#arthurian

An important character in the Arthurian mythos, the most prominent woman aside from Queen Guinevere. Morgan is an old character thought to originate from many sources including Welsh water spirits called Morgans or other female figures like Modron, Celtic and Irish folklore as The Morrigan, and Greek mythology in the form of Circe or Medea. She is often considered to be one of the Ladies of the Lake or is considered her opposite. Her character shifts drastically based on the writer, originally being a somewhat ambiguous healer or sorceress tied to the isle of Avalon, later shifting to a more sinister role around the Vulgate and Lancelot-Grail Cycles. She plays the role of the faithful sister to her half-brother King Arthur, but is also his downfall in later stories. On Avalon she is surrounded by her nine magical sisters, she is born a child named Yvain by Urien, and is noted as promiscuous and lusting after many men including Lancelot and Merlin, the latter of which also becomes her mentor in magic in some versions, and she has a notable rivalry with Queen Guinevere who she is said to have grown up with. Morgan is noted for her immense magical power and capabilities, noted as having sleeping spells, the ability to shapeshift and transmogrify herself and others, and even summon demons. Sometimes she is said to delve so deep into her studies she lives far off in the wilderness solely to study. She indirectly causes the death of King Arthur by tossing his magical scabbard into a lake, which would have prevented his death, and her last appearance is shrouded in a black cloak, aiding her now dead brother into a boat and off to the mystical isle to heal.

Pantheon: Arthurian Mythos

Domain or Function: Sorceress, enchantress, and powerful queen of the isle of Avalon. Ultimately causes the death of King Arthur and plays the role of both villain and savior.

Alternate Names: Morgan le Fée, Morgen, Morgane, Morgana, Morgante, Morgayne, Morguein, Morgain-la-déesse (Morgan the Goddess), and many many more.

Character Traits: Ultimately very powerful. Can vary drastically between writers, either benevolent and kind, a villainess, or acting entirely on her own whims and for her own benefit. Sometimes said to drown herself in her magical studies.

Visual Traits: Not specifically given any aside from being beautiful. In artwork she is often dressed in flowing gowns with long dark hair.

Symbolism: Water

One of the most important characters in the Matter of Britain, seen as both a villain and tragic hero. Lancelot is known mostly for his affair with the wife of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and as one of the most beautiful knights. He's most often said to have been orphaned and raised by the Lady of the Lake, with her acting as a sort of mother throughout his tales. He may have his origins in Wales as Lleu Llaw Gyffes, Eliwlod, Llenlleog, or other figures. He first appears as Chevalier Blanc, the White Knight, later taking the name Lancelot from his grandfather and convinced to join Arthur's round table of knights after saving Gawain. He becomes one of Arthur's best knights and closest friends, but behind the scenes has fallen madly in love with his wife. The sorceress Morgan le Fay, who also desired Lancelot, tells Arthur of their affair and Guinevere is set to be executed. Lancelot valiantly saves her, slaughtering all in his way in the process. Later in life, after Guinevere finally dies, Lancelot becomes a hermit and succumbs to death in the wilderness. In other tales he is said to have taken a castle for himself, Joyous Gard, is prone to fits of rage and madness, and is desired by several people including Morgan le Fay, Elaine of Corbenic, and possibly even Galehaut. He is also the subject of the Holy Grail quest, failing to retrieve it because he is an adulterer, and succeeded by his more worthy son Galahad.

Pantheon: Arthurian mythos, French mythos.

Domain or Function: One of the knights of the round table, sets into motion Arthur's betrayal by his affair with Guinevere.

Alternate Names: Lancelot du Lac (Lancelot of the Lake), Launcelot, Chevalier Blanc (White Knight), Black Knight, Red Knight, Chevalier Malifait (Wicked Knight).

Character Traits: A proud and skilled knight, but succumbs often to rage and madness, needing to be pulled out of it by others around him.

Visual Traits: In general he is said to be very handsome or beautiful. The most detailed description comes from the Vulgate Cycle, stating that he has brownish-tan skin, auburn hair, feminine neck and hands, wide hips, and a broad chest.

Symbolism: Imagery associated with the Lady of the Lake, the color white. Sometimes he is in possession of a sword called Arondight/Aroundight.