RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON KING ARTHUR’S REIGN IN MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY’S THE MISTS OF AVALON
RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON KING ARTHUR’S REIGN IN MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY’S THE MISTS OF AVALON

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the following paper is to examine the conflict between the cultof the Mother Goddess and Christianity, which affects King Arthur’s reign in MarionZimmer Bradley’s original retelling of Arthurian legends – The Mists of Avalon (1983).The religious conflict presented in the novel is inextricably linked with representationsof femininity and the figures of Morgaine (Morgan le Fay) and Queen Gwenhwyfar, whoare dedicated, respectively, to Avalon and the Church. By investigating both women’sbeliefs, actions, and relationship with Arthur, this paper will demonstrate how in Bradley’sretelling the transition from the worship of the Goddess to Christianity conditions KingArthur’s reign and ultimately contributes to his downfall.

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