Morgan Presents the Enchanted Cloak

Morgan le Fay’s jeweled mantle is a treacherous gift disguised as an offer of reconciliation. After Arthur survives a series of plots against him, the Lady of the Lake recognizes the danger, and the mantle’s fatal test turns a seemingly courteous present into public proof of Morgan’s continuing hostility.

Background and the Gift

After Arthur’s return to court, Manassen reports his adventure and Morgan’s threat. Arthur declares that he will avenge himself on his sister. The following morning, a damsel arrives from Morgan carrying an exceptionally rich mantle, set throughout with precious stones. She says Morgan wishes Arthur to accept it and will make amends for any offense as he pleases. The offer presents itself as a settlement, but the surrounding events make its promise of reconciliation suspect.

The Warning and Test

The Lady of the Lake privately advises Arthur not to put on the mantle and not to let any of his knights wear it. Instead, he orders Morgan’s messenger to try it on. The damsel objects that a king’s garment is not fitting for her, but Arthur insists that she wear it before it comes onto him or anyone at court.

Exposure and Consequences

As soon as the mantle is placed on the messenger, she falls dead and is burned to ashes. Its lethal effect exposes the gift as a plot against Arthur, while the Lady of the Lake’s intervention prevents him and the assembled knights from being its victims. Arthur is enraged. He tells King Uriens that Morgan is continually seeking to betray him, though he excuses Uriens because Accolon had confessed that Morgan also meant to destroy her husband. Arthur nevertheless suspects Uriens’s son, Sir Uwaine, and orders him out of court; Sir Gawaine leaves with his cousin in solidarity. The attempted murder thus produces consequences beyond the failed attack, renewing distrust within Arthur’s own court.