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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

The Legend of Morgana Le Fay

Morgan Le Fey is most often presented as an adversary of Arthur's, however, in some versions she is shown to be a woman of healing and compassion (Geoffrey of Monmouth). In what is known as the Vulgate Cycle of Arthurian Legend, we learn that she became Guinevere's lady in waiting and fell in love with the King's nephew, Giomar. Guinevere did not approve and exposed the affair. Morgan later got her revenge by exposing Lancelot and Guinevere's affair. The compassionate side of Morgan is seen when she is one of the women who takes Arthur in a barge to Avalon to be healed. This side of her has it's roots from the beginning and possibly when she was a part of Celtic Mythology.
There is a common misconception that has worked its way through recent Arthurian Legend. It has been presented by some that it was Morgan that used her sorcery to provoke the incestuous affair with Arthur. This is not the case and is what led to many author's merging Morgan Le Fey and her sister Morgause together. In recent Arthurian Legend, Morgan is thought to be the evil sister that plots against her brother and tries to bring his downfall with their child Mordred.

Origins: Celtic Mythology - One of nine sisters who rule The Fortunate Isle

Depicted: She is often depicted as being very dark eyed with dark hair and clothing.

Father: Gorlois the Duke of Cornwall

Mother: Igraine

Siblings: Arthur, Elaine, Morgause

Aunt: Sometimes Morgause

Consort: Sometimes King Urien of Gore

Children: Sometimes Mordred, Sometimes Owain

Other Names: Morgaine, Morgana La Fey, Morgan of the Fairies, Morganna, Morgaine, Modron

Symbol: Raven, Apple Bough

Texts: Accolon of Gaul, Morgan Le Fay, Aavalon, The Mantle, Morgain

http://www.gods-heros-myth.com/godpages/morgan.html

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