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The Mists of Avalon
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Zimmer, Marion ; The Mists of Avalon - Start Date April 2nd 2014 (April Scifi/Fantasy)
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Questions and comments for April 13th; Chapters 8 - 10/Pages 555 - 60052) So at the very beginning of this section Morgaine thinks to herself, "no man could escape fate (...) No woman either." Yet isn't that what the Ladies of Avalon seem to be doing--trying to change people's fates? The story about Oedipus doesn't seem that far off from some of the things we've seen. When Morgaine sees things with her sight, do you think they're set in stone or can she change them? Do you think they can be altered in any way? So far Morgaine's predicted three deaths and a birth--
Gareth's (Morgause's youngest son) death -- “There will be peace,” Morgaine said absently, “but it will not matter, for he will die at the hands of his dearest friend—"
Kevin's death (perhaps by her own hand) -- "Death! Death by burning! What did it mean? Not even the worst of traitors died that death . . . or had she seen only what had befallen him when he was lamed as a boy? Brief as the moment of Sight had been, it left her shaken, as if she herself had spoken the word that would deliver him to his death."
Viviane's (I think) death -- “Blood on the hearth—” Morgaine stammered. “See, there, there, just before the King’s high seat, slain there like a slaughtered sheep before the King ."
Lancelet's son's birth by Elaine -- "You will bear Lancelet children, for I have seen his son . . .” and she stopped, feeling her skin prickle all the way up her spine, as when the Sight came upon her. Elaine’s blue eyes were wide with wonder. She could almost hear Elaine’s thought, So it is true then, and I will have Lancelet for husband and give him children. . . . Yes, it is true, though I did not know it until I spoke ."
Do you think she can or could alter any of this?
I think similarity with the Oedipus’s story is that the visions allow to see what happens but not how and what would lead to the fulfillment of a prophesy. In other words there’s not enough information to try and change or prevent what could happen.
53) This section actually made me intensely dislike Gwenhwyfar for setting up Morgaine to marry Uriens when it was his son, Accolan, Morgaine wanted to be with. Is there no way Morgaine could have gracefully or ungracefully bowed out of the arrangement? Couldn't she have immediately said she couldn't marry him because she'd already pledged herself to his son?
That excerpt was painful to read, I actually had to put the book down for a bit. Maybe Morgaine didn’t want to ruin her relationship with Arthur by offending one of his oldest supporters.
54) I was actually surprised that Morgaine was open to marriage. Was anyone else?
She thought she was marrying the man she liked and things got really bad between her and Gwenhwyfar for Morgaine to continue staying at the court. Although she could always go to Cornwall.
55) So what do you think of Morgaine's light bulb moment? Do you think it was the karmic lesson she needs to learn? If not, do you see something that is? "If you would have the message of the Gods to direct your life, look for that which repeats, again and again; for this is the message given you by the Gods, the karmic lesson you must learn for this incarnation. It comes again and again until you have made it part of your soul and your enduring spirit." I think the karmic message would be not to let others manipulate your life, but that's just me. Lol
Lol, I like your version, Lisarenee, and can’t think of my own to offer. But people in general tend to see what they want to see, and Morgaine isn’t using this moment of revelation just as an excuse to sleep with a handsome man, she really believes there’s a much bigger purpose.
56) Some interesting remarks being made...
“He wears the serpents,” Niniane said.
“That may mean much or little,” Kevin said. “You should know that—” And although the words were innocent, Niniane felt their sting; a priestess who bore the crescent on her brow might be a Viviane—or no more than she herself.
and
“I wonder, sometimes, if that can ever be done—if we have all spent our lives within a dream without reality.”
That last statement made me recall that ominous statement from the fairy at the beginning of the book. Do you remember? “Cast out your child, then, or strangle him at birth, Morgaine of the Fairies, for your people have their own fate" Does that suggest Avalon's fate is not what Morgaine wants or thinks? That coupled with the statement that seemed at one point to be drilled into us about all gods are one and all goddesses were one as well makes me wonder--Do/did Morgaine and Viviane make too much of Arthur taking up the Christian banner and setting aside the Pendragon? Why hasn't someone held Arthur accountable for breaking his oath?
After Viviane's death the only people to legitimately hold Arthur accountable are Kevin and Niniane, and Niniane despite her rank doesn’t seem strong enough or ready for the task while Kevin is content with the way things are.
Fate of Avalon is indeed different from what Morgaine and Viviane wanted it to be: they wanted protection and support from the High King, and, as we know from prologue, the reality is that Avalon is drifting further and further into the mists and soon will only be available to the chosen few.
Sonia and I decided to combine the last two sections of questions:Questions and Comments for April 17th & 18th(Combined); Chapters 10 - end
71) Was anyone else surprised that Morgaine wanted to abort her child? Yes, she was 49 and she feared she wouldn't survive, but I was shocked.
72) For a fleeting moment I had wondered if someone was possibly giving something to Gwenhwyfar to keep her from having a child, but decided I was wrong. I can't believe Morgause managed to do just that for so many years. Poor Gwenhwyfar. Were you surprised?
73) I can't believe Gwydion would murder Niniane. Then he had to separate his father from Lancelet and Gwenhwyfar when he knew he'd be his father's heir just seemed so wrong and spiteful. Can you imagine Gwydion as King?
74) What struck you the most at the end? Did you like Morgaine finding a Saint in the church that had nothing to do with the Christian faith? Was the message this book was meant to convey is not to let others lead you astray or perhaps that you can't escape your fate?
75) What will you rate the book? Did you like it?
Yay Zonnah, you finished! I still have lots of catching up to do.
Zonnah wrote: "Questions and Comments for April 17th & 18th(Combined); Chapters 10 - end71) Was anyone else surprised that Morgaine wanted to abort her child? Yes, she was 49 and she feared she wouldn't survive,..."
I am with you Zonnah. I had to struggle to get through the last bit of reading. It had a soap opera feel to it it and I couldn't like any of the character.
Questions and comments for April 14th; Book 3 The King Stag / Book 4 The Prisoner in the Oak; Chapters 11 - 01/Pages 600 - 66357)I was never a fan of Gwenhwyfar. She imposed her faith upon Arthur. Tricked Morgaine into marriage and now wants Lancelet's son for heir instead of Arthur's. And defends that a woman should obey her king, criticizing Morgause and Morgaine, while all the time she manipulates her husband to her whims. Am I the only one that wants to see her pay for what she has done?
I want her to realize how much harm she has done and repent for that, but most likely even if she does, it will be too late.
58)Were you surprised that Elaine kept her vow? How can a mother choose to keep her husband instead of her child?
I was surprised, I thought Elaine would look for a way to get away with it.
59)Gwydion resembles Lancelet? That will not sit well with Arthur and his Queen.
I think anything that has to do with Gwydion won’t sit well with Gwenhwyfar. I’m curious to see Arthur’s reaction to him.
60)Gwydion is so cold. The way he talked about Arthur and Morgaine... This book is getting darker and darker. Don't you agree?
I can definitely feel the tension growing, bracing myself for the final blow.
61)Morgaine was given some hard tasks. Retrieve Excalibur, put Accolon in the throne. Do you think she'll be able to complete them?
She is determined to stick to her newly found calling of a priestess and I can see her trying, whether she will succeed or not is up to the Goddess, I suppose. Wasn’t there a vision in which she is throwing a sword into the lake?
Questions and comments for April 13th; Chapters 8 - 10/Pages 555 - 60052) So at the very beginning of this section Morgaine thinks to herself, "no man could escape fate (...) No woman either." Yet isn't that what the Ladies of Avalon seem to be doing--trying to change people's fates? The story about Oedipus doesn't seem that far off from some of the things we've seen. When Morgaine sees things with her sight, do you think they're set in stone or can she change them? Do you think they can be altered in any way? So far Morgaine's predicted three deaths and a birth--
Gareth's (Morgause's youngest son) death -- “There will be peace,” Morgaine said absently, “but it will not matter, for he will die at the hands of his dearest friend—"
Kevin's death (perhaps by her own hand) -- "Death! Death by burning! What did it mean? Not even the worst of traitors died that death . . . or had she seen only what had befallen him when he was lamed as a boy? Brief as the moment of Sight had been, it left her shaken, as if she herself had spoken the word that would deliver him to his death."
Viviane's (I think) death -- “Blood on the hearth—” Morgaine stammered. “See, there, there, just before the King’s high seat, slain there like a slaughtered sheep before the King ."
Lancelet's son's birth by Elaine -- "You will bear Lancelet children, for I have seen his son . . .” and she stopped, feeling her skin prickle all the way up her spine, as when the Sight came upon her. Elaine’s blue eyes were wide with wonder. She could almost hear Elaine’s thought, So it is true then, and I will have Lancelet for husband and give him children. . . . Yes, it is true, though I did not know it until I spoke ."
Do you think she can or could alter any of this?
I suppose if they assume the sight is true then they self re-enforce. I had been thinking while reading this that this is the most sexually repressed group of sexually deviant people ever. Sheesh. They've covered just about everything from incest to Oedipus to threesomes in beds and outside and in giant orgies.
53) This section actually made me intensely dislike Gwenhwyfar for setting up Morgaine to marry Uriens when it was his son, Accolan, Morgaine wanted to be with. Is there no way Morgaine could have gracefully or ungracefully bowed out of the arrangement? Couldn't she have immediately said she couldn't marry him because she'd already pledged herself to his son?
Maybe she can't back out since Arthur had made the proclamation already. Though it seems contrived that he wouldn't have mentioned the name anywhere in his statement.
54) I was actually surprised that Morgaine was open to marriage. Was anyone else?
It seems like they just use marriage as a tool. I think she's over Lancelot and doesn't really care about anyone else so she might as well use it I guess.
55) So what do you think of Morgaine's light bulb moment? Do you think it was the karmic lesson she needs to learn? If not, do you see something that is? "If you would have the message of the Gods to direct your life, look for that which repeats, again and again; for this is the message given you by the Gods, the karmic lesson you must learn for this incarnation. It comes again and again until you have made it part of your soul and your enduring spirit." I think the karmic message would be not to let others manipulate your life, but that's just me. lol
She's still letting others manipulate her a bit, more than when she went on her anti Avalon kick. However, it seems like none of the people in the book really live their own lives, they all try to be who they're told they should be.
56) Some interesting remarks being made...
“He wears the serpents,” Niniane said.
“That may mean much or little,” Kevin said. “You should know that—” And although the words were innocent, Niniane felt their sting; a priestess who bore the crescent on her brow might be a Viviane—or no more than she herself.
and
“I wonder, sometimes, if that can ever be done—if we have all spent our lives within a dream without reality.”
That last statement made me recall that ominous statement from the fairy at the beginning of the book. Do you remember? “Cast out your child, then, or strangle him at birth, Morgaine of the Fairies, for your people have their own fate" Does that suggest Avalon's fate is not what Morgaine wants or thinks? That coupled with the statement that seemed at one point to be drilled into us about all gods are one and all goddesses were one as well makes me wonder--Do/did Morgaine and Viviane make too much of Arthur taking up the Christian banner and setting aside the Pendragon? Why hasn't someone held Arthur accountable for breaking his oath?
I think they tried to but they can't really march an army against him since they don't have one. I'm surprised they didn't take back his sword though. They all seem to meddle in others lives a lot or at least try to.
Questions and comments for April 14th; Book 3 The King Stag / Book 4 The Prisoner in the Oak; Chapters 11 - 01/Pages 600 - 66357)I was never a fan of Gwenhwyfar. She imposed her faith upon Arthur. Tricked Morgaine into marriage and now wants Lancelet's son for heir instead of Arthur's. And defends that a woman should obey her king, criticizing Morgause and Morgaine, while all the time she manipulates her husband to her whims. Am I the only one that wants to see her pay for what she has done?
I'd alwayd liked Gwenhwyfar in other King Arthur stories, but I don't like her in this one either. I suppose the other stories have been more pro Christian and this book is pro Druid. Everyone is manipulating as much as the other, but for different reasons.
58)Were you surprised that Elaine kept her vow? How can a mother choose to keep her husband instead of her child?
I couldn't have made that vow in the first place. Many children of that age in that society went away to boarding school at the convent or to foster in different houses. I'm glad I don't live then, I don't think I could let my children go that young.
59)Gwydion resembles Lancelet? That will not sit well with Arthur and his Queen.
Arthur may not acknowledge him and claim it was Lancelet, but I think he knows the truth. I think he would be better as Merlin than High King anyway.
60)Gwydion is so cold. The way he talked about Arthur and Morgaine... This book is getting darker and darker. Don't you agree?
Not a light read, that is for sure.
61)Morgaine was given some hard tasks. Retrieve Excalibur, put Accolon in the throne. Do you think she'll be able to complete them?
I think she will get Excalibur no worries, but I think she will struggle with double murder. She would be better to poison than anything bloody.
Questions and Comments for April 15th; Chapters 2 - 6/pages 663 - 72162) Morgaine said she'd never kill for the Goddess yet she kills her stepson. Avalloch was not a great guy by any means, but still... What are your thoughts on this? Did she do what needed to be done?
I think she did what needed to happen for the good of Avalon and the Druids, and did it in a way that couldn't be traced to anyone. I didn't know she was able to warg - had to check which book I was reading again.
63) Interesting how we now have had two Kingmakings. One for Gwydion and one for Accolon, but neither is King. How can that work?
Druid Kingmakings, not Christian ones. Arthur had his Druid Kingmaking before he was given the throne. Accolon in heir. I think that ceremony is part of becoming a Merlin too, so maybe that was in mind for Gwydion when it was done - though it looks like he might make it to High King one day.
64) Morgaine was my favorite character until this section. What happened to her? Why did she tell of Elaine's role in the plan to have Lancelet marry her?
I haven't had any favourite characters, they are all so flawed. Usually that would make me see them as more real and believable, but I'm just not bonding with anyone.
65) What did you think of the song Lancelet sang and Gwenhwyfar's reaction?
Lancelets love for Arthur has been alluded to before in the book, but this song clarified that his love may have been more than brotherly.
66) What did you make of Gwydion's challenge of Lancelet? He's a sneaky one isn't he? So Gwydion has Lancelet's good looks, Morgaine's brain, and Morgauses' ambition, and Arthur's charm. That should be a winning combination, right? Do you think if Viviane or Morgaine had raised him he'd have been a force to reckon with?
He has so many things going for him, but I don't like him either. I don't think he would have the same level of ambition if Morgaine had raised him, but I think if he had been raised by Viviane he would.
Throughout this whole book I could not stand Gwenhwyfar. OShe would talk about how loved Morgaine and even wanted her help to conceive, then on the same page call her evil. Did anyone else have similar feelings about Gwen or another character?
Questions and Comments for April 16th; Chapters 7 - 9/pages 721 - 77467)Morgaine is pregnant again? That was a surprise. I'm wonder what her future will be.
I didn't expect that, but I don't think she will have any more children.
68)Kevin is still looking unworthy of his role as Merlin. First he allowed Viviane to be burried under Christian rites. Now he disapproves Morgaine wanted to take back Excalibur?
Kevin is serving the people more than the Gods or Goddesses. He is following his own council.
69)Her vision of Accolon and Arthur was incomplete. What will be the end of it. Will Arthur blame her for treason?
Yes.
70)"Accolon was dead and her plans in ruins. Arthur still bore the sword Excalibur and the enchanted scabbard which gave him a charmed life, and since the one to whom she had entrusted that task had failed her, escaping into death where she could not follow, then she herself must be the hand of Avalon to strike him down."
Do you think that Avalon was condemned from the start? All the oaths and prayers and tasks seem to fail and bring nothing but tears and suffering to those who tried to follow the path.
I think Avalon was on it's way out. It had been fading into the mists, the way of the fairy land, for quite a while.
Questions and Comments for April 17th & 18th(Combined); Chapters 10 - end71) Was anyone else surprised that Morgaine wanted to abort her child? Yes, she was 49 and she feared she wouldn't survive, but I was shocked.
Not really surprised.
72) For a fleeting moment I had wondered if someone was possibly giving something to Gwenhwyfar to keep her from having a child, but decided I was wrong. I can't believe Morgause managed to do just that for so many years. Poor Gwenhwyfar. Were you surprised?
I didn't expect this. I knew Morgause was very power hungry, but didn't suspect her of using magic like that. Reminded me a bit of Melisandre from A Dance with Dragons, all the blood sacrifice.
73) I can't believe Gwydion would murder Niniane. Then he had to separate his father from Lancelet and Gwenhwyfar when he knew he'd be his father's heir just seemed so wrong and spiteful. Can you imagine Gwydion as King?
I don't think he intended to kill her. He is ruthless and manipulative. He would be a strong leader and not a wimpy puppet, but I wouldn't want to live under his rule.
74) What struck you the most at the end? Did you like Morgaine finding a Saint in the church that had nothing to do with the Christian faith? Was the message this book was meant to convey is not to let others lead you astray or perhaps that you can't escape your fate?
Also to tolerate other religions. There is not one true religion, they are all variations of worship to the same god/goddess/power.
75) What will you rate the book? Did you like it?
I liked the idea of it and have been meaning to read it for years on a recommendation from a friend. In reality, it dragged on too much to keep me interested. In the end I was reading it out of duty not enjoyment. (And in comparison, A Dance with Dragons was more interesting) I gave it 2 stars. i liked the story, but there was too much blah blah blah connecting the good bits.
Kristina wrote: "Throughout this whole book I could not stand Gwenhwyfar. OShe would talk about how loved Morgaine and even wanted her help to conceive, then on the same page call her evil. Did anyone else have sim..."I didn't like any of the characters, but didn't dislike any enough to hate them.
Questions and comments for April 14th; Book 3 The King Stag / Book 4 The Prisoner in the Oak; Chapters 11 - 01/Pages 600 - 66357)I was never a fan of Gwenhwyfar. She imposed her faith upon Arthur. Tricked Morgaine into marriage and now wants Lancelet's son for heir instead of Arthur's. And defends that a woman should obey her king, criticizing Morgause and Morgaine, while all the time she manipulates her husband to her whims. Am I the only one that wants to see her pay for what she has done?
I think she's just really insecure and keeps manipulating people to try to find some way to influence her life. She doesn't seem like a nice person but it also doesn't seem like she's happy at all.
58)Were you surprised that Elaine kept her vow? How can a mother choose to keep her husband instead of her child?
Well. It's not like her daughter was being killed. It might actually do her daughter a lot of good. It didn't seem like she was flourishing there all that well. I wonder what Lancelot will have to say about it when he finds out.
59)Gwydion resembles Lancelet? That will not sit well with Arthur and his Queen.
They all seem to be related somehow so I'm not surprised that he resembles him. Aren't they cousins?
60)Gwydion is so cold. The way he talked about Arthur and Morgaine... This book is getting darker and darker. Don't you agree?
Neither one raised him at all and neither really acknowledges him as a son. I imagine it would be hard to have your parent's act like they don't want you.
61)Morgaine was given some hard tasks. Retrieve Excalibur, put Accolon in the throne. Do you think she'll be able to complete them?
I'm guessing Arthur won't want to give up Excalibur. Arthur is starting to seem really weak. He just wants to be popular and have everyone like him.
Questions and Comments for April 15th; Chapters 2 - 6/pages 663 - 72162) Morgaine said she'd never kill for the Goddess yet she kills her stepson. Avalloch was not a great guy by any means, but still... What are your thoughts on this? Did she do what needed to be done?
It seemed a bit self serving to me. If you kill someone right after they threaten you it's not usually for the greater good. However, blackmailing someone also doesn't make a saint so...
63) Interesting how we now have had two Kingmakings. One for Gwydion and one for Accolon, but neither is King. How can that work?
Maybe it's more of a naming ceremony? Like Heirmaking?
64) Morgaine was my favorite character until this section. What happened to her? Why did she tell of Elaine's role in the plan to have Lancelet marry her?
I don't really like any of the characters. Maybe Raven... or the Elaine's little girl. But all the rest are not nice people.
65) What did you think of the song Lancelet sang and Gwenhwyfar's reaction?
She still seems really spiteful. If everyone just divorced and went to the person they actually loved they'd all be a lot happier and saner.
66) What did you make of Gwydion's challenge of Lancelet? He's a sneaky one isn't he? So Gwydion has Lancelet's good looks, Morgaine's brain, and Morgauses' ambition, and Arthur's charm. That should be a winning combination, right? Do you think if Viviane or Morgaine had raised him he'd have been a force to reckon with?
He seems like he's clever enough to be big trouble especially with no one to reign him in.
Kelly wrote: " If everyone just divorced and went to the person they actually loved they'd all be a lot happier and saner."
Lancelet would be a busy boy, everyone seems to be in love with him...
I know what you mean though. Arthur should just put Gwen aside and let her free to go with Lancelet, then they would all be happier.
Questions and Comments for April 16th; Chapters 7 - 9/pages 721 - 77467)Morgaine is pregnant again? That was a surprise. I'm wonder what her future will be.
Doesn't look like it worked out terribly well. I wonder if she self-fulfilled the prophecy that she'd only have one child. I suppose if you get used to things being true then you may help to make them come true.
68)Kevin is still looking unworthy of his role as Merlin. First he allowed Viviane to be burried under Christian rites. Now he disapproves Morgaine wanted to take back Excalibur?
It seems strange to be a ruler of Avalon but not believe in it anymore. He seems a bit conflicted about it though like he wishes he could be what he thinks he should be.
69)Her vision of Accolon and Arthur was incomplete. What will be the end of it. Will Arthur blame her for treason?
It looks like they're just ignoring each other now. I suppose they're pretty different now.
70)"Accolon was dead and her plans in ruins. Arthur still bore the sword Excalibur and the enchanted scabbard which gave him a charmed life, and since the one to whom she had entrusted that task had failed her, escaping into death where she could not follow, then she herself must be the hand of Avalon to strike him down."
Do you think that Avalon was condemned from the start? All the oaths and prayers and tasks seem to fail and bring nothing but tears and suffering to those who tried to follow the path.
I think things go in cycles. Earlier in the book Avalon was doing a lot better but the Christian lands were being attacked and now it's the opposite. I'm guessing it will switch back again. Plus, isn't this book 1 of 8 or something like that?
Questions and Comments for April 17th & 18th(Combined); Chapters 10 - end71) Was anyone else surprised that Morgaine wanted to abort her child? Yes, she was 49 and she feared she wouldn't survive, but I was shocked.
I was wondering if it was more her fulfilling the prophecy from earlier in life and doing it because she expected she would. Though maybe she was too scared from her earlier pregnancy. Plus her existing kid isn't very nice so...
72) For a fleeting moment I had wondered if someone was possibly giving something to Gwenhwyfar to keep her from having a child, but decided I was wrong. I can't believe Morgause managed to do just that for so many years. Poor Gwenhwyfar. Were you surprised?
I didn't really like her at all though so... (then again I didn't really like anyone). They all seem so mean to each other. If it was magic though I don't know why Morgaine's magic didn't cancel it out.
73) I can't believe Gwydion would murder Niniane. Then he had to separate his father from Lancelet and Gwenhwyfar when he knew he'd be his father's heir just seemed so wrong and spiteful. Can you imagine Gwydion as King?
He seems very vindictive and power hungry throughout the whole book. I think he thinks he's cleverer than anyone else and tries to impose his will.
74) What struck you the most at the end? Did you like Morgaine finding a Saint in the church that had nothing to do with the Christian faith? Was the message this book was meant to convey is not to let others lead you astray or perhaps that you can't escape your fate?
Maybe it was more of an acceptance thing. Each side is so convinced that the other side is wrong. Then again that's how most wars start.
75) What will you rate the book? Did you like it?
I'm rating it a 2. It could have been told in a much faster way. Plus I didn't really like any of the characters so 800+ pages of unlikable characters isn't real great.
@ KellyI didn't like any of the characters either. A friend recommended it to me years ago, so I'm glad I finally read it but don't think I'll bother with the rest of the series.
Gwen was nothing but a spoiler brat. I starting liking some characters, like Morgaine or Lancelet, but by the end of book #3 I already disliked them all. This was my second time reading the book. I should have stayed with the first one only, since the only thing I could focus this time were the negative parts.
I heard that her best work is
. I was always curious about it, but now I'm not sure if I'm willing to have one of my favorite Greek tales suffer the same faith as the Arthurian did.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Firebrand (other topics)A Dance with Dragons (other topics)
A Game of Thrones (other topics)
The Mists of Avalon (other topics)
44)What did you think of Gwydion's little manipulation? The way he has everybody wrapped under his finger scared me. Not to mention the way his mind works.
That was very unsettling. He is very smart and gifted which allows him to think he is always right and knows better, but way too young to realize that his way is not the only way.
45)I was surprised with Lancelet's admissions. Who would imagine that he would confess to Morgaine?
Things tend to come out when one is drunk :). I think he couldn’t hold it in any longer and Morgaine seemed to be the one least likely to judge him.
46)Gwenhwyfar discovers about Morgaine's son. I am disliking this maneuvers so much that I would prefer that Gareth had spoken in front of the king himself. I would like to see Arthur's reaction.
It seemed accidental and not a maneuver to me, but sure enough Gwenhwyfar didn’t hesitate to use it to her advantage when the time came.
47)It looks Gwydion was a backup plan all along just in case Arthur didn't keep his vows. Can Viviane be so detached?
She has to be, otherwise she wouldn’t be fit to be the Lady of the Lake.
48)Viviane's death was shocking. I confess I had to read the same paragraph twice to believe what was happening. Thoughts?
It was unexpected, I thought her son Balan would be the one to die from Balin’s hand not Vivian herself.
49)Where you surprise with Kevin allowing Viviane to be buried on Christian soil? Maybe that burning by traitor's death Morgaine foresaw wasn't quite so out of the question. Was the wrong man chosen to succeed the previous Merlin?
I see sense in what Kevin is saying; he is the man in the middle trying to find a compromise to keep everyone content, but he is way ahead of his fellow countrymen, so he has a good chance to end up being everyone’s enemy.
50)How over confident or foolish Gwenhwyfar is. After Meleagrant's actions on the king's hall, how can she still think it wise to go to him without an armed escort?
She won the title of the most disliked character in this book from me! Gwenhwyfar is trying to prove her worth, which is commendable, but for all the wrong reasons and at worst times.
51)Thoughts about Elaine and Morgaine's pact?
I wonder if Elaine will keep her end of the deal.