Media images of Avalon

The story was told from the viewpoint of the women in the King Arthur legends. This version of the tale often makes more sense than its classic counterparts, although some elements in the TV show seemed anachronistic and sensationalized for modern audiences.

I was particularly pleased to see the strong link to Glastonbury. We've discussed the Avalon/Camelot/Glastonbury connections in other articles at this Suite 101 topic.

Also, the parallel worlds were well presented. In Pagan traditions, they are right next to one another. I particularly liked the time at the stone circle, when the mists lifted to reveal Glastonbury.

The focus on the awkward transition from Pagan to Christian rule was helpful to those who didn't realize the conflicts, but--as with many elements in the complex book on which the mini-series was based--people should research this subject rather than accept the made-for-TV version.

For example, the book's view of Christianity as heresy was omitted in the TV show. Pagan traditions usually reject the concept of a Satan or Devil. Most Pagans consider it blasphemy to think that the God or Goddess could (or would) create an entity that was in any way a threat to Deity.

Many early Celtic Pagans were fearful of retribution in even considering the possibility of such an error or relative weakness on the part of Deity.

This is one of many points on which fact, fiction, and TV shows differ.

Nevertheless, TNT should be commended for taking a complex story and making it accessible to general audiences. It was refreshing in imagery, particularly the more authentic costuming and sets.

From a spiritual viewpoint, the mini-series also offered non-traditional mythical imagery as well.

For example, in the TNT program, Morgaine said she was blocked from returning to Avalon.

Although travelers to the Otherworlds, including Avalon, admit that their own frame of mind may block them, the idea of being completely blocked by an external power is not traditional.

Another discrepancy, as we've recently discussed, is that Celtic traditions seamlessly blend the water with the goddess herself, and the Lady of the Lake is usually not a human, but a/the goddess. Therefore, if the lake remains and it is magickal (as seen with the return of Excalibur), then the Lady is there, too.

One refreshingly accurate point was the curse by Morgause. In most Celtic traditions, the Rede (or Rule of Three) can be put aside in hostile settings. That is, Celtic traditions are usually more warrior-based than Wiccan/Craft traditions. Morgause cursed Gwenhwyfar (Guenivere) but did not start decaying instantly, as we usually see curses boomerang in the media.

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