RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON KING ARTHUR’S REIGN IN MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY’S THE MISTS OF AVALON
Weronika Łaszkiewicz
Instytut Neofilologii Uniwersytet w BiałymstokuAbstract
The aim of the following paper is to examine the conflict between the cult
of the Mother Goddess and Christianity, which affects King Arthur’s reign in Marion
Zimmer Bradley’s original retelling of Arthurian legends – The Mists of Avalon (1983).
The religious conflict presented in the novel is inextricably linked with representations
of femininity and the figures of Morgaine (Morgan le Fay) and Queen Gwenhwyfar, who
are dedicated, respectively, to Avalon and the Church. By investigating both women’s
beliefs, actions, and relationship with Arthur, this paper will demonstrate how in Bradley’s
retelling the transition from the worship of the Goddess to Christianity conditions King
Arthur’s reign and ultimately contributes to his downfall.
Keywords:
Marion Zimmer Bradley, King Arthur, Morgaine, Gwenhwyfar, Christianity, fantasy fictionReferences
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Instytut Neofilologii Uniwersytet w Białymstoku
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