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1. Pwyll;
2. Branwen;
3. Manawydan;
4. Math.
The Mabinogi was seen to derive from the expression a tale of youth, which was later developed to any tale.
The following three Arthurian legends included in the Mabinogion indicate a strong Norman-Breton influence, many scholars indicating the stylistic influences of Chrietien de Troyes: 'Lady of the Fountain' (See Lady of the Fountain); 'Peredur' (See Peredur); 'Gereint, son of Erbin' (See Gerient).
Lady Charlotte Guest is said to have titled the work, completed during the period (AD1838-49). She was responsible for the majority of the work upon the translation and interpretation of the manuscripts.
Gwyn Jones and Thomas Jones are commonly held to have completed the most accurate and complete translations of the Mabinogion in AD1948.
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In Arthurian legend it is the knowledgeable salmon (See Salmon) who informs 'Bedivere' (See Bedivere) and 'Cei' (See Kay) that they would find Mabon living in solitary confinement in Gloucester. The development of the character 'Merlin' (See Merlin) shares many of his attributes.
Apollo too is said to be associated in the more general aspects of this character depicted as both a hunter and a musician, being able to play the harp.
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She is seen as the wife of 'Nemed'; 'Macha the Red' her second aspect most feared for her notoriety for displaying the heads of her defeated enemies on poles (Macha the Red was seen to represent the warring nature of Morrighan); and finally she was the known as the wife of 'Crunnchu' who was described as never uttering a word. This third aspect is said to have come from the Otherworld (See Otherworld). She begged her husband not to reveal her existence to anyone. She is said to have produced twins known as the 'Emain of Macha'.
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His exploits were told in a fifteenth-century Welsh poem, and later in the poetry of 'Southey' in the poem 'Madoc' (AD1805), and in the reports of 'George Catlin' argued that he found many ancient Welsh customs deriving perhaps from Madoc's time to be inherent within the practices of the Mandan Indians.
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Malory is famous for his epic work on Arthurian legend. Le Morte d'Arthur, written in English, which is believed to have been completed in c.AD1478, and is considered to be of the highest romantic prose that draws together the various strands of history, or legend depending on your point of view, to provide a literary unity to known French Arthurian romance of this period.
The preface of Le Morte d'Arthur was written by Caxton stating that Malory's work had something more to offer the reader than simply an new alternative viewpoint on the Arthurian legend. The Caxton Printers released this work as the first mass distributed work from a press in AD1485. It clearly states in the preface also that Caxton believed that Malory was indeed a Knight, which has given rise to speculation on whether Malory could possibly have known vital information on the life of Arthur, and the speculation on whether Malory was indeed a Knight who could trace his ancestry to the historic Arthur. As there is no hard evidence the information contained in this work, both ideas still remain speculation.
Although it is not certain, it is thought that the English poet was the same Sir Thomas Malory believed to be from Newbold Revel, Warwickshire, England. The Warwickshire Thomas is known to have been imprisoned and to have entered into argument with a nearby priory.
Reference to Malory is alluded to in TH White's novel tetralogy The Once and Future King. Tom of Newbold Revel, a Page boy, is the central character. Tom, is thought to be Sir Thomas Malory, who, on the eve before the Battle of Camlan, is told of the details of the Knights and Arthurian history by King Arthur himself. Arthur stresses that it is vital that Tom listens attentively and that he must escape from the battle in order for the history to survive.
It has been suggested that the work of Lord Alfred Tennyson drew on Le Morte d'Arthur to create Idylls of the King (AD1859-85).
Malory is believed to have died c.AD1471.
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Father of 'Mongan' (See Mongan), with 'Caintigerna'. Manannan was said to have returned as a reincarnation in Mongan, said to be himself transformed into earthly form, but Mongan became generally known as his son who embodied all his father's qualities. The son is said to have been conceived whilst taking the form of her husband 'Fiachna'. He is also said to have been the father of 'Niamh' (See Niamh).
One of four who guarded the contents of 'The Hallows' (See Hallows) in the crane bag brought by the 'Tuatha de Danaan' (See Tuatha de Danaan) to Ireland, together with 'Lugh' (See Lugh), 'Cumhal' (See Cumhal), 'Fionn' (See Fionn). It has been suggested that he have indeed been an ancestor of the Tuatha de Danaan. He is reputed to have been jointly responsible for the care of 'Lugh' (See Lugh) with 'Tailtiu' when Lugh was young. He has been described as being similar to the character 'Manawyddan' (See Manawyddan).
Manannan was also the 'Guardian of the Blessed Islands', believed to be the 'Isle of Arran' (See Nennius) is described as equal to 'Pryderi' (See Pryderi), a 'Grail Guardian'.
His ability to transform may have given rise to the folklore of how new arrivals were brought by the stork, as this God is said to have been known to visit women at night from which they conceived.
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By marrying Rhiannon he aided the breaking of the enchantment that had been placed Dyfed placed by 'Llwyd' after 'Gwawl' (See Rhiannon) had been treated miserably by 'Pwyll' (See Pwyll). As 'Pryderi's' (See Pryderi) step-father he fully embraces the role, and was seen to inherit many of the same character traits as Pwyll.
This character has been described as being similar to that of 'Manannan mac Lir' (See Manannan).
There is considerable information on him in the 'Mabinogion' (See Mabinogion).
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The mantle appears in the ballad 'The Boy and the Mantle', a legend that tells of how Arthur is told of the mantle's use by a small boy. The mantle was taken to court. 'Guinevere' (See Guinevere) tried to wear it but the mantle changed colour, and Sir Kay's (See Kay) lady tried it but like most of the other women of the court failed to pass the test.
According to Welsh legend 'Ysaive' (See Ysaive), the wife of 'King Caradoc' (See Caradoc) was the only lady in the Queen's train who could wear 'The Mantle of Matrimonial Fidelity'.
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Writer and ecclesiastic. Believed to be a Welsh man, perhaps nobility, but there is also evidence to suggest he may have come from Herefordshire.
Studied in Paris. Known to have travelled on a mission to Rome and later to have become a 'Canon of St. Paul's'. Also known to have been 'Archdeacon of Oxford' (AD1197). Map was also clerk to 'Henry II' of England.
It appears that Map, like Geoffrey of Monmouth, was also keen to investigate ancient Celtic and Arthurian history and legend. When Map was organising his own work on compiling Arthurian legends for his writing of 'De Nugis Curialum', 'Of Courtier's Trifles', a collection of historical tales, legends, and anecdotes, it is thought that he was in liaison with Geoffrey of Monmouth, so influencing its construction.
Map and Geoffrey of Monmouth are thought largely responsible for the introduction of the concept of chivalry and manners to Arthurian legend. Map is known to have introduced Geoffrey to a Breton book, the title of which is uncertain, written in the British language, that contained many ancient customs and stories, including that of Arthurian connection. This may have helped Geoffrey develop the later work on his 'Historia Regum Britanniae'. It is said that only those who had some knowledge of Kymric could understand and interpret the content of the Breton book, which is perhaps another reason why Map approached Geoffrey knowing of his earlier work being written in the Welsh language. Map is thought to have influenced the Norman vision of Arthur in Geoffrey's later writing and that it was Map who first led Geoffrey to make firm the associations of Arthur with Christianity, with Arthur then seen to be the embodiment of the perfect Christian Knight.
It is possible that Map may have assisted Geoffrey of Monmouth on his third poetic work entitled 'Vita Merlini', The Life of Merlin, believed to have been written in c.AD1150, and seen as a biography of the adult life of Merlin, based mainly on fiction although it does contain some of the more well known Druid customs and personages.
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Uncle of 'Tristan' (See Tristan), brother of Tristan's mother also known as 'Demoiselle Blanchefleur' (See Demoiselle Blanchfleur).
Believed to have lived at the 'Castle Dore', where Cunomorus is believed to have had a stronghold according to ninth-century writings of the 'Life of Paul Aurelian', the patron saint of Cornwall. Mark is also associated with 'Tintagel' (See Tintagel). (See also Alisander le Orphelin).
On the night of his wedding he is said to have slept unknowingly with 'Brangaine' (See Brangaine), his wife's maid. This action was said to have been taken to lead him to believe that his wife was a virgin. Such a course of action was deemed necessary due to the enchanted encounter between Isolt and Tristan in Ireland when Tristan had gone to fetch his bride-to-be, and fallen under an evil enchantment.
The name March is thought to be of Welsh origin deriving from the meaning of 'horses' ears'.
Believed to have been responsible for the death of his nephew (See Tristan), exhibiting less than chivalrous conduct in later writing.
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This Knight was said to take on the form of a wolf-like creature, which was discovered by his wife. Knowing this she hid his clothes and so entrapping him in this wolf-form. He was forced to live his life like this for many years. Arthur discovered a wolf-like character behaving strangely and took it back to court unaware of the true nature of the character's problem. This creature appeared to have the manners of a gentleman and treated all those at court with kindness. The only exception to this as far as everyone could see was one woman. It was said that this woman was Marrok's wife who had clearly thought her husband would never return as she had a new romance. She confessed to her crime and returned Marrok's clothes where upon he immediately transformed into human form.
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Of Welsh Triad origin and the legends of 'Mabon' (See Mabon) is retold and developed in Math who was revered as a great and wise King. In the legend entitled 'Math, son of Mathonwy' his truly be wise when his feet are placed in the lap of the virgin footholder known as 'Goewin'. The 'Mabinogion' (See Mabinogion) contains considerable detail on him.
Goewin was said to have been raped by Gilfaethwy whilst Math was in battle, and so his uncle retaliated by punishing Gilfaethwy and Gwydion with the fate of animal transformations. Math ultimately marries Goewin to preserve her honour.
Math is described as helping Gwydion to make 'Blodeuwedd' (See Blodeuwedd) from nothing more than flowers.
It is not clear whether it was Math or Gwydion who fathered Arianrhod's two children 'Dylan' (See Dylan) and 'Llew' (See Llew) when she failed the test of virginity so meaning that she was not pure enough to become a footholder of Math (See Arianrhod).
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His character was ill fated as according to prophecy Mechi was unusual in that he had three hearts each containing a serpent. These serpents were prophesied to devastate the land. It is said that this is the reason why he was killed.
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Reputed to have been an evil man, and a terrifying Knight who captured 'Guinevere' (See Guinevere) taking her to his own land where she was rescued in the earliest Arthurian romance legends by 'Arthur' (See Arthur), but later it was 'Lancelot' (See Lancelot) who was the hero and victor over Melwas (who appears to have disliked Arthur intensely, determining to war with him). The depiction of Arthur as the hero is included in the work entitled 'The Life of St Gildas' (See Gildas).
'Chrétien de Troyes' (See Chrétien de Troyes) depicts Lancelot as a hero, and a man so in love with Guinevere that in order to save her he is prepared to travel to where she is imprisoned in a cart, a mode of transport utilised for criminals normally. Lancelot is described as having to cross the 'Sword-Bridge' (See Sword-Bridge) to reach Guinevere.
Melwas of the Otherworld (See Otherworld) later became Sir Meleagraunce in the later developments of the Grail romances, and changed from a King to a Knight, but still defeated despite all his best endeavours.
According to the earlier account of the relationship of Arthur and Melwas, it was also written in the work entitled the 'Life of Caradoc', (See Caradoc) that mediation between the feuding kings was attempted to achieve peace. This process could not have been conducted by Caradoc himself as is often suggested as he was a Welsh saint of the twelfth-century, a completely different time period to the historical Arthur.
The romances of the medieval period the French 'Vulgate Cycle' became a major influence on all later developments of the story, some of which solicit the help of 'Taliesin' (See Taliesin) and also 'Galahad' (See Galahad) to secure the Queen's release.
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Known to have spent many years, and gone through many transformations himself to find his wife, Etain, who was according to legend 'lost'. Etain is found in the court of 'Eochlaid Airem' (See Eochlaid Airem) and had married him. Midir, desperate for the return of his wife, was eventually successful in releasing her from this place and escaping in the form of swans, after which they were reunited, by beating Eochlaid at fidchell (a game very similar to chess).
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This character is seen to have very similar qualities to that of 'Bran' (See Bran the Blessed). Once severed it was seen as a mystical head, still having the gift of prophecy being able to talk.
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Mongan grew up with his mother but was taken by Manannan to the 'Otherworld' (See Otherworld) when he was of an age to understand his position and trained by Manannan in the crafts and arcane. He used these skills and the knowledge gained together with his inherent understanding of the rights of kingship to achieve victory over his enemies when he returned to the mortal world. Mongan was later killed in battle and so ascended to the Otherworld.
In some of the Irish legends Mongan is revered as being a reincarnation of the great 'Finn mac Cumal' (See Fionn mac Cumhall), and also of 'Manannan' (See Manannan) himself knowing all that his master taught him.
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'Malory' (See Malory) in his account of the legend of 'Arthur' (See Arthur) indicates that Mordred was the result of an incestuous affair between Arthur and his half-sister 'Morgause' (See Morgause) whilst under an enchantment by his half-sister 'Morgan le Fay' (See Morgan le Fay). This is where the confusion lies, as Mordred would then by both his son and nephew by this union.
It is Mordred who attempts to bring down Arthur's kingdom and the reputation of the Knights of the Round Table when he exploits the illicit affair between 'Lancelot' (See Lancelot) and Arthur's wife 'Guinevere' (See Guinevere). Arthur realising that Mordred is his own son by enchantment he is determined to have him killed. Arthur makes the astonishing proclamation that any child born at the same time should be killed by being placed in a boat upon the sea, which would infer that they were expected to drown. This desire was not completed and Mordred survived.
He is said to have saved by his half-brothers, who were the sons of 'King Lot of Lothian and Orkney' (See Lot), these being 'Gawain' (See Gawain), 'Gaheris' (See Gaheris), 'Agravain' (See Agravain) and 'Gareth' (See Gareth). The fact that he was a half-brother may mean that the prophecy concerning the fact that 'Morgause' (See Morgause) was thought to have had five children may mean that Mordred was the fifth, although there are some legends that indicate she had a daughter (See Clarisant).
In some legends Mordred is said to have wanted Guinevere as his own wife and therefore plotted to kill Arthur whilst he was at battle. He is described as finding a close ally in 'Eugenius' (See Eugenius). Mordred is said in some legends to have married 'Cywyllog' (See Cywyllog) but there is little information to support this. He is also said to have been the father of 'Melehan'.
Mordred's escape and subsequent rise in power led to the confrontation of father/nephew and son culminating at Arthur's last battle 'The Battle of Camlan' (See Camlan).
According to ancient Celtic law the nephew would have precedence over a son and hence the possible strength attributed to this character. Gawain, as Arthur's legitimate nephew, would have been seen as a threat to Mordred, and perhaps another reason why Arthur and Gawain were so close. Yet here there is a contradiction, as the sons of Morgause in some legends were said to have cared for Mordred. It could be interpreted that Mordred is introduced into this family in order to split it apart, particularly as he becomes familiar with Agravain. Their friendship is described as a great one. This would have allows Mordred the opportunity to find out more about his extended family and their relationship with Arthur.
Mordred is said to have mortally wounded Arthur at the Battle of Camlan, but paid for his gain by being fatally wounded himself. Here there is still some credence to him being the son of a king, as he is said in some legends to have been taken to 'Avalon' (See Avalon).
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Morfran meaning 'great crow'. Reputed to have been ugly according to his mother. In order to make amends his mother prepared a brew in the 'Magic Cauldron' (See Grail) intending to give this to Morfran, but 'Gwion' (See Gwion) perhaps 'Taliesin' (See Taliesin) got there first and after it had been boiling he accidentally drank the last three drops!
In the story of 'Culhwch and Olwen' it is said though that it was his ugliness that saved Morfran from being killed at the 'Battle of Camlan' (See Camlan) as the enemy thought he was a devil and so were too frightened to kill him.
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Daughter of 'Igraine' (See Igraine) and 'Gerlois, the Duke of Cornwall' (See Gerlois), younger sister of 'Morgause' (See Morgause) and 'Elaine of Garlot' (See Elaine of Garlot), half-sister of 'Arthur' (See Arthur). She is also reputed to have been Arthur's fairy sister. As the Fata Morgana character in the Arthurian romances she is also referred to as the 'fairy Morgana' or 'fata morgana', and in this form is associated with visions. The most popularised version of her in this form was in the legend of 'Huon of Bordeaux', where Morgana as an Otherworldly (See Otherworld) woman desires mortal men above all others.
Lover of 'Guiomar' (See Guiomar) then 'Accolon' (See Accolon of Gaul) with whom she is associated with the disappearance of the sword 'Excalibur' (See Excalibur), and in later Arthurian romances the wife of 'Urien, King of Northumbria' (See Urien), mother of a son 'Uwain' (See Owain).Whilst wife of Urien she is said to be a lady-in-waiting to Guinevere who she despises. With the help of Accolon she is said to have plotted Arthur's downfall, but ultimately his dedication to Morgan was to be his downfall according to one legend.
Arthur is said to have been tricked into Morgan's grasp by enticement. Whilst out hunting he spied and boarded a boat made of crystal and silk sails. Arthur fell into a deep sleep and the boat rushed down river and when he awoke he was in a cold and dark prison cell with other men who revealed that hey had been there many years for their refusal to fight for a lord named 'Damas'. The men were freed by Arthur agreeing to fight for the lord against his brother in order for Damas to win an inheritance, and Arthur was given both armour and a shield. The same woman who had given him these gave him 'Caliburn', later known as Excalibur, together it seemed with the scabbard, telling him that his sister Morgan le Fay had sent this to him. A fight began with his opponent, but Arthur was powerless to defend himself and he began to fail. At the very moment of Arthur feeling his life was about to end a woman appeared and his opponent's sword was ripped from his hands. He had been tricked. The word used by his opponent was Caliburn. As she announced this Arthur reclaimed his sword and killed his opponent revealed to be Accolon, his half-sister's lover.
This legend is typical of the many which show how determined Morgan is to defeat and kill Arthur.
Reputed to be the daughter of 'Affallach of the Otherworld', and therefore known to be a shape-shifter and a mistress of the arcane. Said to have lived in 'Calabria'.
'Malory' (See Malory) describes this character as being schooled in a nunnery, whilst she is also said to have lived on the 'Fortunate Isles' or the 'Isle of Apples' with her nine muses or twelve sisters. According to 'Geoffrey of Monmouth' in his work entitled 'Vita Merlini' (c.AD1150) (See Geoffrey of Monmouth) she is the first of the sisters, and together with the Italian poet 'Aristo' (AD1474-AD1533) in his work 'Orlando Furoso' (AD1516) the sisters included: 'Tyrone', 'Gililen', 'Cliton', 'Glitonea', 'Goroien', 'Thitis', 'Morganetta', 'Alcina', 'Logistilla', 'Mazoe', 'Marrion'.
It has been suggested that perhaps the development of Morgan's muses was influenced by the Norse myths that told of the handmaidens of 'Odin, God of the Dead' (See Odin), known as the 'Valkyries', travelling to 'Valhalla' and awaiting the arrival of the heroes. A further parallel is drawn here between the belief in the Norse kingdom of Valhalla and that of 'Avalon' (See Avalon). Just as heroes were welcomed in Valhalla by sacred female forms, Morgan is seen to be present through her sisters on the sacred barque which transports Arthur to Avalon to be healed after the 'Battle of Camlan' (See Camlan). Despite her involvement in many legends, particularly the 'Vulgate Cycle', as a woman whose dislike of 'Guinevere' (See Guinevere) is demonstrated, being the catalyst of the confrontation between the 'Green Knight' (See Green Knight) and Arthur here, at the hour of Arthur's wounding, she is seen to represent a Goddess, one of healing, and she is therefore associated with deriving from Celtic mythology. It is said that by staying with her Arthur would be healed.
This image is also said to be influenced by her associations with 'Morrighan' (See Morrighan) who was depicted as a triple-goddess, having three facets. As Arthur is placed in the boat in later legend the figure of Morgana is seen to be accompanied by two veiled women, perhaps her sisters Elaine and Morgause, but perhaps also these women are of the Otherworld (See Otherworld). The development of Morgana mythology is said to be heavily based upon 'Morrighan' (See Morrighan) who was an ancient Celtic Goddess of War, although some contemporary writers reveal her to perhaps be connected with 'Modron' (See Modron).
She is described as Arthur's foremost enemy and desired to destroy all that loved, including his precious 'Guinevere' (See Guinevere), the sanctity of the Knights, the Round Table fellowship (See Round Table) and Arthur himself. One of her main aims was to recover 'Excalibur' (See Excalibur) from Arthur.
Medieval texts were known to ignore the character of Morgan, preferring to focus on the relationship of the King and his Knights. Although there has been an interest in her being the mother of 'Mordred' (See Mordred), rather than her sister Morgause, in twentieth-century texts, Morgan is seen to appear on the sacred barque, to represent the saviour of 'Camelot' (See Camelot). A very different picture to that associated with early Christian portrayals.
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Half-sister of 'Arthur' as the second daughter of 'Igraine' (See Igraine) and 'Gerlois' (See Gerlois). Sister of 'Morgan le Fay' (See Morgan le Fay) and 'Elaine of Garlot' (See Elaine of Garlot).
It is suggested in some of the later works that Morgause may have been the mother of 'Clarisant' (See Clarisant), although prophecies were made pertaining to the fact that Morgause was thought to have had five children. As she is known to have conceived 'Mordred' (See Mordred) by Arthur who was under an enchantment by Morgan le Fay it has been suggested that Mordred rather than Clarisant is the fifth child. Yet there is the possibility that the fifth could be 'Soredamor'.
Reputed to have been the lover of 'Lamorack de Galles' (See Lamorak). She was killed by her own son Gaheris when she was discovered with Lamorack.
Morgause, together with her four sons, and a small army of soldiers is described in some legends as having gone to make peace with Arthur, carrying a flag of truce, despite her husband's previous opposition to Arthur being ruler of Britain. She is said to have begged forgiveness, promising the loyalty of her sons and herself to the royal household. Her sons were granted Arthur's protection, trained in the craft and arms and Knighted by Arthur himself. Some legends indicate that the sealing of this bargain with a kiss passed between the King and Morgause is one of her own sacrifice to him. Arthur, unaware of his relationship to her family, believing himself to be of the 'Ector de Sauvage's' (See Ector de Sauvage) family, is unaware of what such an involvement in a relationship with Morgause would mean. Later versions of the legends play upon this fact when developing the enchantment that befalls Arthur leading to the conception of Mordred. In some legends she becomes Arthur's mistress before his involvement with 'Guinevere' (See Guinevere). He is said to suffer with the darkest dreams whilst he is with her. 'Kay' (See Kay) summons 'Merlin' (See Merlin) as Arthur grows steadily weaker. He learns the truth, that his mistress is also his half-sister. Merlin prophecies that the son conceived from their union will one day attempt to usurp him, and destroy all that he achieves during his reign. Despite his attempts to find Morgause and his desire to kill her, a child is born on the first day of May, and Arthur's fate it seems is sealed. Arthur hoped to find the child by ordering all those born on this day to be found and brought to his court. The babes were placed in a boat and cast out to sea to be destroyed, as Arthur hoped that this would ensure that the child conceived with Morgause would be killed. Of course his illegitimate son survives and returns to revenge his own abandonment and to destroy the King and the Knights of the Round Table.
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Killed by 'Tristan' (See Tristan) during a family feud which arose as a result of King Mark swearing allegiance to 'Anguish, King of Ireland' (See Anguish), Morholt's brother and Isolt's father.
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Her love was spurned by 'CuChulainn' (See CuChulainn). As a result of this rejection she transformed into a wolf and an eel to fight him, but is later said to have conceived by 'Dagda' (See Dagda).
Whilst a terrifying opponent she was also seen to desire mortal men as lovers, in much the same way as 'Modron' (See Modron) and 'Morgan le Fay' (See Morgan le Fay).
The 'Tuatha de Danaan' (See Tuatha de Danaan) were said to have been supported by Morrighan when they fought against the 'Firbolgs' at their initial confrontation at the battle of 'Mag Tuireg'. She prophesied that the land would become infertile (See Wasteland) and that people throughout Ireland and across the world would suffer after she witnessed their second confrontation.
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