Fantasy Fiction

Lesson 2: Arthurian Fantasy

Characters of Arthurian Legend

King Arthur is the main character around which the legend is based. After winning several battles, he becomes the High King of Britain, ruling from Camelot over a peaceful kingdom patrolled by his loyal knights. He rules by justice, but is a powerful warrior when he needs to fight.

Merlin is the most powerful wizard in the world and King Arthur’s chief advisor. Of strange parentage, he affects several key events to make sure Arthur’s kingdom succeeds. He is renowned for his magic and one of the most popular characters after King Arthur.

Guenivere is the young daughter of King Leodegrance. Arthur meets her, falls in love and marries her. As queen, she rules beside Arthur over Camelot but is unable to give him an heir. She betrays him by falling in love with Lancelot.

Lancelot is a young, handsome knight and the best warrior after King Arthur. He is the king’s best friend and queen’s champion.

Morgan Le Fay is King Arthur’s half sister who hates him. A powerful sorceress, she constantly plots to destroy Arthur for revenge.

Morgause is another half sister of Arthur. Married to the king of Orkney, she is the mother of Gawaine, Agravaine and Gaheris.

Gawaine is Arthur’s nephew and a great, but troubled warrior. He appears in many stories always in search of his honor. The most famous tale about him is the classic "Gawain and the Green Knight."

Nimue (Vivian or Niniane) is the young sorceress or Lady of the Lake who seduces Merlin, steals his magic and imprisons him in a tree.

Elaine is the daughter of a noble who falls in love with Lancelot. She is the mother of Galahad.

Galahad is the son of Lancelot and Elaine. He is the most virtuous of the knights and achieves the quest for the Holy Grail.

Mordred is King Arthur’s son from one of his half sisters. He believes he deserves the throne and betrays his father.

Uther Pendragon is King Arthur's father and the high king of Britain prior to Arthur.

Igraine of Cornwall is the widow of the Duke of Cornwall and King Arthur's mother.

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