The bestselling author of the Valdemar novels pens a classic tale about King Arthur's legendary queen. Gwenhwyfar moves in a world where gods walk among their pagan worshipers, where nebulous visions warn of future perils, and where there are two paths for a woman: the path of the Blessing or the rarer path of the Warrior. Gwenhwyfar chooses the latter, giving up the power that she is born into. Yet the daughter of a King is never truly free to follow her own calling. Acting as the "son" her father never had, when called upon to serve another purpose by the Ladies of the Well, she bows to circumstances to become Arthur's queen-only to find herself facing temptation and treachery, intrigue, love and redemption.

The magical saga of the women behind King Arthur's throne. “A monumental reimagining of the Arthurian legends . . . reading it is a deeply moving and at times uncanny experience. . . . An impressive achievement.”—The New York Times Book Review In Marion Zimmer Bradley's masterpiece, we see the tumult and adventures of Camelot's court through the eyes of the women who bolstered the king's rise and schemed for his fall. From their childhoods through the ultimate fulfillment of their destinies, we follow these women and the diverse cast of characters that surrounds them as the great Arthurian epic unfolds stunningly before us. As Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar struggle for control over the fate of Arthur's kingdom, as the Knights of the Round Table take on their infamous quest, as Merlin and Viviane wield their magics for the future of Old Britain, the Isle of Avalon slips further into the impenetrable mists of memory, until the fissure between old and new worlds' and old and new religions' claims its most famous victim.

Rachel Bromwich's magisterial edition of Trioedd Ynys Prydein has long won its place as a classic of Celtic studies. This revised edition shows the author's continued mastery of the subject, including a new preface by Morfydd Owen, and will be essential reading for Celticists and for those interested in early British history and literature and in Arthurian studies.

"Compelling, convincing, and—ultimately—unforgettable."—Sharon Kay Penman, Bestselling Author of Devil's Blood Who was THE MAN Who became THE LEGEND We know as KING ARTHUR? "You are the Pendragon, rightful Lord of Dumnonia and the Summer Land; Lord of less Britain. By all that is right, you ought be seated where Vortigern sits...You ought to be King." Here lies the truth of the Lord of the Summer Land. This is the tale of Arthur flesh and bone. Of the shaping of the man, both courageous and flawed, into the celebrated ruler who inspired armies, who captured Gwenhyfar's heart, and who emerged as the hero of the Dark Ages and the most enduring hero of all time. This is the unexpected story of the making of a king — the legend who united all of Britain. Praise for The Kingmaking: "If only all historical fiction could be this good."—Historical Novels Review "Helen Hollick has it all. She tells a great story..."— Bernard Cornwell "Hollick's interpretation is bold, affecting, and well worth fighting to defend." —Publishers Weekly

This biographical dictionary separates myth from history by differentiating and defining figures associated with Arthuriana. Entries cover more than 400 legendary and historic figures, and include extensive cross-referencing, maps, illustrations and photographs. An appendix provides a comprehensive character index of Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur.

BADON is the gritty tale of love, romance, loyalty, betrayal and war behind the legend of Arthur. Based on the theories of numerous historians BADON explains how "Arthur" was never a name but a title conferred on courageous warriors of the northern Celtic tribes. This is the story of a Celtic chieftain, who against all odds, unified an army of rival tribes and stood against the invading hordes of Saxons, Frisians, Jutes and Angles in the 6th century. This is not the romantic French version, but a historical-based tale of clashing cultures, rival religions, political power, gamesmanship, intrigue and the dying aspirations of an entire race. Badon: Prologue It is the dawn of the sixth century in the troubled, misty isles of the Britons. The tribes wage constant war with one another, while the Picts from the wild northlands and marauders from Iwerddon, the emerald isle are a frequent threat. Christianity is spreading rapidly and further dividing the tribes in its push to eradicate the ancient beliefs of the Old Religion. Now, there are ominous signs that Saxons and Angles, old enemies from across the eastern sea, are intent on conquering the islands. No single tribe is powerful enough to stand against the invasion. The Britons are facing complete annihilation if they lose this battle. A great leader is needed who can unite the tribes and stand against the Saxon onslaught. King Aurelianus is seventy-four years old. Who can save Briton from extinction? Badon weaves the tales of these turbulent times, the courage and honour of the men, the mystic wisdom of the women who stand as leaders and equals, the fierce loyalty and devotion to home and tribe. Badon is a story of love and valour, intrigue and bravery, betrayal and war.

Shimmering with pageantry, emotion and the court’s passionate intrigues, here is the epic story of Arthur—the conqueror, the once and future king, who vanquished the Saxons and loved but one woman, the beautiful Morgan of Avalon. She was the lover his country forbade him to wed but could never keep him from desiring. Held captive by deep feelings, the two dream of one future together…until fate sweeps them into a world where love is balanced on the knife’s edge of danger. Never before has the telling of the story of Arthur made the drama of this charismatic king more real or more moving. Here, a legend and a tale so vigorous with heroic deed and conflict, so glowing with wondrous love, are brought close enough for us to experience all the unforgettable emotions of Avalon…and all the magical moments of Camelot…

Who was the man … who became the legend … we know as KING ARTHUR? Pendragon's Banner is the second book in Helen Hollick's exciting King Arthur trilogy, covering 459-465 A.D. This is not a fairy tale or fantasy. There is no Merlin, no sword in the stone, and no Lancelot. This is the most accurate Arthurian legend ever written, based on historical evidence and meticulous research. At age twenty-four, King Arthur has the kingdom he fought so hard for and a new young family. But keeping the throne of Britain—and keeping his wife and three sons safe—proves far from easy. Two enemies in particular threaten everything that is dear to him: Winifred, Arthur's vindictive first wife, and Morgause, priestess of the Mother and malevolent Queen of the North. Both have royal ambitions of their own. In this story of harsh battles, secret treasonous plots, and the life-threatening politics of early Britain's dark ages, author Helen Hollick boldly reintroduces King Arthur as you've never seen him before. PRAISE FOR PENDRAGON'S BANNER: "Hollick's interpretation is bold, affecting and well worth fighting to defend." Publishers Weekly "Weaves together fact, legend, and inspired imagination to create a world so real we can breathe the smoke of its fires and revel in the Romano- British lust for life, love and honour." Historical Novel Review "Camelot as it really was... a very talented writer." Sharon Kay Penman, bestselling author of Devil's Brood PRAISE FOR THE KINGMAKING: "Hollick juggles a cast of characters and a bloody, tangled plot with great skill." Publishers Weekly "If only all historical fiction could be this good." Historical Novels Review "Stripped of its medieval trappings, the story of Arthur's rise loses none of its legendary power… this [is a] well-researched, skillfully constructed trilogy opener." Library Journal

This book focuses on how and why various cultures have appropriated the story of King Arthur. It is about re-vision, how cultures alter inherited texts and are, in turn, changed by them, and it deals with the ways in which various cultures have empowered the Arthurian legend so that power might be derived from it. The authors suggest that the vitality of the Arthurian legend resides in its ability to be transformed and to transform, in its potential for appropriation and use. Culture and the King deals with issues of literature, history, art, politics, economics, gender study, and popular culture. It crosses the boundaries traditionally erected around these disciplines and addresses emerging critical methodologies concerned with the "poetics of culture."

"...you may be a knight who has never done anything, a worthless son to Arthur, and a bastard with a terrible tongue...But you showed you could make a true knight if Arthur ever gave you the chance. You showed spine just now. You didn't beg for mercy, you didn't cry, and you didn't give up your stance on the matter concerning the affair."King Arthur and The Round Table protect Britain from the evil Morgan le Fay and hold back the Saxons. Nimue is tasked with protecting King Arthur when Merlin leaves. Complications occur when Mordred, Arthur's son, arrives. Merlin's prophecy states Mordred is Arthur's bane and will bring about the downfall of Camelot. Suspicious at first, Nimue soon becomes Mordred's closest companion when she realizes he is not as evil as he is painted. As things spiral out of control with an evil wizard, stake burning, adultery, and treason Nimue must fight to prove Mordred is worthy of the throne. Will she save the man she loves, the country she has helped to build, or the King she admires?