. The two friends had a happy reunion and then settled down to await the arrival of Sir Galahad.

The Sacrifice of Dindrane

The Damsel of the Sanct Grael by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

With the arrival of the first brown leaves of autumn, Sir Galahad arrived at a hermitage where a lady named Dindrane invited him to accompany her on a great adventure. He agreed, and the two travelled to the sea, where they found the white ship with Bors and Percival waiting.   

They were all delighted to see each other and swapped tales to pass the time.  To the joy of Percival, Dindrane revealed herself to be his sister by their father, King Pellinore. The ship sailed on and, towards the end of autumn, arrived at another coast.  Dindrane instructed them to disembark to seek out the Maimed King and cure him of his wound. Travelling through a forest, they came across a white hart leading four lions, which the knights followed.  Arriving at a chapel, the heart transformed into a man. The lions also transformed, one becoming a man, another remaining a lion, a third becoming an eagle, and the fourth changing into an ox.

The following day, the party came to a castle where they were challenged by the castle knights, who demanded that Dindrane give a bowl of her blood to the Lady of the castle to satisfy their custom. Her companions could not agree and fought to defend her. Eventually, admitting defeat, the castle knights offered the party peace and lodging for the night at the castle. The party all agreed and accepted the offer. Later that evening, they asked their hosts about the gruesome practice of bloodletting. They were told that the Lady of the castle suffered from a terrible disease whose only cure was the blood from a virgin who was the daughter of a king.  Hearing this, Dindrane felt compassionate and offered her blood to the Lady despite the danger to herself.

Her offer was accepted, and the practice was carried out the following day, after which she lost consciousness.  On regaining consciousness, she knew she would die and asked her brother to place her body on the ship and set it out to sea.  She foretold he would find her in Sarras, the holy city, and asked him to bury her there, foretelling that Galahad and then Percival would die soon after her.  Finally, she instructed the three knights to split and go separate ways until they were finally reunited in the Maimed King’s castle.

Galahad and Bors left their grieving friend at his request to fulfil his sister’s wishes. Lovingly, he placed her on a ship and wrote a note describing her life and adventures, leaving it by her side, knowing they would be reunited in Sarras. After watching the boat disappear over the horizon, he set out for Corbenic.

Lancelot and Galahad

Sir Galahad on the Quest for the Holy Grail by Arthur Hughes, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

After Sir Lancelot left Camelot on the quest, he had many adventures. Although he had glimpsed the Sangreal before the quest, he had never managed to hold it, and this desire burned deep within him.  At last, he arrived at the seashore, rested, and fell asleep.   In a dream, he heard a voice telling him to board the first ship that came his way.  When he awoke, he looked out over the sea and saw a ship approaching that was driven by neither sail nor oar. On boarding the strange ship, he found it deserted, but he stayed, experiencing a feeling of peace and serenity. Exploring, he came across a room where Dindrane’s body lay. Finding a note beside her, he learned about her and her sacrifice.   

The ship sailed on, and Lancelot remained onboard, thinking himself alone. That night, as he took the air on deck, he was surprised to see a knight approaching him. As he welcomed him, he was delighted to recognise his son, Sir Galahad. Eventually, as winter approached, the ship passed close by the shore, where an unknown knight called to Sir Galahad, telling him it was time to resume the quest of the Sangreal.  After an emotional farewell, Galahad told his father they would never meet again and disembarked.

Lancelot Fails

Lancelot stayed on the ship, spending much of the time praying for another sight of the elusive Sangreal.  Eventually, the boat arrived at a castle by the sea.  Lancelot heard a voice telling him to enter the castle and, following its instructions, found a locked chamber. Not knowing what else to do, he prayed outside. Eventually, the door opened, revealing a room filled with the most glorious light. The voice told him to flee, saying that he was not worthy to enter, but as he turned to go, he caught a glimpse of angels and priests standing all around the Sangreal. 

Stepping inside, he was hit by a blast of fire that scorched him and left him blind and deaf. He was laid in bed, where he remained for twenty-four days, dreaming many beautiful dreams. When he finally awoke, he was told he was at the Castle of Corbenic.  After fully recovering, he chose to return to Camelot, realising he was too unworthy to achieve the quest of the Sangreal, and his son eclipsed him as the best knight in the world.

The Death of King Evelake

After Galahad had left his father, he came to the abbey where King Evelake lay. The king called him close and requested an embrace. As he embraced him, the king died, and Galahad carried him outside for burial. Soon after, Galahad discovered something marvellous had happened to him. Resuming his journey, he performed all manner of miracles along the way.

After five days, he travelled through a withered forest devoid of leaves and grass and came across Sir Percival. After a pleasant reunion, they travelled together, searching for the Maimed King. Along the way, they met Bors, who had roamed the high mountains and wild places alone on the quest.

Finally, they arrived at the Castle of Corbenic and were invited to stay for supper.  As they were sat at the table, the Maimed King was carried into the room. He spoke to Galahad, saying he had been looking forward to this moment for many years and hoping it would bring him a cure.  Flanked by angels, Joseph of Arimathea came into the room and began to say mass.

From the Sangreal, the figure of Jesus appeared and presented the holy vessel to Sir Galahad, asking that it be taken to the city of Sarras. He asked that he heal the Maimed King, and then he vanished after giving his blessing. Galahad rose, touched the spear’s blood-covered point, and anointed the invalid with the blood, healing him.

The Sangreal in Sarras

The Attainment: The Vision of the Holy Grail to Sir Galahad, Sir Bors, and Sir Perceval – Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The next day, the knights left Corbenic, travelling through a forest of buds and unfurling leaves towards the seashore, where they found the white ship waiting.  Onboard, they found the Sangreal placed on a silver table. The ship sailed on and eventually arrived at the port of Sarras. On disembarking, Galahad saw a crippled man begging and asked him to help him carry the table bearing the Sangreal to the city gates.  The invalid agreed and, in doing so, was cured, and news of this miracle spread like wildfire through the city. The three knights searched for the ship bearing Dindrane and gave her a fitting burial.

The ruler of Sarras, King Estorause, was a tyrant. When he heard that three knights had arrived at the city gates bearing the Sangreal, he had them thrown in prison but allowed the Sangreal to stay with them.  Every day, the knights knelt before the holy vessel, prayed, and were filled with grace and serenity. One day. King Estorause fell ill, and as he lay dying, he repented his treatment of them and begged their forgiveness.  Estorause had no heir, so the citizens decided to make Galahad their king because he had cured the crippled man.

One morning, Galahad found Joseph of Arimathea kneeling in prayer before the Sangreal. Joseph rose and told him the time had come for him to enter Heaven.  Galahad called his two companions and, bidding them farewell, asked them to take the news of his achieving the Sangreal to his father. Then he knelt and prayed before the holy vessel, and as he prayed, his soul — along with the Sangreal — rose to Heaven.    

Percival and Bors buried his body alongside Dindrane and, leaving the city, stayed together in a hermitage.  Percival died as his sister predicted, and Bors buried him between her and Galahad. At Pentecost, Sir Bors arrived back in Camelot with the news of the achievement of the Sangreal and was welcomed with great joy by King Arthur and his court.   Bors told Lancelot about all that had happened to his son, Galahad, and how he had achieved the Sangreal.  Arthur insisted the court scribes write down the entire story from Bors to preserve it for future generations.

The Sangreal Today

The Quest of the Sangreal has been expressed in many ways over the centuries, including the works of art seen here and in many works of poetry and literature, as well as in films, television, and other modern forms of entertainment.  Modern films include Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Excalibur (1985), Monty Python’s Spamalot (2004), a musical comedy for the stage, Indiana Jones, and the Last Crusade (1989) and The Fisher King (1991).  Dan Brown used the theme in his novel The Da Vinci Code (2003), which has been examined in many non-fiction works.

The quest was not to find a material object but to complete a series of tests and lessons for those who took it up to achieve spiritual perfection. That may be why its popularity remains as undiminished today as it did earlier.

© zteve t evans

References, Attributions and Further Reading

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by

Uther Pendragon, the Prophecy of Merlin and the Making of a King

This post was originally published on #FolkloreThursday.com under the title, British Legends: The Lust of Uther Pendragon, Merlin’s Prophecy and the Making of a King May 17, 2018 by zteve t evans and had been edidted and revised by zteve t evans 12 Jue 2024 images may differ from original.

Uther Pendragon, King of the Britons

According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, Uther Pendragon was King of the Britons during the turbulent times of the Saxon and Irish invasions. He sired Arthur Pendragon and a daughter named Anna, sometimes known as Morgause (1), both destined to play significant roles in the future of Britain and its people.

Uther was a strong king and a courageous warrior but could also be vain, quick-tempered, impulsive, and ungrateful. This impulsiveness and ingratitude came to the fore when he fell passionately in love with Igraine, the young wife of one of his oldest and most loyal nobles, Gorlois, the Duke of Cornwall. Gorlois had served the king bravely and faithfully and, through his wisdom, had turned an impending defeat into a resounding victory for Uther, who may have been expected to show his thanks and gratitude in another way.

Nevertheless, Uther’s burning passion for Igraine drove him to unleash a violent and bloody war to satisfy his lust, aided by Merlin’s subtle arts and magic. This work draws from Geoffrey of Monmouth, Gildas and Wace, bringing together the potent elements of lust, violence and deception mixed with the magic of Merlin that King Arthur, and his sister Anna was concieved. Arthur would become the defender and great hope of the Britons and from Anna would come a line of kings to rule Britain.

The Prophecy of Merlin

Uther became King of the Britons of the island of Britain after his brother, King Aurelius Ambrosius, died from poisoning. As Aurelius lay seriously ill in Winchester, Pascentius, the son of Vortigern, and Gillomanius, the King of Ireland, had landed with an invading army. With Aurelius incapacitated, Uther, accompanied by Merlin, led the army of the Britons to meet the invaders, who had no idea of the fate that would befall his brother.

On his way to the battle, Uther encountered a most remarkable spectacle, which was seen in the skies. There appeared a star of such magnitude and brilliance it was seen both day and night. The star emitted a single ray of light, creating a fiery mass resembling a dragon’s body and head. Shining from the mouth of the dragon came two rays of light. One extended out across the skies of Britain and over Gaul. The other extended out over the Irish Sea, culminating in seven lesser beams of light. Such was its magnitude. It could be seen across Britain and beyond and filled the people with fear and dread, not knowing what it might portend. n seeing it, Uther called Merlin to him and asked its meaning. Merlin looked up at the sky and cried out in sorrow,

“O irreparable loss! O distressed people of Britain! Alas! the illustrious prince is departed! The renowned king of the Britons, Aurelius Ambrosius, is dead! whose death will prove fatal to us all, unless God be our helper. Make haste, therefore, most noble Uther, make haste to engage the enemy: the victory will be yours, and you shall be king of all Britain, For the star, and the fiery dragon under it, signifies yourself, and the ray extending towards the Gallic coast, portends that you shall have a most potent son, to whose power all those kingdoms shall be subject over which the ray reaches. But the other ray signifies a daughter, whose sons and grandsons shall successively enjoy the kingdom of Britain.” (1)

Image 2 – Comet by Heinrich Vogtherr the Younger, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Predictions

In short, Merlin predicted the death of King Aurelius Ambrosius, his elder brother and Uther would succeed him as king. He also predicted Arthur and Anna’s destinies from the star and its rays. Arthur would become king, drive out the invading Saxons, bring peace to the country, and build an empire in Europe. Ana would be the progenitor of a lengthy line of Kings of Britain.

Although undoubtedly impressed by the heavenly display, Uther doubted Merlin’s interpretation. Maybe he did not want to believe his brother was dead, and perhaps he did not want to be distracted by thoughts of taking the crown. Maybe the prophecy that his son would build a great empire and that the future Kings of the Britons would come from his daughter was too much of a distraction. However, he was a pragmatist and knew the immediate peril lay before him, whatever the future, and he was determined not to fail. He was now less than half a day’s march from Pascentius and Gillomanius, who presented a real threat that could not be ignored or postponed. Therefore, with great determination, he pushed on to meet them head-to-head in battle.

The two sides attacked each other on sight, and a furious and bloody fight ensued that raged unchecked throughout the day. Eventually, Uther and the Britons gained the advantage. When Pascentius and Gillomius were killed, the Irish and Saxons fled the field, making for their ships. Uther gained a stunning victory, confirming the accuracy of the first part of Merlin’s prophecy. The next day, as Uther and his troops were savouring their victory, a messenger arrived from Winchester with the grievous news of the death of his brother, King Aurelius Ambrosius. The messenger told how he had been buried in the Giant’s Dance, the monument he had caused Uther and Merlin to bring to Britain, thus sadly confirming another part of the prophecy.

King of the Britons

Returning to Winchester victorious and as the rightful heir to the throne by popular consent, Uther was made king of the Britons of the island of Britain and formally crowned. The celestial spectacle he had seen before the battle and the predictions made by Merlin that had so far proved true had left an impression on him. He ordered that two small figures of gold representing dragons should be made. One he gave to Winchester Cathedral, and the other he took with him in all his future military engagements, which would be many. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, he took the epithet Pendragon from this time onwards. He became known as Uther Pendragon, which means “head of the dragon,” though this is challenged by some scholars who say it means Head-Dragon, or Chief-Dragon, or commander-in-chief. Although he could not know it, the final parts of Merlin’s prophecy would continue to unfold and flower in his lifetime and climax beyond. However, in the present, he had to deal with a series of Saxon threats that would test his leadership to the full, though he would prove to be victorious in all.

The Capture of Octa and Eosa

His brother Aurelius had defeated and executed the Saxon leader Hengist, and the remaining Saxons under Octa and Eosa had sued for mercy. A covenant had been made to ensure that they lived peacefully in lands given by Aurelius and no longer launched attacks against the Britons. But now, with the death of Aurelius, Octa and Eossa no longer considered themselves obliged to keep the covenant. They had been joined by the Saxon survivors of the army of Pascentius that Uther had defeated. With superior numbers and inspired by the death of Aurelius, the Saxons attacked and destroyed many towns and cities in the north. Leading an army of Britons north, Uther caught up with them as they besieged the city of York. The Saxons turned their attention from the town to attack the Britons furiously, eventually forcing them to retreat.

Image 3

Uther and his army took shelter on a mountain crowned by a wood and split by a deep ravine. In the night, knowing he was on the verge of defeat, he summoned his lords and captains to discuss their situation and find a way forward. Gorlois, the Duke of Cornwall, recommended a bold surprise attack at night upon the Saxon camp. To all present, this seemed the best option, and Uther agreed. Under cover of darkness, the Britons took the Saxons by surprise, capturing Octa and Eosa alive and causing the rest to fly the battle, leaving Uther victorious, whereas he had been facing defeat.

Easter in London

According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, after imposing peace on the north of Britain, Uther Pendragon travelled to London with Octa and Eosa in chains and imprisoned them there. He decided to celebrate the Easter festival in the great city and summoned his nobles and commanders to join him. Uther wanted to emphasise his power to his barons and the people by wearing the crown throughout the celebrations. All the dignitaries brought their ladies and families to be entertained most lavishly by King Uther Pendragon, the most powerful man in Britain at the time and he made sure they took note of his power, authority, and generosity when pleased.

Lust for Igraine

Gorlois, the Duke of Cornwall, whose military advice had saved Uther from defeat and gained a remarkable victory over the Saxons, also attended with his wife, Igraine. She was a woman of outstanding beauty and much younger than her husband. When King Uther Pendragon first set eyes on her amid all the stunning ladies present, he instantly became infatuated with her. From that moment on, she dominated his every thought. Throughout the celebrations, he served her personally, giving her the best food on silver platters and wine in goblets of gold. All his attention was given to her and her alone, not attempting to conceal his feelings in public.

Noticing Uther’s behaviour towards his wife, Gorlois took great offence and decided to stage a walkout in protest. Despite attempts by his friends to persuade him to stay, he refused to be swayed and left, taking his wife with him without asking for the king’s permission. Uther was angry at Gorlois for not asking his permission to go but more furious that he had taken the object of his infatuation with him. He was determined to both show his absolute power and satisfy his lust for Igraine. He sent Gorlois a summons ordering him to return to beg his forgiveness for what he claimed was an insult. Gorlois angrily refused, seeing Uther’s behaviour as an affront to his dignity. He returned to Cornwall, taking his wife with him.

Uther, a slave to his infatuation, mustered his army and marched on Cornwall, laying waste towns and cities. Gorlois could do little to prevent him due to the superior numbers of the king’s forces. Instead, he fortified his towns and sent Igraine to Tintagel, his safest refuge. This place was not the remains of the castle we see today but possibly some other type of early fortification that was later replaced. Then, he awaited the coming of Uther at his stronghold of Dimilioc. In this way, he thought their separation would give a greater chance of survival for one or the other.

When Uther learned of this, he besieged Gorlois in Dimilioc but could not break the walls. During the entire time, his mind burned with desire for Igraine, and he could think of nothing else. Finally, he could stand it no longer. He summoned Ulfin, one of his friends, for advice. He admitted to him his great love for Igraine and that he feared that if he did not soon have her, then the passion he held inside for her would kill him.

The Arts of Merlin

Ulfin advised him that Tintagel could not be taken by force, being virtually surrounded by sea. It could only be reached by a narrow path of rock, making it possible for a few armed and determined men to defend against a vast army. He advised Uther to seek the arts of Merlin as he believed he alone would have the skill and knowledge to help him in his predicament. Having no other plan, Uther agreed, and Merlin was summoned, and the problem was explained.

Merlin proposed that he would make Uther into the likeness of Gorlois by using potions and hidden arts. Furthermore, he would also alter the appearance of Ulfin into that of Jordan of Tintagel, a friend of Gorlois, and he would change himself into Bricel, another friend of the duke. He planned that while the army besieged Gorlois in Dimilioc, they would ride to Tintagel.

Because of the changes to their appearance he had enacted, they would believe Uther to be Gorlois, Ulfin to be Jordan and Merlin to be Bricel and give them entry and allowing Uther admittance to Igraine. Having no other hope Uther agreed to the plan.

Merlin used his potions and arts to induce the transformations for the three. When all was done, they rode to Tintagel, arriving in the evening twilight. Seeing who they thought was Gorlois, Jordan and Bricel, the sentries gave them entry. Uther gained admittance to Igraine, and she, seeing only her husband, gave herself entirely to him, and Uther spent the night with her. In the guise of Gorlois, Uther told her he had allowed Dimilioc Castle to be besieged to draw the enemy away from Tintagel to keep her safe. Igraine believed all his words and gave everything he desired that night.

The Making of a King

Image 4 – Transformed, Uther, Merlin and Ulfin Ride to Tintagel

It is said that to make space for a new life in the world, someone must die. On that night, Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall and the lawful husband of Igraine was killed in battle by Uther’s army at Dimilioc. That night, amid violence, lust, and magic, a life was conceived that would become Arthur, the greatest of the Kings of the Britons, and another part of Merlin’s prophecy was slowly beginning to unfold.

In the morning, a messenger arrived urgently requesting to speak to Ygraine. They brought news of the fall of Dimilioc and the death of her husband. However, such were the arts of Merlin; they were shocked to see someone they believed to be Gorlois sitting alongside his wife, hale, healthy, and very much alive. Uther, in the likeness of Gorlois, then embraced Igraine, saying,

“Your own eyes may convince you that I am not dead, but alive. But notwithstanding, the destruction of the town, and the slaughter of my men, is what very much grieves me, so that there is reason to fear the king’s coming upon us and taking us in this place. To prevent which, I will go out to meet him, and make my peace with him, for fear of a worse disaster.” (2)

With the deception now complete and his lust satiated, the magically transformed Uther took his leave of Igraine and left Tintagel with his friends. Merlin then caused them to lose their disguise, and they rejoined the British army at Dimilioc. Uther called his commanders to report to him, and he was told of the end of the siege of Dimilioc and how Gorlois had died.

Although he was genuinely sorry for the duke’s death, he was happy that he was now free to marry Igraine. Returning to Tintagel, he took Igraine as his wife, and they lived in love and happiness. They had a son named Arthur, who became the king of the Britons, and a daughter named Anna or Anne, later known as Morgause.

Uther Pendragon had his heart’s desire, but the world of the king of the Britons was still dangerous. Sickness and disease have no more respect for kings and mighty warriors as they have for poor peasants, and a crippling malaise took Uther. To compound his woes, the Saxon leaders, Octa and Eosa, escaped their prison in London and returned to Germany. Reports came back that they had raised a massive army intending to return and conquer Britain once and for all. These reports were verified when a great fleet landed a great army of Saxons and their allies in the north of Britain. Immediately, the invaders attacked the town and the cities and left the countryside in ruins.

Uther, now virtually incapacitated through illness, entrusted the defence of the north to one of his consuls, a brave warrior named Lot of Londonesia, whom he had given in marriage his daughter Anna, who Merlin had prophesied would provide the future Kings of Britain.

The greatest enemy the Britons had was their pride, for they were often reluctant to obey Lot’s orders, making the realm’s defence much more challenging and less successful than it should have been. Finally, upon hearing this, Uther summoned all his commanders to appear before him and berated their foolishness. In disgust, he swore he would lead the army himself despite his sickness. He commanded a special horse-drawn carriage to be built that would carry him at the head of the army of the Britons into battle.

The Half-Dead King

In his carriage at the head of the army, he travelled to Verulam, now known as St. Albans, to confront Octa and Eosa, where they were laying waste to the countryside. When these two Saxon chiefs heard the sick Uther Pendragon was leading the army of the Britons in a horse-drawn carriage, they mocked him and refused to fight. They called him the “half-dead king” and said that it would humiliate them to fight a sick man on his deathbed and withdraw into the city. In their pride and contempt of Uther, they left the gates open.

As soon as Uther heard of this, he attacked immediately, hoping to profit from their foolishness. His Britons attacked the city, and when the Saxons saw their danger, they were forced to repulse them before it was too late. The battle raged all day until nightfall brought rest to both sides. Realising they were disadvantaged in sitting out a siege, the Saxons decided to try their luck in open battle, hoping to either defeat the Britons or break through their lines and escape.

At dawn, they marched out of the city, and the ensuing battle was bloody and fierce and raged all day. At last, Octa and Eosa fell, and leaderless, the Saxons ran away, leaving the Britons the victors. Those Saxons that escaped headed north, raiding towns along the way. Uther wanted to lead the army of the Britons after them. However, his commanders persuaded him not to because of the increasing severity of his illness.

Seeing they were not being pursued motivated the Saxons to attempt to conquer the entire kingdom of the Britons. They had always been skilled in the arts of betrayal and deception, and now they sought to bring about the death of Uther Pendragon by poison. They sent spies into the camp of the Britons in disguise and spied out the king’s habits. On discovering he was apt to drink from the waters of a clear spring, they poisoned it, causing him sudden death. With the death of Uther, the clergy and nobles bore his body to Mount Ambrius, where he was buried in the Giant’s Dance alongside his brother Aurelius Ambrosius and the victims who fell in the “Treachery of the Long Knives,” the mass assination of British noble by Hengist.

King Arthur Pendragon

According to early chroniclers, the Saxons were encouraged by the death of Uther Pendragon. With their numbers swelling daily with reinforcements from Germany, they sought to take over the entire country and exterminate the Britons on the island of Britain. With the realm of the Britons in dire peril, the clergy and the nobles made Arthur, the son of Uther Pendragon and only fifteen years old, the king of the Britons. Despite his youth and inexperience, he was to go on to free the Britons of the Saxon, build an empire across Europe, and fulfil his part in the prophecy of Merlin. Yet throughout his life, he would be haunted by lust, betrayal, deception and magic, the very elements that had brought him into the world. He would become the most famous of legendary British rulers and heroes, the “once and future king,” who would return one day to save his country from future peril., and from his sister, Anna would come a line of Kings to rule Britain,

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References, Attributions and Further Reading

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(1) The names of King Arthur’s family vary from text to text but here we are using mostly Geoffrey of Monmouth’s “History of the Kings of Britain.”

by

Eldol the Mighty, Duke of Gloucester

881px-a_chronicle_of_england_-_page_112_-_william_receives_a_fatal_hurt_at_mantes

James William Edmund Doyle [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Three Vigorous Ones of Britain

One of the lesser known and unsung heroes of the legend and mythology of the Britons was Eldol, the Duke of Gloucester.  Although mentioned in History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth he is largely unknown but his story tells of treachery and revenge in wild, wild times.  He was also known as Eldol the Mighty and was also mentioned in the Triads of Britain by Iolo Morganwg, as one of the Three Vigorous Ones of Britain.  The other two were  Gwrnerth of the sharp shot, who shot and killed the greatest bear that had ever lived using a straw arrow and Gwgawn of the mighty hand.   Gwgawn alone rolled the Stone of Maenarch, which normally needed sixty of the strongest oxen to move it, from the bottom of the valley to the top of the mountain.

Eldol gained his place as one of the vigorous three because he survived the terrible event in the history of the Britons known as the Treachery of the Long Knives by fighting his way free.   He also joined with the new King of the Britons, Aurelius Ambrosius and burnt the traitor King Vortigern in his tower.  Then he fought for Aurelius against the Saxons dueling with and capturing alive their warlord Hengist bringing him to face the justice of the King of the Britons.

The Treachery of the Long Knives

The event that became known as the Treachery of the Long Knives happened when Vortigern, the King of the Britons invited the Saxon warlord, Hengist to a peace conference at a monastery on the mythical Mount Ambrius on Salisbury Plain.  All participants were supposed to attend unarmed and this rule was strictly followed by the Britons.  However, Hengist had ordered his chieftains to conceal a long knife in their clothing to use at his command.  They were to act in  a peaceable and friendly manner and socialize with the Britons putting them at ease.  When Hengist gave the agreed  signal the Saxons stabbed the nearest Briton to them.  This act of treachery resulted in the deaths of most of the leading Britons.  Only Eldol and Vortigern of the Britons survived the attack. Eldol found a wooden stave which he used with deadly effect to kill six hundred and sixty Saxons in a desperate  fight between the setting of the sun and darkness before fighting his way to a horse and escaping to his home town of Gloucester.

Vortigern was purposely spared on the orders of Hengist because he was married to his daughter, Rowena, but also to draw ransom from and to manipulate further.  In return for his life Hengist demanded all of the fortified towns and places of the Britons be handed to him. With no other choice Vortigern agreed virtually handing over the rule of Britain to him.   This event profoundly affect the ability of the Britons to resist the Saxons as they were now virtually bereft of experienced leadership and no strong places. Vortigern, in an attempt to keep himself safe, looked for a site where he could build a place of strong refuge now that Hengist had all the fortified places of the Britons.

Merlin and the Two Dragons

At one site he made continued attempts to build a tower but the works would keep falling down overnight.  He was advised by Merlin that underground was a pool of water and that was what was making the walls fall down.  In the water there were two dragons; one red and one white that had been imprisoned there many, many, years ago in another age by KIng Lludd.

Merlin advised Vortigern to drain the pool and the dragons were revealed and set about fighting each other.  The red dragon drove out the white after a long and violent struggle. Merlin told him this represented the victory of the Britons over the Saxons and advised him that he saw two deaths for him.  One from the Saxons and one from the Britons but he could not say which would come first. He also prophesied the arrival of Aurelius Ambrosius who would unite the Britons and be crowned their king.  He would drive out the Saxons and come looking to avenge his father and elder brother who had been murdered by Vortigern when he usurped the throne. He made it clear his fate was sealed and the only question was who would get to him first.

Aurelius Ambrosius

Eldol and the few nobles who were left who had not been present at the massacre of the Britons by Hengist stepped up to take the leadership of the Britons and now joined forces with Aurelius recognising him as the rightful heir to the throne and making him their King.   They wanted him to drive out the Saxons first and then bring Vortigern to justice for bringing them in in the first place but Aurelius refused insisting Vortigern would be dealt with first. Eldol paid homage to him and told him how he had survived the Saxon treachery and of those who had fallen.

The Burning of Vortigern

Aurelius listened sympathetically but made it clear he wanted to defeat Vortigern first saying,

“See, most noble duke, whether the walls of this city are able to protect Vortigern against my sheathing this sword in his bowels. He deserves to die, and you cannot, I suppose, be ignorant of his desert. Oh most villainous of men, whose crimes deserve inexpressible tortures!  First he betrayed my father Constantine, who had delivered him and his country from the inroads of the Picts; afterwards my brother Constans whom he made king on purpose to destroy him. Again, when by his craft he had usurped the crown, he introduced pagans among the natives, in order to abuse those who continued steadfast in their loyalty to me: … Now, therefore, my countrymen, show yourselves men, first revenge yourselves upon him that was the occasion of all these disasters; then let us turn our arms against our enemies, and free our country from their brutish tyranny.” (1)

Wasting no more time, Aurelius and Eldol then put on their armour together intent on the destruction of Vortigern.   Aurelius set siege engines to work to break down the walls of the defenses but these failed. Determined to waste no more time he ordered the moat be drained and  filled with wood and combustible material and set ablaze. He commanded his archers to let fly burning arrows into the stronghold that found plenty of fuel. Vortigern was burnt to death in the tower of his last refuge along with his wives.

999px-a_chronicle_of_england_-_page_097_-_the_death_of_harold

James William Edmund Doyle [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Defeating  the Saxons

With Vortigern defeated the King of the Britons turned his attention to Hengist and the Saxons and moved his army northwards to confront him.   Hengist realised he had to fight the Britons head on or risk becoming trapped. To motivate his men he pointed out that they had the advantage in numbers telling them this would ensure victory.   Then he moved his army to a place where he knew the Britons would have to pass through hoping to take them by surprise. However, Aurelius had anticipated this and quick marched his men to confront the Saxons before they were ready.   He had given each regiment strict instructions and would himself lead the cavalry in a charge on the Saxon positions.

This had been the moment that a Eldol the Duke of Gloucester had been yearning for ever since the Treachery of the Long Knives.  His big hope was to find Hengist on the battlefield and engage in single combat to the death with him.   Many of the Britons also had old scores to settle against the Saxons and were determined to avenge the crimes they had committed against them.  Even so, the Saxons were still a powerful army and to defeat them would require a massive effort by the Britons.

With the arrival of the Britons the battle was quick to flare up and raged with unrestrained ferocity from both sides.   Eldol scoured the field searching out Hengist but the fighting was to thick and fierce and in the fray it was impossible to find him.   Despite urging his men on and presenting a fine example of bravery and leadership Hengist realised the Britons had gained the advantage and led his men in a retreat to the town of what is now Conisburgh.

Again Hengist resisted taking his army into the city fearing Aurelius would lay siege to it preventing escape.  He knew his Saxons were still a powerful force and he marshalled them and regrouped outside the town and prepared them to face the Britons outside the town.  His thinking was that he would rather defeat them in outright battle of force a way through and escape heading for Scotland, or to their ships on the coast.

Aurelius wasted no time and attacked the Saxons on arrival and there began a most terrible and bloody battle.   The Britons attacked with all their might hoping to overpower the Saxons who fought back courageously. Seeing the ferocity of the Saxon defense Aurelius sent in cavalry against them breaking their ranks and preventing them from regrouping and  causing confusion. This disarray encouraged the Britons who attacked now with greater ferocity.

Aurelius again urged the cavalry against the Saxons driving them before him.  Eldol fighting on foot leading the infantry took the fight to the Saxons killing all in his path but always seeking out his deadly archenemy, Hengist.   Eventually the two met face to face and a deadly duel followed. Hengist was a skilled swordsman and as ferocious as any warrior and Eldol the champion of the Britons now had his wish come true and while the battle raged all around them the two fought one another in a ferocious duel.

At times Hengist drove forward against his opponent but Eldol parried blow after blow and through the power in his arms and body and the steel of his will fought back. Hengist recovered and again with his swordsmanship began to take the advantage but at that moment the arrival of a fresh contingent of cavalry led by Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall gave renewed energy to the Britons and Eldol surged forward and managed to take a strong grip on the war helmet of Hengist and catching him off balance pulled him into the ranks of the Britons.

A clamour rose among the Britons for Hengist to be killed immediately.  Eldol refused telling them that Hengist would face the justice of Aurelius Ambrosius, the King of the Britons.   He had him bound in chains and taken from the battlefield to await the justice of the king. With Hengist now in their hands the Britons gained great heart and fought harder.  Although the Saxons had lost their general and great inspirational leader they continued to fight on but gradually, lacking his direction they were steadily and surely pushed back until they were forced to flee for their lives.

The Vengeance of Eldol

With the Britons victorious Aurelius decided to rest his army in Conan driving out any remaining Saxons.  Then he gave orders for the dead to be given a proper burial and tended the wounded of his own army and rested his troops.   To help him decide the fate of Hengist he called a council of his lords and bishops and had Hengist brought before him. Eldad the bishop of Gloucester and the brother of Eldol stood up and said,

“Though all should be unanimous for setting him at liberty, yet would I cut him to pieces. The prophet Samuel is my warrant, who when he had Agag, king of Amalek, in his power, hewed him in pieces, saying, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. Do therefore the same to Hengist, who is a second Agag.” (2)

Aurelius and all those present unanimously agreed that this would.  Therefore, Eldol led Hengist from the council and executed him as had been decided.   King Aurelius Ambrosius who always showed respect to others ordered that earth should be raised over the body of Hengist as was the traditional burial practice of the Saxons in their homeland.  So it was that Eldol who had survived that terrible night of Saxon treachery came at last to wreak his vengeance on his archenemy, Hengist and become one of the mightiest heroes of the Britons.

© 12/07/2016 zteve t evans

References, Attributions and Further Reading

Copyright zteve t evans

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Merlin and the Giant’s Dance: The Victory of Art over Strength

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By Blaeu, J (Atlas van Loon) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

According to Geoffrey of Monmouth in History of the Kings of Britain  Merlin was an advisor, prophet and magician of kings.  One of his greatest feats was to dismantle a huge stone circle known as the Giant’s Dance situated on Mount Killaraus in Ireland and bring it across the Irish Sea to Britain where he installed it for King Aurelius Ambrosius as a monument to the victims of a Saxon massacre of leading Britons.  What follows is a retelling of the story of how and why Merlin brought the Giant’s Dance from Ireland to Britain beginning with the return of Aurelius and his brother, Uther.

The Return of Aurelius Ambrosius

While the usurper King Vortigern had been misruling Britain in violent times, the true heirs to the throne, Aurelius Ambrosius and his brother Uther had been sent to  Armorica by opponents of the king being too young to rule and to protect them from him.As Aurelius grew up  he entered many of the royal tournaments around Europe and fought for Armorica in many of their battles. He gained a fearsome reputation as a formidable warrior and leader of men.

As he and Uther had come of age, with the help of the King of Armorica, they prepared for their return to Britain.  They intended to, wreak vengeance on Vortigern and defeat Hengist and the Saxons and reclaim their rightful inheritance.   They built a great fleet of ships and filled them with warriors and sailed across the sea to disembark their troops at Totnes.  News of their arrival spread like wildfire.  The remaining warlords of the Briton flocked to their cause making Aurelius the King of Britain.  After a series of battles they defeated their enemies killing Vortigern and Hengist and succeeded in driving out the Saxons.

As he had marched to battle King Aurelius had been appalled at the damage and suffering the Saxons had caused.  Now victorious, he called a council of his lords and clergy to discuss and plan the rebuilding of war-ravaged Britain.  He brought back the old laws and returned lands to those that had lost them to the Saxons.  Where there was no living heir he divided these lands among his loyal followers.

The Treachery of the Long Knives

He travelled through many towns and cities and eventually arrived in Winchester. Then he traveled to Kaercaradduc, now known as Salisbury and at the instigation of Bishop Eldad visited the monastery of Ambrius.  This was the place where the murder of the British lords and nobles took place at the instigation of Hengist.  This event had scarred the psyche of the Britons and became known as The Treachery of the Long Knives. Aurelius visited the burial place of the victims and was overcome with emotion with the terrible event that happened there.  He began to think about an appropriate monument to remember and honour the victims by so that Britons should never forget the treachery wrought by Hengist and the Saxons

Seeking inspiration he brought together the best masons, carpenters and artisans in Britain  telling them to design and build a fitting monument.   After much deliberation these worthy men went to King Aurelius and told him despite their skills and craftsmanship they could not between them come up with a fitting design.  Then the archbishop of the City of the Legions, stood up and said,

“If any one living is able to execute your commands, Merlin, the prophet of Vortigern, is the man. In my opinion there is not in all your kingdom a person of a brighter genius, either in predicting future events, or in mechanical contrivances. Order him to come to you, and exercise his skill in the work which you design.” (1)

Merlin had gained fame when he had revealed to Vortigern the  two hidden dragons that  were hidden in a pool that caused building work on a new stronghold to collapse.  He also predicted the arrival of Aurelius Ambrosius and his brother Uther with an invasion force to take back the crown of Britain.  Merlin also forewarned Vortigern that he saw two deaths for him: one by Aurelius and the other by the Anglo-Saxons.  It so happened that Aurelius reached him first and burnt him to death in his stronghold.  Merlin also predicted there would come a king who would drive out the Anglo-Saxons from Briton and create an empire in Europe and that would be Arthur.

Merlin’s Advice

Hearing what was said, Aurelius sent messengers to find and bring back Merlin.  The messengers traveled to all parts of the country and eventually found him.  The message was given and Merlin was escorted to the court of King Aurelius Ambrosius.  Aurelius welcomed Merlin warmly and made it clear he was very pleased to see him.  He was genuinely curious about him and his prophecies asking many questions concerning them. Then he requested that he make a prophecy there and then.  Merlin declined saying,

“Mysteries of this kind are not to be revealed but when there is the greatest necessity for it. If I should pretend to utter them for ostentation or diversion, the spirit that instructs me would be silent, and would leave me when I should have occasion for it.” (2)

Others present urged and encouraged him but he flatly refused. Aurelius, respecting Merlin’s answer changed the subject and told him of his idea to built a fitting monument to those who died during The Treachery of the Long Knives.   He explained how the best craftsmen and masons in Britain could not think of a suitable design and requested his opinion  on the matter.  Merlin replied,

“If you are desirous,to honour the burying-place of these men with an everlasting monument, send for the Giant’s Dance, which is in Killaraus, a mountain in Ireland. For there is a structure of stones there, which none of this age could raise, without a profound knowledge of the mechanical arts. They are stones of a vast magnitude and wonderful quality; and if they can be placed here, as they are there, round this spot of ground, they will stand for ever.” (3)

King Aurelius Ambrosius was bemused and laughed out loud thinking he was not serious saying,

“How is it possible to remove such vast stones from so distant a country, as if Britain was not furnished with stones fit for the work?”  (4)

However, Merlin was very serious and told him sternly,

“I entreat your majesty to forbear vain laughter; for what I say is without vanity. They are mystical stones, and of a medicinal virtue. The giants of old brought them from the farthest coast of Africa, and placed them in Ireland, while they inhabited that country. Their design in this was to make baths in them, when they should be taken with any illness.

For their method was to wash the stones, and put their sick into the water, which infallibly cured them. With the like success they cured wounds also, adding only the application of some herbs. There is not a stone there which has not some healing virtue.” (5)

Then Aurelius and all those present fell silent at the words of Merlin.  Aurelius discussed the proposal with those present and it was agreed that such a monument to the dead would be fitting.  The king’s younger brother, Uther was appointed command of an army fifteen thousand strong.  He was to travel to Ireland to Mount Killaraus and bring the stones back to Britain using any means necessary including force.   Merlin was also sent with him as his advisor and to direct the work in uprooting and transporting thèm from the legendary mountain back across the sea to Britain and then to their final destination at Ambrius.  Once there, he would set them up exactly as they had been in Ireland.   A suitable fleet of ships was built to carry the stones and the army under the leadership of Uther, with Merlin as his advisor, set sail for Ireland.

The Taking of the Giant’s Dance

The King of Ireland was a young man named Gillomanius.  When he heard of the landing of an army of Britons  upon the shores of his kingdom be wasted no time in mustering his own warriors to counter the threat.  On being told the motive for their presence he laughed long and loudly.  He poured scorn and derision on them saying,

“No wonder a cowardly race of people were able to make so great a devastation in the island of Britain, when the Britons are such brutes and fools. Was ever the like folly heard of? What are the stones of Ireland better than those of Britain, that our kingdom must be put to this disturbance for them? To arms, soldiers, and defend your country; while I have life they shall not take from us the least stone of the Giant’s Dance.” (6)

Gillomanius ordered his army into defensive positions around the stones.  Uther, seeing the Irish intent to defend the Giant’s Dance and with his mission and goal clear commanded the army of the Britons to attack.   The Britons forced the Irish to scatter preventing them from uniting. Gillomanius was routed and forced off Mount Killaraus leaving the stones to the Britons.

When at last they stood on Mount Killaraus before the Giant’s Dance, Uther and the Britons were full of admiration for what they saw and stood in awe looking at them.  Then Merlin came among the army of the Britons and challenged them saying,

“Now try your forces, young men, and see whether strength or art can do the most towards taking down these stones.” (7)

Taking up the challenge the soldiers went to work work trying all sorts of levers and pulleys with great lengths of ropes and cables.  They pulled, pushed and sweated and strained  but no matter how hard they tried they could not move a single stone one inch.

After watching their efforts for some time in quiet amusement Merlin then took command of the project.   He showed them how to construct engines he had designed and under his watchful eye and supervision the stones were taken easily from the ground and transported to the ships and placed safely on board.  When all the stones were loaded the fleet set off under a fair wind to Britain where Merlin supervised their transport to the site prepared at Ambrius.

When messengers brought the news of their arrival in Britain to King Aurelius Ambrosius he was overjoyed.  He summoned all of Britain’s noblemen and clergy to celebrate the feast of the Pentecost at the monastery of Ambrius to formally dedicate the monument to those fallen in The Treachery of the Long Knives.   The celebrations lasted for three days and in front of the whole assembly and with respect to all royal protocol, Aurelius placed the crown of Britain on his head.  Then he sent for his servants and insisted they join with the nobles and clergy in feasting as thanks for their excellent and loyal service.

The Victory of Art over Strength

He then attended to all necessary business matters and appointed bishops to the vacant sees of York and the City of Legions, known today as Caerleon.  He gave York to Sanxo and the City  of Legions to Dubricius.  After he had settled other affairs of his realm he commanded Merlin to reconstruct the Giant’s Dance around the graves of the victims of the Saxon treachery.   Merlin used the same arts and techniques he had used on Mount Killaraus to quickly install the Giant’s Dance on their new site exactly as they had been in Ireland.   Once erected the Giant’s Dance proved to be a most fitting and enduring monument as King Aurelius had intended and answered Merlin’s challenge proving “the victory of art over strength” 

When King Aurelius Ambrosius died he was buried in the Giant’s Dance and his younger brother Uther became King of Britain.  When Uther died through treachery he too was buried there and today the Giant’s Dance still stands as a monument to the victims of treachery and betrayal.

© 21/11/2017 zteve t evans

References, Attributions and Further Reading

Copyright November 22st, 2017 zteve t evans

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Merlin and the Prophecy of the Star and the Fiery Dragon

waldemar_flaig_stern_von_bethlehem_1920

Waldemar Flaig [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

King Aurelius Ambrosius

The legendary Merlin is one of the best known characters in Arthurian legend and romance and many remarkable feats are attributed to him.  In The History of the Kings of Britain (Historia regum Britanniae) written about 1136 by Geoffrey of Monmouth he was an advisor, magician and prophet of kings.  Presented here is a retelling of one of his prophecies inspired by a comet that reveals the death of the King  of the Britons, Aurelius Ambrosius.   He predicts his younger brother Uther would take the crown and from him would come a king who would be the hope and inspiration of the Britons and a daughter who would beget a line of kings.  The story begins after Ambrosius had driven out the Saxons and pacified the Picts on the borderlands to establish himself as undisputed King of the Britons after a long hard fight against powerful enemies.

Uther

Even the great and the good can fall sick and Aurelius Ambrosius, the King of the Britons  fell seriously ill.   At this time,  Pascentius, a son of his old enemy Vortigern and Gillomanius the King of Ireland both bore him a grudge and plotted together against him.  Gillomanius hated him for commanding his younger brother Uther and Merlin to bring back the Giant’s Dance from Mount Killaraus in Ireland at any cost.  Consequently Uther fought the Irish king in battle over the stones and defeated.  Then Merlin used his arts to uproot them and transport them to a new site in Britain. Pascentius hated him for killing his father the former king and defeating him in an earlier battle and because he believed he should be king.  They  joined forces and landed with a powerful army at Menevia.  With the king lying in his sick bed, Uther, the younger brother of Aurelius, took it upon himself to defend the kingdom against the invaders and with Merlin to advise him led his troops to meet the foe.

The Star and the Fiery Dragon

On their march to battle, Uther and his army were amazed to see in the heavens a star of such brilliance it not only lit up the night sky, but could be seen plainly in daylight. Never had Uther or any of his men seen anything like it before.  They were astounded by it and also frightened.  From the star there sprang a single ray of light that formed into a shape like that of a fiery dragon. From the dragon’s mouth two rays were emitted.  One stretched out reaching across Britain and across the sea and into Gaul. The other stretched across the Irish Sea and divided into seven smaller rays of equal length.  The whole display could be seen across all of Britain and beyond.  The people were filled with fear and awe not knowing of its meaning and fearing it portended some terrible event and Uther called upon Merlin for an explanation.  Merlin, who had foretold the death of Vortigern the previous king and made the Prophesy of the Two Dragons and other predictions looked upon the spectacle and then cried out,

“O irreparable loss! O distressed people of Britain! Alas! The illustrious prince is departed! The renowned king of the Britons, Aurelius Ambrosius, is dead! whose death will prove fatal to us all, unless God be our helper. Make haste, therefore, most noble Uther, make haste to engage the enemy: the victory will be yours, and you shall be king of all Britain, For the star, and the fiery dragon under it, signifies yourself, and the ray extending towards the Gallic coast, portends that you shall have a most potent son, to whose power all those kingdoms shall be subject over which the ray reaches. But the other ray signifies a daughter, whose sons and grandsons shall successively enjoy the kingdom of Britain.” (1)

Although Uther was also in awe of the spectacle he doubted Merlin.  He was now within half a day’s march of Menevia and Pascentius and Gillomius and knew he could not return to Winchester and allow them to move inland with such a great army.  Therefore, he decided to confront them as quickly as possible and pressed on.

Uther’s Victory

Pascentius and Gillomanius soon became aware of the approach of Uther and ordered their own troops into battle formation and moved to meet the Britons.  As soon as the two sides met battle commenced. No quarter was asked and none given by the Irish or the Britons and the fighting was bloody and fierce with much loss of life on both sides.  As the day wore on the Britons gained the upper hand killing both Pascentius and Gillomanius.  With the deaths of their leaders the enemy broke and scattered giving Uther absolute victory.  He chased and harried the enemy back to their ships killing any that that were caught.

The Death of Aurelius

With the enemy flying before him Uther rested and savoured his victory but soon there came a messenger from Winchester that brought the sad news of the death of King Aurelius Ambrosius of the Britons.   The messenger told him Aurelius had received a fitting funeral conducted by the most celebrated clergy in the land.  They had deemed it proper that he be buried with all royal ceremony inside the Giant’s Dance.  This had seemed the most fitting burial place for him having been obtained and built at his instigation as an everlasting memorial to commemorate the victims of the The Night of the Long Knives.

Uther is Crowned King

Although Uther had enjoyed his victory, the death of his elder brother grieved him greatly.  This made him more determined to see through the great events they had been through together.  With his brother dead, Uther was now the rightful heir to the kingdom of Britain.  Calling together all the clergy and nobles in the land with their unanimous agreement and support he was crowned King of Britain.

Uther Pendragon

Taking inspiration from the rayed star and the fiery dragon he had seen before the battle and from Merlin’s prophecy he commanded two statuettes of solid gold to be made.  One he gave to Winchester Cathedral, but the second he kept for himself. From that time onward it was carried with him in all of his battles and this is how he came to be called Uther Pendragon, meaning head of the dragon.   From Uther Pendragon would come a son named Arthur Pendragon, who was destined to be the great hope of the Britons and a daughter named Anna.

 

© 08/11/2017 zteve t evans

References, Attributions and Further Reading

Copyright November 8th, 2017 zteve t evans

(1)  [PDF] History of the Kings of Britain – York University – Page 138

Waldemar Flaig [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsWaldemar Flaig [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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Lludd and Llevelys and the Three Plagues of Britain

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Cropped image of Two Dragons from History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth – Public Domain

King Lludd

King Lludd appears in the Mabinogion in the story of Lludd and Llevelys as King of Britain.  This is a tale that tells how with the help of Llevelys, his younger brother, he overcome the Three Plagues of Britain that had caused his people great anxiety and fear.  It is thought that Geoffrey of Monmouth in the History of the Kings of Britain refers to him as Lud and it may be the case that the Mabinogion tale owes much to Geoffrey.

After the death of his father Beli the Great, as his eldest son, Lludd became King of the Island of Britain.   Lludd was a great and generous king and a mighty warrior and leader of men.  He was generous in giving food and hospitality to any who sought it from him and cared for the welfare of his lords and subjects.  During the reign of Lludd the island of Britain prospered greatly.  Lludd rebuilt the city of London that Brutus the Trojan, the legendary first King of Britain was said to have founded.  He surrounded it with strong walls with many towers to defend its citizens and called upon his subjects to built fine houses within those walls and London became the finest and richest city on the island of Britain.

King Llevelys

According to the Mabinogion, Lludd had three brothers and the youngest named Llevelys was his favourite. He was extremely fond of Llevelys who grew up to be a very wise and discreet man whom he could always trust.   It so happened that when the King of France passed away and having no male heirs to the throne he had left his kingdom to his daughter.  Llevelys sought her hand in marriage and after a successful courtship  married her and became the ruler of France.   He was to prove to be a good and just ruler who governed with great wisdom for many years and had a long and happy life.

The Three Plagues of Britain

The island of Britain ruled by Lludd continued to prosper as did France ruled by Llevelys.  There came a time in Britain when the situation changed for the worse and the people grew fearful and troubled.  Three plagues had descended upon the island of Britain that caused the people great distress and anxiety.   The first of these plagues was a people called the Coranians, the second was an unearthly Shriek heard throughout the land and the third was the theft of Royal provisions.

The Coranians

The Coranians were said to be a race of dwarves who had the power to hear anything and everything the wind touched.  No word could be spoken anywhere without them instantly hearing it.  They could hear every word that was uttered upon the island of Britain and so could never be attacked unprepared.  In some texts they were said to have settled near the Humber and allies themselves with the enemies of Britain.

The Shriek

The second plague came every year on the eve of May Day when without fail the most unearthly and terrifying shriek was heard throughout the land.  It was such an awful and terrifying sound that it would pierce the hearts of the people causing such terror that grown men turned pale and maidens lost their reason and cause animals, trees and the very earth to become barren.

Theft of Provisions

The third plague was baffling and annoying.   However much of the King’s food and drink was prepared in the Royal courts from morning to nightfall the next morning it would be discovered to have vanished overnight without a trace.

Lludd Seeks Counsel

Of these three plagues Lludd had more hope of being cured of the first than the other two because he knew the cause of the first, whereas with the other two the cause was a mystery.  Lludd called together the princes, the nobles and his wise men of his realm to discuss and set out a course of action.  After much debating and arguing they had to admit they were all baffled not knowing the cause so not knowing a remedy.  In the end it was decided by all that Lludd should travel to the court of his youngest brother Llevelys to ask his advice and most  being the wisest person and most trustworthy they knew.  All further preparations for the voyage were done in silence in case the Coranians heard of the venture. So it was that in silence and secrecy a fleet of ships embarked from the island of Britain bound for France to seek out the counsel of Llevelys.

When tidings of the fleet reached Llevelys he was puzzled at the meaning of the ships not knowing his brother’s reason for them.  Llevelys then assembled his own fleet and sailed to meet him.    When Lludd saw his brother’s fleet he immediately ordered all ships save the one that bore him to hold back while he sailed to meet his brother.   On seeing this Llevelys immediately did the same and the two brothers met together and embraced in love,  friendship and joy at their reunion.

Defeating the Coranians

Brass tube of Llevelys

Levely flushes out the Demon – Public Domain

After Lludd had explained the cause of his visit Llevelys said that it was good that he had come and that he could help and advised they go below ship out of the wind lest the Coranians should get word of their meeting.   Llevelys ordered the making of a long brass tube that they could use to talk through to one another without fear of the Coranians hearing.  This was done but when they spoke to each other through the tube the only words the hearer could hear from the speaker were all words of anger and hostility.  Llevelys realised that the horn was possessed by a demon of some kind that was deliberately twisting their words into anger.  He washed it through with wine which because of the goodness of the wine the demon to flee.

When at last Llevelys and Lludd could talk freely and naturally to each other Llevelys told his brother that he would provide him with insects and teach him how to crush these in water to create a mixture that would rid him of the Coranians. He would also teach him how to breed them should the Coralians ever return.  He instructed Lludd that he would need to throw the specially prepared mixture over the Coranians and they would be destroyed but not harm any of the people of Britain that the mixture might fall upon.

The Two Dragons

Two Dragons

The Two Warring Dragons – Public Domain

Then Llevelys turned his attention to the second plague and said,

“The second plague is caused by a dragon within your realm that is fighting a foreign dragon in a life or death battle.  The dragon of your realm is making the fearful shriek and here is what you must do.

When you return home you must have the length and breadth of the island of Britain measured from this you must work out the exact center of the island.  There in the very heart of the island you must have a deep pit dug and place a cauldron filled with the best mead in the land to be placed in the bottom of the pit.  Then, cover the cauldron with a sheet of satin and there you, yourself must remain to watch for the warring beasts which will appear in the form of two terrible animals.  These will fight each other but eventually they will rise into the air and take the form of two dragons.  These will continue to fight furiously in the air until they grow tired and will transform into pigs and drop out of the air into the cauldron onto the satin covering and fall through sinking to the bottom of the cauldron and drink up the mead.  This will cause them to fall asleep and as soon as they are asleep wrap the around in the sheet and then place them in a stone kistvaen and transport them to the strongest place of your kingdom and bury them.  While they remain buried in that place no plague shall again trouble Britain.” (1)

Mighty Man of Magic

Mighty Man of Magic

Mighty Man of Magic Stealing the King;s Provisions – Public Domain

Llevelys then told his brother that the cause of the third plague was a mighty man of magic who was using his magical arts to send everyone to sleep while he stole the food from Lludd’s court.  To prevent this Llevelys advised that it would be necessary for Lludd himself to stay awake to guard the store and confront the thief.  He told him to ensure he stays awake he should keep a cauldron of cold water at his side to splash over his face should he begin to drowse.

Lludd Frees Britain of the Plagues

Thanking his brother Lludd returned to Britain where he summoned the whole of his people along with the Coranians to a great meeting.  He had previously crushed and prepared the insect mixture as his brother had taught him and when all were assembled he threw the concoction over the Coranians killing them but leaving the Britons unharmed.    In this way through the advice of Llevelys the Coranians were defeated and the plague ended.

After this Lludd had his servants measure the length and breadth of Britain to determine the center of the realm and decided this was at a place now known as Oxford.  In that place Lludd had a pit dug and placed a cauldron of mead at its base.  He then covered it with a sheet of satin as his brother had advised.  On the eve of May Day he set himself to watch what events should unfold.

That night he witnessed the appearance of the two warring beasts who immediately set about fighting each other just as his brother had foretold. He saw how they rose into the air and transformed into great fighting dragons.  He watched as they battled each other and eventually overcome with exhaustion fell from the air into the cauldron of mead which they then drank and fell into a deep slumber.   Seizing his chance Lludd wrapped them in the satin sheet and placed them into a stone container and transported them to Dinas Emrys, which was the strongest part of his kingdom at the time.   This action ended the fearful shrieking that had plagued and terrified the entire island of Britain.

After this, Lludd resolved to deal with the mighty man of magic who had been plundering his stores.  He ordered a great banquet to be prepared  and setting himself on watch with a vessel of cold water beside him he awaited the arrival of the thief.  In the dead hours after midnight he heard many wonderful songs and many curious things and found himself sinking into a dreamy slumber.   Rousing himself he splashed his face with old water from the cauldron. He found he needed to do this often battling to stay awake.

As he fought against the slumber he became aware of the appearance of a huge man clad in the armour of a warrior and armed with a sword.  The giant proceed to gather all the food and drink and place it in a huge hamper.  Lludd sat still and watched for a while in wonderment and was further amazed that the hamper never overflowed with all that was being placed inside.  At last he decided enough was enough and jumping up and cried, “Stop! stop! You have insulted me enough!  Stop now or face my sword!

Ludd and the Mghty Man of Magic

Lludd Fights the Mighty Man of Magic – Public Domain

With a mighty roar the giant threw down the hamper and rushed at Lludd with his drawing his sword.  Lludd rushed to meet him and they fell together in deadly combat.  Fire flew from their swords and after a hard fight fortune gave the victory to Lludd.  As he threw down his foe to the ground and had him at the mercy of his sword he asked,  “Should I spare thee for all the wrongs you have done me?”

“Spare me and all that I have taken shall be returned in equal amount and from this day on I will be your faithful servant,” replied the giant. Lludd quickly reflected upon this and accepted and the Mighty Man of Magic served him faithfully and fully as he had promised.

The Two Dragons Reappear

So it was that Lludd rid Britain of the three plagues and from that day on his realm bloomed and prospered in peace and security and so the story of Lludd and Llevelys ended.  However, part of the story was to reappear many centuries later in the time of King Vortigern when the two dragons resurfaced to hinder the construction of a fortress Vortigern was building. This event was to see the emergence of a young Merlin who prophesied the coming of Arthur who would unite Britain under his banner and become King of Britain and drive out the Anglo-Saxon invaders at least for a time.

© 12/07/2017 zteve t evans

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Copyright zteve t evans July 12th, 2017

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The Prophecy of Merlin: The Two Dragons

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Vortigern and Merlin and the Two Dragons – Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In the Arthurian realm of legend and romance destiny and fate play essential parts in many of the legends and stories.  The practice of some writers from the Romances back to Geoffrey of Monmouth to link to earlier works and legends often gives a sense that the main characters and events are governed by some supernatural force that shapes destiny and fate. Events that happened many years and sometimes centuries earlier, become linked to important events in later legends and stories returning to the fore after lying dormant. One of these events involved two important players in the Arthurian world, both having played a part in shaping the destiny of Britain before Arthur was even born.  These two were Vortigern who usurped the throne of Britain and a young Myrddin Emrys, also known as Myrddin Ambrosius or Merlin.  Vortigern gained infamy and a reputation for treachery and weakness and Merlin became the sorcerer, counselor and soothsayer of the kings of Britain in his time.

Fate and destiny combine in strange ways and an event from the distant past resurfaced to cause King Vortigern a problem he could not have foreseen and the only person who could solve this was the then young and unknown Merlin.  The two were brought together on Dinas Emrys where Merlin was inspired to make one of his most famous prophecies on the fate of Britain.  Sometimes  called the Prophecy of the Two Dragons or  The Prophecy of Merlin, it reveals the coming of Arthur and the future of Britain, making  him the leading soothsayer and sorcerer of his time.

Vortigern’s Fortress

According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, after the Treachery of the Long Knives, when the greater part of the nobility and leadership of the Britons had been brutally and treacherously murdered by Hengist and his Saxons, the wise men of King Vortigern, advised him to seek out a place where he might build a fortress as a place of safety to retreat to.

After searching what remained of his realm for a safe and suitable site he finally chose a rocky, wooded, hill about one mile from what is now called Beddgelert in Gwynedd, Wales, that rises to a height of about 250 feet above the valley of the River Glaslyn.  This hill was once called Dinas Ffaraon Dandde or fortress of Fiery Pharaoh, and later became known as Dinas Emrys which means fortress of Ambrosius.

Thinking he has found a good site Vortigern gave the command for the work on building the walls of the fortress to commence.   His builders worked hard building walls and towers in the daytime but no matter how far they progressed in a day, when they came back the next morning, they would find the previous day’s work in a heap on the ground.  Although the builders used all their skills and knowledge and worked as hard as they possibly could during the day, each morning they would return to find the previous day’s work once again in a pile on the ground. This went on for many days until Vortigern was obliged to seek help from his wise men. According to Nennius, a 9th century monk and writer, his wise men informed him that that he would have to seek out a young boy. “not conceived by a mortal man”. who would be sacrificed and his blood sprinkled in the mortar of the stonework in the hope of appeasing what ever dark power was hindering the construction of the fortress.

Myrddin Emrys

Vortigern sent his messengers out across the land seeking out such a boy.  After many days and much searching, one of the messengers returned with a boy named Myrddin Emrys or Merlin Ambrosius, who was the only boy they could find “not conceived by a mortal man”.

Geoffrey of Monmouth in his book Historia regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain, 1137) says that Merlin was believed to have been the the son of an incubus, or demon and his mother was mortal and was a nun.   With the incubus representing Satan and the nun representing Jesus Christ, or God, he had been born from two opposing powers.  As such he was said to have inherited the wisdom, knowledge and powers of both of these forces.  He was brought before Vortigern who told him the fate he intended to inflict upon him.  Geoffrey says,

“A meeting took place the next day for the purpose of putting him to death. Then the boy said to the king, “Why have your servants brought me hither?” “That you may be put to death,” replied the king, “and that the ground on which my citadel is to stand, may be sprinkled with your blood, without which I shall be unable to build it.”

However, according to Geoffrey, Merlin was not intimidated by Vortigern.  Instead, he spoke with power and authority, demanding to know where he had got this idea from. He then declared to Vortigern he would reveal the real reason why the construction of the fortress was unsuccessful.

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Merlin reads his prophecies to King Vortigern – By Unknown illustrator. Per Nigel Morgan Survey, probably London, 1250 or earlier. Style of Matthew Paris, but not him. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Prophecy of the Two Dragons

Geoffrey of Monmouth then gives the following account of Merlin’s interview with Vorigern and his wise men,

“Who,” said the boy, “instructed you to do this?” “My wise men,” answered the king. “Order them hither,” returned the boy; this being complied with, he thus questioned them: “By what means was it revealed to you that this citadel could not be built, unless the spot were previously sprinkled with my blood? Speak without disguise, and declare who discovered me to you;” then turning to the king, “I will soon,” said he, “unfold to you every thing; but I desire to question your wise men, and wish them to disclose to you what is hidden under this pavement:” they acknowledging their ignorance, “there is,” said he, “a pool; come and dig:” they did so, and found the pool. “Now,” continued he, “tell me what is in it;” but they were ashamed, and made no reply. “I,” said the boy, “can discover it to you: there are two vases in the pool;” they examined, and found it so: continuing his questions,” What is in the vases?” they were silent: “there is a tent in them,” said the boy; “separate them, and you shall find it so;” this being done by the king’s command, there was found in them a folded tent. The boy, going on with his questions, asked the wise men what was in it? But they not knowing what to reply, “There are,” said he, “two serpents, one white and the other red; unfold the tent;” they obeyed, and two sleeping serpents were discovered; “consider attentively,” said the boy, “what they are doing.” The serpents began to struggle with each other; and the white one, raising himself up, threw down the other into the middle of the tent, and sometimes drove him to the edge of it; and this was repeated thrice. At length the red one, apparently the weaker of the two, recovering his strength, expelled the white one from the tent; and the latter being pursued through the pool by the red one, disappeared. Then the boy, asking the wise men what was signified by this wonderful omen, and they expressing their ignorance, he said to the king,”

The wise men of Vortigern had no idea of what any these signs meant and could not hide their ignorance.  With growing confidence Merlin told them their meaning and then made a famous prophecy about the fate of Britain,

“I will now unfold to you the meaning of this mystery. The pool is the emblem of this world, and the tent that of your kingdom: the two serpents are two dragons; the red serpent is your dragon, but the white serpent is the dragon of the people who occupy several provinces and districts of Britain, even almost from sea to sea: at length, however, our people shall rise and drive away the Saxon race from beyond the sea, whence they originally came; but do you depart from this place, where you are not permitted to erect a citadel; I, to whom fate has allotted this mansion, shall remain here; whilst to you it is incumbent to seek other provinces, where you may build a fortress.”

Merlin then explained that the problems with the construction were actually caused by the two sleeping dragons waking up and fighting each other.  He explained the Red Dragon represented the defenders of Britain which although exhausted and appearing defeated would eventually rise up and repulse  the White Dragon of the invading Anglo-Saxons.   He told of the coming of Arthur who he referred to as the Boar of Cornwall which would be the emblem on his banner and prophesied that six kings descended from Arthur would rule before the Anglo-Saxons returned to rule over Britain.

Then Merlin told Vortigern that he was not destined to build his fortress on this site.  He told him that fate had given the ownership of the hill to himself and told Vortigern he must seek elsewhere for a suitable site.  Vortigern followed Merlin’s advice and eventually settled on Cair Guorthegirn whom some scholars think may be Craig Gwrtheyrn, Llandysul, Dyfed, but it is not proven and there are several other candidates. This was to be the place Vortigern met his death when it was burned down by Ambrosius and Uther, two brothers who attacked him out of revenge for killing another of their brothers who had been king.

For the defenders of Britain the prophecy of the two dragons was a momentous event, giving hope and inspiration for those who lived in those times to carry on the fight and was an important moment in the destiny of Britain and he went on to make further prophecies concerning the future of Britain beyond Arthur’s time. However, as with many other important events in the Arthurian world the seeds of this event were sown may centuries earlier before even the Romans ruled by a King of Britain named Lludd Llaw Eraint in the Mabinogion who in Geoffrey’s work is believed to be King Lud.

Lludd Llaw Eraint

The tale of Lludd and Llevelys from the Mabinogion reveals how these two dragons came to be placed in the pool on Dinas Emrys centuries earlier to be found later in Vorigern’s time and inspire the prophecy of Merlin.  In this tale Lludd and Llevelys are two brothers.  Lludd ruled Britain while Llevelys ruled Gaul.   There came a time when Britain was afflicted by three terrible plagues.  The first plague was that of the Coraniaid. The second was the plague of the two dragons.  The third was caused by a giant who would keep stealing the provisions from the royal stores.  It is the second plague that explains how the two dragons came to be entombed in the pool on Dinas Emrys.

The Plague of the Two Dragons

According to the tale they were placed there by Lludd acting on the advice of his brother, because they had caused Britain great fear and anxiety.   The story goes that every year on the eve of May Day a terrible shrieking scream was heard throughout the length and breadth of the realm which was caused by two dragons fighting each other.   One of the dragons was red and the other was white.   When the White Dragon fought the Red Dragon it caused it to make the fearful, shrieking cry.  It was this terrible scream that was heard throughout the country searing into the very hearts of the people causing great fear and anxiety among them.  The scream was so awful it caused strong men to wax pale and fall weak, women would lose their babies, and young men and maidens would become bereft of their senses. Furthermore, all creatures, plants and trees, waters and the earth itself became barren and infertile.  The plague was finally defeated when Lludd following the advice of his brother Llevelys set a trap for the dragons capturing and containing them.  He then buried them under the pool on Dinas Emrys which at the time was deemed to be the safest part of his kingdom.

His brother had advised Lludd that to capture the dragons he would need to dig a pit in the exact center of his kingdom.  After taking measurements from all corners of his realm Lludd determined that the center lay in a place now called Oxford.  He placed a cauldron of mead in the bottom of the pit and covered it with a sheet of satin.  To begin with the dragons took on the shape of terrifying animals and fell about fighting each other by the side of the pit. Then they transformed into huge winged beast and fought each other in the air.  Finally they exhausted themselves and transforming into pigs fell from the air landing on the covering of a satin sheet which gave way and they fell into the cauldron of mead.  Drinking the mead they fell into a stupor and fell asleep. Lludd then wrapped them up in the satin sheet and placed them in a stone coffin and took them to Dinas Emrys where they were placed under the pool on the hill.

Destiny and Fate

Centuries later Vortigern, seeking out a site to build a fortress, chose Dinas Emrys. There he encountered problems securing the foundations and sought to remedy this. According to his wise men he needed to sacrifice a boy “not conceived by a mortal man” and sprinkle his blood in the foundations.   Vortigern found such a being named Myrddin Emrys who made his famous prophecy and was to prove instrumental in ensuring the destiny of Britain unfolded.  This is how destiny and fate often come together to work in strange, unforeseen ways in the legends and romances of King Arthur.

© 05/07/2017 zteve t evans

References, Attributions and Further Information

Copyright July 5th, 2017 zteve t evans