After several months, I have finally finished reading "The Mists of Avalon". It was 1000+ pages of pure drama, magic, intrigue. It is a retelling of the beloved Arthurian legend, but in the point of view of the women of Avalon, specifically Morgaine, half-sister to Arthur and the woman who will be his doom. Ms. Bradley's style of writing is admirable - very descriptive, and able to hold one's attention... yes, even through all 1000+ pages.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the epic is the clash of Christianity and the people of Avalon's worship of the Mother Goddess, Ceridwen. The Druids and Priestesses and those reared in Avalon respect the other religions, and believe that all gods are One. But in the time of Arthur, Christianity is spreading through Britain, and along with it, the customs and beliefs of the priests, a narrow thinking characterized by the desire to cast out other religions and prosecute their worshippers. It was a time of intolerance which led to the demise of Camelot, as well as of Avalon.

I liked the book because it gave me the other side of the story of Arthur, as well as glimpses into the magic behind Excalibur and the Lady who affected Arthur's reign. This sure ranks as one of my favorite books of all time.

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A lot of things caught my attention while browsing U-l-a-n's new and fabulous book, "Abarat" by Clive Barker, yesterday. The art, the rhymes, the fascinating characters... and this quote at the very first chapter:

Three is the number of those who do Holy Work.
Two is the number of those who do lover's work.
One is the number of those who do Perfect Evil.
Or Perfect Good.



.:chronicled by senator skywalker at 7:59:00 AM:.
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