Bradshaw effectively individualizes the familiar characters of Arthurian myth. Gwalchmai develops through a series of moral choices which bring him to a lifelong commitment to aid the Light. Several features of his character are drawn from the legendary Gawain, most familiar to readers from the popular medieval romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. One such trait identifies him with the sun god. Like the original Gawain, Gwalchmai has strength that waxes at noon and wanes with the decline of the sun.

His battle madness is also a mythic feature. When Gwalchmai acquires the horse Ceingalad from the Isles of the Blessed, he rides him into battle where he fights like a demon but remembers nothing of his deeds afterwards.

Both Lot and Agravain are minor characters but sharply delineated. More impressively developed is Morgawse, an ominous woman in her intense devotion to sorcery and her total lack...