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Arthurian A2Z
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Sabrina

Grand-daughter of the mythical British King, 'Brutus' (See Brutus), daughter of 'Locrinis' (See Locrinis). The River Severn was once known as the Sabrina River during the Roman occupation of Britain. This is where Sabrina is supposed to have lived with 'Estrildis' her mother.

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Safere

Believed to be the brother of 'Palomides' (See Palomides).

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Saladin

Known in many of the more dramatic Arthurian romances to have been a Knight of extreme evil, described as a Saracen Knight, probably referred to as a Saracen being from the city of 'Sarras' (See Sarras).

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Salmon

In Celtic mythology the salmon is viewed as being an animal that is gifted with great wisdom. The salmon itself was believed to have eaten hazel nuts which had fallen into the water, a food that was considered to possess powers of prophecy and therefore often associated with many forms of positive enchantment, and so this is how it became so knowledgeable. Many people were believed to have transformed into the salmon, or have gained knowledge as a result of eating it, such as 'Fionn' (See Fionn). The fish was said to be located in the 'Well of Segais'.

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Samson

A Welsh monk believed to have managed to escape to Brittany it is said after 'Arthur's' (See Arthur) death at the 'Battle of Camlan' (See Camlan). He is also known to have been the Bishop of Dol, instructed by 'Illtyd' (See Illtyd) and to have died AD565. A day of remembrance is celebrated on 28 July each year.

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Sangive

In some legends she is said to be the daughter of 'Lot' (See Lot), said to be a derivative of 'Cundrie' (See Sovereignty), a Grail Damsel, married to 'Parsifal' (See Lischois).

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Sangrail

aka 'Sangreal', 'Saint'. This is another name for the 'Holy Grail' (See Grail), believed to derive from 'sang-real' meaning the real blood of Christ, or the real wine from the Last Supper. (See the Round Table). The blood was said to have carefully preserved by 'Joseph of Arimathea' (See Joseph of Arimathea) who brought the 'Saint' or the 'Holy Grail' to Glastonbury, England (See Glastonbury).

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Sangremor

aka 'Sagremore', 'Le Desirous' fathered a son with the Irish princess 'Orainglais'.

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Saraide

Another name and derivation of the character more popularly known as the 'Lady of the Lake' (See Lady of the Lake), who is said to have rescued 'Bors' (See Bors de Ganis) and 'Lionel' (See Lionel) from 'Claudas' (See Claudas).

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Sarras

'The city of the Grail'. This is the city which is considered to be the place where the body of 'Blanchfleur' (See Blanchfleur) was brought by 'Perceval' (See Perceval), 'Galahad' (See Galahad) and 'Bors de Ganis' (See Bors de Ganis), otherwise known as 'The Grail Knights' (See Grail Knights).

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Scathach

aka 'Goddess of Skye', 'Warrior of Alba'. Mother of 'Uathach'. She trained 'CuChulainn' (See CuChulainn) in the use of weapons and arms, including the skills needed to cross bridges which are of great danger, such as those described by the Arthurian romance writers.

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Sebile

Believed to be an enchantress and in some legends referred to as a companion of 'Morgan' (See Morgan le Fay).

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Seelie-Court

Of Scottish origin this was the name traditionally given to 'The Blessed Court of the Fairies', a place were people often likened to the 'Aes Sidhe' (See Aes Sidhe) lived. Believed to peacefully coexist with mortals but known to retaliate if derogatory remarks were made about their people.

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Segda Saerlabraid

Son of 'Rigru Roisclethan' (See Rigru Roisclethan). The child of sinless parents found by 'Conn Cetchathach' when he journeyed to the Otherworld in order that the blood of such a child may be found and spilt to rejuvenate the land of Ireland which had become a 'Wasteland' (See Wasteland). The blood it was said was to be smeared on 'Vortigern's Tower' (See Vortigern). Segda was a child prepared to give up his own life to save the land according to legend. It was said that the land had been made waste as a result of the marriage between Conn and 'Becuma'. (See Conn Cetchathach). Yet Rigru saved her son from this fate.

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Segwardes

Said to have been a companion of 'Tristram' (See Tristan).

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Seli

In ancient legend Seli was said to be the wife of 'Nudd', and the mother of 'Gwyn' (See Gwynn ap Nudd).

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Selkie

The traditional name given to any seal person that was thought to be able to transform into human form. Seals were considered to be mystical animals, and therefore selkie people were believed to have the gift of prophecy, and so have often been included in legends (See Mystical-WWW Mystic's Menagerie : Seal).

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Semias

Reputed to have originated from 'Murias' (See Murias), near Greece, and is associated with the 'Tuatha de Danaan' (See Tuatha de Danaan). Semias is believed to have given the 'Dagda' (See Dagda) the 'Cauldron' (See Grail) which provided knowledge to all who ate or drank from it (See Hallows).

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Seren

The celebrated wife of 'Leodegrance' (See Leodegrance), and mother of 'Guinevere' (See Guinevere).

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Set

Brother of 'Osiris' of ancient Egypt (See Osiris).

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Siege Perilous

aka 'Perilous Seat'. In Arthurian legend this was the name given to the one seat made from stone that for many years was left empty at the Round Table (See Round Table).

It was said that only a Knight pure enough to search for and find 'The Grail' (See Grail) could take this seat. The first in Arthurian legend was 'Perceval' (See Perceval) and then in later legends 'Galahad' (See Galahad) who became known as a Grail Knight deemed worthy enough to sit in it when both embarked upon the 'Siege Perilous'. The siege perilous was much revered and believed that it would crack if anyone not worthy of sitting in it tried to do so. Other reports said that the seat would devour any person who had presumed themselves worthy enough to sit on it.

The seat was said to have cracked when Perceval sat in it, but it was later healed when he became a Grail Knight. This place is said to have also been seen as the place where Christ would have sat.

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Sithchean

A Druid, and also a blacksmith according to Irish legend. Known to have overseen the testing of the five sons of 'King Eochu Muigmedon' (See Eochu Muigmedon) in his forge and in a forest, when in both instances 'Niall' was triumphant (See Niall).

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Sleeping Lord

Within many of the ancient British legends there are references to the Sleeping Lord, which includes 'Arthur' (See Arthur).

The Sleeping Lord is viewed as a hero, a God. In all cases the man sleeping beneath the land is highly revered, of high status, believed by the people to only be sleeping and that he will one day return to his people when his help and support is required.

The ceremonial rituals and trappings of regal sacrifice have been described by historians to be akin to some of the some of the legends of the Sleeping Lords. It is suggested that the king, knowing that he would be seen as God, voluntarily sacrificed himself to be able to travel to the Otherworld (See Otherworld) in order to be the sole representative of his people in this land of Gods and immortals, and therefore a loving guardian of his people too.

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Soredamor

In some legends Soredamor is described as the mother of 'Cliges', sister of 'Gawain' (See Gawain), and to be the wife of 'Alexander'.

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Sovereignty

aka 'Queen of the Wastelands', 'The Wasteland', 'Cundrie', 'Kundrie', 'Loathly Lady', 'Lady Sovereignty', 'The Empress', 'Sangive'.

In Irish legend, Sovereignty is the collective name for the three Goddesses who are each associated with the sovereignty of the land and people : 'Eriu', 'Banba' and 'Fodla'. (See Queen of the Wastelands). In ancient Celtic beliefs Sovereignty was known as Eriu or 'Logres' (See Logres). There are many Goddesses within British history and legend that have been connected with Sovereignty at key moments in history including 'Branwen' (See Branwen), 'Brigit' and 'Rigru Roisclethan' (See Rigru Roisclethan).

Sovereignty is a crucial essential ingredient within all legends and often appears described as in the disguise of an old crone with a haggard face who usually requires a task to be completed before she is revealed. Once revealed she is seen to be a woman of great beauty.

In all her many physical forms throughout the Arthurian legends it is clear that the 'Lady of the Lake' (See Lady of the Lake) is associated with the Lady Sovereignty, who is the 'Guardian of The Hallows of Kingship' (See Hallows).

In the test of kingship, such as with 'Niall' (See Niall), Sovereignty reveals herself only when she is satisfied that the challenger is the rightful heir to the kingdom, and therefore is worthy of the union between king and sovereignty. This is symbolic of the people and the land being married together with the king. By proving himself to be worthy of winning the test, the heir is seen to be righteous and fair, a provider of hope through self-sacrifice and a defender of life for the continuance of sovereignty.

In Arthurian legend, Sovereignty or as she is most often referred to as Logres is portrayed as being bound to the 'Grail King' (See Grail King). She does appear in many other guises within these romances, particularly in the forms of The Loathly Lady, Cundrie and Sovereignty.

Cundrie has been described in legend as a 'Grail Damsel', the daughter of 'Lot', and in some instances the sister of Arthur in the guise of 'Sangive' (See Lischoise).

The Wasteland and Sovereignty aspects of this character take human/physical form in many other legends usually appearing as a wizen crone, whose face is said to reflect the problems of the land.

The name and form of the Loathly Lady is the earthly physical name and form of the Otherworldly Queen of the Wasteland, represented in a similar way to Sovereignty as a hag with a haggard face. The Loathly Lady was described as being particularly ugly, and therefore no-one would marry her. When she does eventually marry it is revealed that her predicament was the result of an enchantment, and usually once married it is lifted.. Such a story is perhaps one of the forerunners of expressions such as beauty is only skin deep and can certainly be seen to have influenced the development of the relationship between 'Lady Ragnell the Foul' (See Lady Ragnell the Foul) and 'Gawain' (See Gawain) as told in the Grail Romances.

Should a king at any time become ill, maimed, injured, or decide to misuse his position, then the fruitful relationship experienced with the Lady, Sovereignty, rapidly begins to fail. The ties which bound them together are seen as broken. It was believed that the land would fall into disarray and even that wars could commence if the next king were not crowned forthwith, hence Sovereignty being involved in the testing of the future kings. The mental and physical condition of the king was seen to be synonymous with the security and stability of the land.

The contemporary British character known as 'Britannia' and all that she represents as a figure head, is seen to equate to the traditional and ancient Sovereignty personages..

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Spear

A spear carried with the head pointing forwards by a Knight was considered to be an act of aggression, particularly if he was in a foreign country. To indicate friendship the spear was said to be carried over the shoulder with the tip pointing backwards. The spear was also seen as a sacred object in British mythology, often associated with the lance (See Hallows).

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Spenser, Edmund

Sixteenth-century English Elizabethan poet. Believed to have been born in London, England in c.AD1552. Edmund Spenser was born into nobility, to a family that is well known today. He is reputed to have been part of the Spencer's of Althorpe Park, the same ancestral line as Princess Diana.

He received the majority of his education at tow institutions, the first being Merchant Taylor's School and later at Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, England leaving in AD1576.

Spenser is known as an Elizabethan English poet and courtier, believed to have gained first employment with the Earl of Leicester and to have been a companion of another English poet Sir Philip Sidney (AD1554-86). His relationship with Sidney has been the cause of much speculation despite Sidney's marriage to Francis, the daughter of Sir Francis Walsingham in AD1583.

He is also reputed to have been a member of the Society of Wits, or 'Areopagus'. The blossoming of Elizabethan poetry is said to have been led by Spenser, with his inspirational work entitled 'The Shepheard's Calendar' in AD1579, a work dedicated to Sydney (a reference to his companion, and patron, who is buried in St. Paul's Cathedral, London, England). During the 1590's Spenser is believed to have been in the employment of Lord Essex.

Having been appointed a secretary to the Lord Deputy of Ireland in AD1580, Spenser received the present of Kilcolman Castle, County of Cork, for his help in helping to quash the Irish rebellion. He is believed to have moved here in AD1586, but after a further Irish rebellion it was burned to the ground in AD1598. He escaped with his wife, nee Elizabeth Boyle to the safety of Cork and then to London.

Whilst at Kilcolman Castle, Dyce set about writing the works of the 'Faerie Queene' which he presented to Queen Elizabeth I in London, England. It is through this work that he is associated with Arthurian legend rather than Arthurian historical fact, as it reflects all that was held in high state during the Renaissance. The fourth book of the Faerie Queene series was completed in c.AD1589, being published in AD1590, with the last edition being completed in c.AD1598. Although twelve books were planned, only six were completed.

Died in c.AD1599, and was buried at Westminster Abbey, London, England..

Other works by Edmund Spenser Complaints inc. Muiopotmos (c.AD1591)
Mother Hubberd's Tale, date uncertain.
The Early Tears of the Muses, date uncertain.
Colin Clout's Come Home Again (AD1595)
Amoretti (c.AD1594)
Epithalamion (c.AD1594)
The Four Hymns (c.AD1596)
Prothalmion (c.1597)
View of the Present State of Ireland (c.AD1597)

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Stonehenge

See Arthur. See also Merlin.

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Suibhne Gelt

A seventh-century King of Ireland who was cursed and driven to a state of madness. It is thought that this Irish personage was referred to in the development of the character of 'Merlin' (See Merlin) in Arthurian legend together with the Scottish 'Lailoken' (See Lailoken).

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Summer Country

aka 'Otherworld' (See Otherworld). The name given to the kingdom ruled by 'King Melwas' (See Melwas). It has been suggested that this name may have influenced the naming of the county of Somerset, the location of much of the Arthurian legend and early historical accounts of Arthur's life.

Melwas was said according to Arthurian legend to have stolen Guinevere from Arthur and taken her to his home in the Summer Country, but Arthur was triumphant, Guinevere was rescued safely and Melwas defeated.

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Swan

The feathers of the swan in Celtic tradition were used to make a cloak for the poets of the court. The cloak was seen to be a magical one, allowing the wearer to speak the same language as the animals and birds. It has been suggested that this Celtic view is similar in significance to he North and South American shaman abilities to communicate with animals. The swan was also associated with the Sun and said to be found close to healing water.

Throughout Western literature the swan features as a creature that represents purity and grace, a bird which has the ability to transform into human form. This ability was believed possible because of the swan's ability to move on land, in water and the air. Victims of enchantments, particularly those involving the jealousy of an admirer and the true love of the victim thwarted in some way, were often said to have been changed into this form, sometimes without escape, to live a solitary life. Often though the victim regained human form once the enchantment had been broken, perhaps by a kiss, a wounding, a peel of bells or a task being completed. Usually in ancient folklore the human that had been transformed into a swan was said to be easily recognisable as it would wear a band made of silver or gold about it's neck.

In ancient Greek mythology the swan was said to carry the soul of the 'God Apollo' (See Apollo), and poets transformed into swans upon their death in this world, whilst 'Zeus' himself was known to have transformed into this bird on many occasions.

Want to read more about Mystical Animals

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Sword-Bridge

In Arthurian legend this bridge had to be crossed by any Knight wishing to continue on his Grail quest (See Grail Knights). The bridge was said to have been made from the placing of the sword of 'Osla Big-Knife' (See Osla-Big Knife).

The bridge in ancient legends was seen to provide a gateway to the Otherworld (See Otherworld) which may explain why it was developed as a task to be achieved in the later Christian Grail romances as a standard part of the quest for The Grail, with the sacred vessel being found only after much personal journeying and searching was completed involving visiting places hitherto unknown.

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Syvius

Believed to be the father of the mythical king 'Brut'. (See Brutus).

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All documents, in part, in section or whole, are copyrighted and the sole property of Mystical World Wide Web. The work may not be duplicated in any form for private or public use including all electronic forms without the prior permission of the Producer (copyrighted).
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