The Mists of Avalon

The first three chapters of Part 2 continue Zimmer Bradley’s exploration of gender roles and provide additional characterization. Chapter 1 reveals Morgause and Lot’s motives for welcoming Morgaine and again juxtaposes femininity and power. Morgause has an opportunity to kill Morgaine’s child in order to bring Gawaine closer to the throne. Normally, Morgause would not struggle with this choice, but her sympathy for Morgaine makes this difficult. Though Lot hopes the baby will die, Morgause clearly wishes for Morgaine’s well-being. When it seems Morgaine might die, she angrily confronts Lot, asking him if he “ill-wish[ed] [her] kinswoman that she might never rise from childbed?” (246). Instead of killing Gwydion, Morgause “compromises” by taking him from Morgaine at birth to be fostered in court and used in a future bid for power. While this may seem cruel, given Morgause’s instincts, this actually reveals her sympathy for Morgaine. In fostering Gwydion, she is acknowledging her duties as a woman before her quest for power.

Chapter 2 introduces Gwenhwyfar as Arthur’s future wife, a position that will allow her to have great power and influence one day. However, her introduction shows the lack of freedom women have. Her parents have taken her from the convent where she was raised and where she felt “snug as a mouse in a hole” in order to complete household duties (252). Chores and usefulness to her father now define her life. This is evident when she asks to marry Lancelet and he tells her that she can “look higher than that one” (256). In convincing Gwenhwyfar to go with his idea, he sets her up for several years of miserable pining. What’s more, her upbringing has made her so used to confinement that she feels disoriented and unsafe in the outside world, which leads her to be indecisive and anxious. Gwenhwyfar’s condition demonstrates the worst-case scenario for young women raised in the Christian tradition.

Chapter 3 gives the reader insight into Arthur’s qualities. Taliesin and Bishop Patricius are equally regarded councilors in his eyes, suggesting that he is even-handed and honorable: He practices his beliefs while keeping his oath to Viviane. He also is fiercely loyal and defensive of his friends. When Igraine casts doubt on Gawaine due to his parentage, Arthur upholds his honor, saying, “Even you shall not speak so of my cousin Gawaine, Mother! He is my sworn Companion, and I love him as the brother I never had […] I would trust him with my life and honor!” (262). Finally, for a Christian man, he has a somewhat respectful view of women, which his treatment of Gwenhwyfar demonstrates. He does not give Gwenhwyfar the chance to agree to be his wife, as was the tradition. However, he insists on sending Igraine so that Gwenhwyfar and Leodegranz can feel cared for. He has not met Gwenhwyfar, but it is evident that he cares for her and wants to try to make her life at Caerleon a happy one.