The myths and legends of King Arthur and his knights, of the enchanter Merlin, and of their quests and adventures, form one of the greatest cycles of stories ever composed. In this book the most important tales are explored in depth by one of the word’s best known authorities on this subject. Also included are a series of meditational exercises to help the reader find his or her way to the heart of the Arthurian mysteries.
The myths and legends of King Arthur and his knights, of the enchanter Merlin, and of their quests and adventures, form one of the greatest cycles of stories ever composed. In this book the most important tales are explored in depth by one of the word’s best known authorities on this subject. Also included are a series of meditational exercises to help the reader find his or her way to the heart of the Arthurian mysteries.
Introduction: What is the Arthurian Tradition?61The High King: Arthur in History and Myth102Merlin and the Prophecies of the Land: Vision and Enchantment at Camelot223The Round Table: Adventure in the Forest of the Mind324Goddesses and Guides: Morgan le Fay and the Otherworldly Women415Lancelot and Tristan: True Love and Perfect Chivalry506The Grail Quest: Spirituality and the Search for Absolutes627Avalon and the Faery Realms: Paths to the Land Beyond728The Unending Song: Arthur in the Modern World78Glossary of Arthurian Characters86Bibliography92Acknowledgements94Index95