The Mists of Avalon | Topics for Discussion & Projects

The Mists of Avalon Key Questions

Religion, sexuality, and magic are important components of the Arthurian legends. Closely connected, all three of these motifs reflect cultural attitudes and social value systems experienced by the society of specific periods. Christianity has traditionally played a central role in the legend of King Arthur; however, for contemporary literature, as well as contemporary culture, the notion of a goddess figure has once again become important. The concept of woman as deity is becoming more acceptable as popular interest in Goddess Worship, Wicca, and Neopaganism continues to grow. Whether the literature of the period dictates cultural attitude and change, or whether cultural attitude and change affect literature is less important than the fact that these changes have occurred. Aided by feminist thought, progressive cultural perceptions now exist concerning sexuality, gender, and religion. The treatment of female characters has changed a great deal over the years, leading authors such as Marion Zimmer...
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