A King’s Sister Against the King

Le Morte d'Arthur

This flow traces Morgan le Fay’s repeated schemes against Arthur, the uneasy family bond behind them, and the limits of her power.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Learned Sister A Learned Sister from "Le Morte d'Arthur". Morgan Enters the Court’s Shadow A royal woman learns magic Morgan le Fay is sent to a nunnery for schooling and becomes skilled in enchantment.

A Learned Sister from "Le Morte d'Arthur". Morgan Enters the Court’s Shadow A royal woman learns magic Morgan le Fay is sent to a nunnery for schooling and becomes skilled in enchantment.

Morgan Enters the Court’s Shadow A royal woman learns magic Morgan le Fay is sent to a nunnery for schooling and becomes skilled in enchantment. Her education places her near both religious learning and dangerous knowledge. Marriage creates a court connection She marries King Uriens and remains Arthur’s sister. The combination of kinship and magic gives her access to the royal family’s private vulnerabilities.

Accolon’s Excalibur Accolon’s Excalibur from "Le Morte d'Arthur". A Secret Plot Against Arthur A weapon is stolen Morgan gives Accolon Excalibur and its scabbard, intending him to kill Arthur in combat.

Accolon’s Excalibur from "Le Morte d'Arthur". A Secret Plot Against Arthur A weapon is stolen Morgan gives Accolon Excalibur and its scabbard, intending him to kill Arthur in combat.

A Secret Plot Against Arthur A weapon is stolen Morgan gives Accolon Excalibur and its scabbard, intending him to kill Arthur in combat. She plans to use the victory to make Accolon king. The plot is exposed Arthur defeats Accolon and learns of Morgan’s role. His sister’s treachery wounds their relationship even though he has previously trusted and honored her.

The Attempt on Uriens The Attempt on Uriens from "Le Morte d'Arthur". A Husband Nearly Killed Morgan chooses the moment Believing Arthur dead, Morgan tries to take Uriens’ sword and murder him in his sleep.

The Attempt on Uriens from "Le Morte d'Arthur". A Husband Nearly Killed Morgan chooses the moment Believing Arthur dead, Morgan tries to take Uriens’ sword and murder him in his sleep.

A Husband Nearly Killed Morgan chooses the moment Believing Arthur dead, Morgan tries to take Uriens’ sword and murder him in his sleep. Her own son Uwaine overhears the plan. A son restrains his mother Uwaine stops her and demands an end to the crime. Morgan begs for secrecy and promises not to try again, but her plea is another bargain built on fear.

The Enchanted Mantle The Enchanted Mantle from "Le Morte d'Arthur". A Gift Conceals an Attack A rich present arrives Morgan sends Arthur a costly mantle and claims it is an apology.

The Enchanted Mantle from "Le Morte d'Arthur". A Gift Conceals an Attack A rich present arrives Morgan sends Arthur a costly mantle and claims it is an apology.

A Gift Conceals an Attack A rich present arrives Morgan sends Arthur a costly mantle and claims it is an apology. The Lady of the Lake warns him not to wear it. The messenger dies Arthur orders the messenger to put it on; she burns to death. Morgan’s deception turns family resentment into a public crime and pushes Arthur toward open anger.

The Sister Escapes Again The Sister Escapes Again from "Le Morte d'Arthur". Pursuit Ends in Illusion A chase through the forest Arthur follows Morgan after she steals Excalibur’s scabbard.

The Sister Escapes Again from "Le Morte d'Arthur". Pursuit Ends in Illusion A chase through the forest Arthur follows Morgan after she steals Excalibur’s scabbard.

Pursuit Ends in Illusion A chase through the forest Arthur follows Morgan after she steals Excalibur’s scabbard. She throws it into a lake and uses enchantment to hide herself and her companions. Family trust is exhausted Morgan later declares that Arthur cannot frighten her while her magic can turn people into stones. Their kinship remains, but trust has largely disappeared.

During Arthur’s early reign

After Morgan obtains Arthur’s sword and arranges a duel

After Arthur recovers at the abbey

Soon after Morgan steals the scabbard

After Arthur pursues Morgan for the scabbard