The Mists of Avalon

The mock games, a Pentecost tradition, are about to begin. Accolon and Morgause assume that Lancelet will not fight; he is getting older, and it would be unseemly for a new knight to humiliate someone as well loved as Lancelet. However, several rounds into the game, Gwydion challenges Lancelet. His taunts work, and Lancelet enters the ring. The two begin to fight, and Lancelet strikes Gwydion, drawing first blood. This would normally end the fight, but Gwydion offers to continue, and the men fight until they have to be physically separated. Arthur commends Gwydion’s bravery and resolve, leading Gwydion to ask for knighthood. Impressed with his cunning nature, Lancelet knights him with his Saxon name, Mordred.

The arrival of three Saxons interrupts the feast; they tell Arthur that they have adopted Christianity and hope to make a treaty with him. Arthur uses Excalibur to ratify the treaty, and Morgaine’s anger is so intense that Uriens has to restrain her. She hisses, “He has dared to put the sacred sword of Avalon to such uses! I will not, as priestess of Avalon, sit and witness it in silence!” (711). As the dinner ends, Morgaine approaches Arthur and requests an audience.

Morgaine, Accolon, and Uriens prepare to confront Arthur about his usage of Excalibur. They run into Gwydion, who says that Arthur requested his presence in his chambers. Accolon invites him to enter with them, making sure that Gwydion sees the serpents on his arms.

Morgaine says that she is angry with how Arthur handled the alliance with the Saxons. While she appreciates the need for diplomacy, she does not believe the Saxons should have to give up their religion and customs. Morgaine notices Kevin in the room and asks him to charge Arthur with oath breaking. To Morgaine’s displeasure, Kevin tells her that the cross is a symbol that some ancient druids worshiped as well. An infuriated Morgaine warns Arthur,

It was from Avalon you received the sacred sword, and to Avalon that you swore an oath to preserve and guard the Holy Mysteries! And now you would make the sword of the Mysteries into the cross of death, the gallows for the dead! (716).

Arthur says that he will not relinquish Excalibur to Morgaine and will wait for the Goddess to take it herself.

Arthur then turns to Gwydion, apologizing for being unable to acknowledge him as his son. He says he will happily have him at his court but that Galahad must remain heir. Gwydion confesses that the Sight has shown him Galahad’s death, and Arthur says that this is the sole condition under which Gwydion can be the heir. He tells Gwydion that he will give him a Saxon woman and a small castle, which Morgaine realizes is a clever way of keeping Gwydion out of the way.

As she prepares to leave, Morgaine requests that Arthur join her on a pilgrimage to Tintagel. Her claim to Cornwall is being disputed, and she wants his support in ensuring it goes to her and her family. Arthur promises to go with her after Midsummer. Morgaine thinks of her plan to put Accolon on the throne and rule as Queen of Britain and Avalon.