I see the future it is dark, battles blood and fear
I feel our days are numbered I know our enemies draw near.
I draw my daughters to me I shall defend them to the end.
I have sent out for help and begged for aid from Arthur King of the Brittons, my friend.
I have called upon my people from all corners of my land.
I have warned them of the my bad feelings, I have told them trouble is at hand.
I call all of my Iceni Tribe. The Roman’s are coming and they will brook no resistance
Hark I hear the Legions marching feet approaching us in the distance.
My husband is still ruling , a ruler in name only I fear, Prasutagus my lord
Don’ t trust these Roman men they only want our lands and wealth
We need help from Arthur, and his knights to route these invaders from abroad!
My husband is weak he is ill, he cannot last much longer in his ill health.
Damn those Romans Damn them to hell. I shall find a witch and have her cast on them a black spell.
They stripped me naked and flogged me to within an inch of my life
Then they made me watch as they raped my daughters damn them, damn them to hell.
Where is Arthur where are his Knights where are they when I need them in my hour of strife.
I shall not let them beat me this Roman Army I shall not let them lay my lands to waste.
Where are you Arthur I need you now, hear me great wise king I need you make hast.
Curse the ninth legion, they shall all die, we will cut their throats and I shall rip away their manhood and hang it high
I shall show them they cannot debase me Boadicea, and rape my daughters and not expect to die.
We shall fight them we shall lay them low at them at their capital Camulodunum !
Where is Arthur we need him now , suddenly the cry goes up Arthur , Arthur and his knights are here at last.
We shall slay those Romans we shall oust them now with Arthur Pendragon now the die is cast!
We beat them in their capital and then we beat them in Londinium and Verulamium .
So I Boadicea Queen of the Iceni thank you Arthur King of the Brittons
I have wrought my vengeance true I could not have done so without you.
We can no longer defeat the Roman hordes and there is only one thing left for me to do.
I shall poison myself and my daughter too , for those Romans to recapture us would never do.
I have my place in history I saw off those Roman’s with Arthur at the side of me.
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Vivian (The Lady of the Lake)
13JUN20138 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Arthurian, Excalibur, legend, tales fablesEdit
Tired and weary, after journeying to Avalon’s shore
The travelers could not believe what they saw.
The young king and his wizard true
Were in awe of what they had come here to do.
All was silent all was calm. Barely a breeze
To ripple the lake and or move the leaves.
The silver moon light lit the scene
All was silent all was calm and serene.
Suddenly a ripple crossed the lake
It grew larger, leaving silver glitter in it’s wake.
Of a sudden the waters began to swirl and churn
Up from the lake a vision rose , hard to discern .
A wondrous sight to see from the lake rose
T’was the Lady of the lake radiant and fair of face
Every move she made was gentle and full of grace.
Her gown was of the deepest blue
A shining sword out from the lake she drew.
Take Excalibur Arthur this sword is for you
There is a long and hard road ahead for you
Many and dangerous are the tasks in store for you
Take this sword and use it true and take heed
Of Merlin he is a wise and good servant to you.
Tossing the sword toward the shore
She waited to see Arthur’s hand catch Excalibur
Then she was gone leaving the lake as it was before.
I am tired now but soon I shall tell you more!
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Haiku
All was silent all was calm
From below there arose an arm.
The birds where stilled and the breeze did drop.
The arm with the sword suddenly withdrew, kerplop!
Merlin
There was a young lad who was unsure of destiny , his name was Merlin
Striving to understand which path was mapped out for him , seeing his future unfurling.
To Camelot he was sent to help the court physician for he had a magic bent.
Gaius knew the boy had talent and a destiny to fulfill a reason he was sent.
He learnt at Gaius’s knee at first terrified of is own magic power he longed to be free
He spent most of time the butt of the young Arthur’s jokes he accepted that was how it had to be.
As he grew older his path became clearer and he knew just how to handle the prince in waiting
He took all Arthur could throw at him gently guiding him toward his path all ills anticipating.
Always at Arthur’s side hiding his magic well
Keeping the young king safe often using a secret spell.
For he had become fast friends with Arthur
and was all but in name an extra knight.
Merlin was the one who could always be depended upon
to sort out wrongs and make disasters right.
Guinevere loved him too he helped her to find
her husband true.
Sad was he when she tarried with Lancelot blindly her
vows to Arthur she forgot.
Yet Merlin knew that she was true
and he convinced Arthur to harm her not.
Oh! so many tales I would tell of Merlin’s time with Arthur
But that is for another time which will be dealt with here after!
The Tale of the Fisher King
His groin was gashed wide and cut deep no matter how bound
His blood could not be stemmed. No cure could be found.
Many came with balms and cures , potions charms and spells
Yet for all the ministering’s of, knights, magicians and nurse
No one could cure the brave king or relieve him of this curse.
The as I have said the wound was in the king’s groin
So this made him impotent no life sprung from his loins.
His lands suffered as he did and soon all he owned lay dying and barren.
So as the king suffered as did his lands and people fade
A grayness and a failing of all crops, like the wound the sword had made.
So in this dark land, inside his castle named Corbin laid this king a keeper of the Holy Grail.
So why the title Fisher King , why this name it is a strange thing.
The king so wounded in vital parts would spend his days fishing
I do know know my friends, he maybe spent his time a’wishing
To be healed and to restore his lands to prosperity.
And so the Fisher King spent his days fishing in the river by his Castle
While his daughter guarded the Holy Grail in a lonely tower
He catches the fish to to feed the Grail’s power.
The tower where the grail is kept is full of special powers
False hearts, if detected, the chamber will be filled with arrows
Or boiling oil the false at heart to foil, while the keeper will be unharmed.
So now dear reader you know the plight of the Fisher King
How his fishes for the food of life and prays for a cure to heal him.
His daughter spends her days, and her nights too keeping the Grail safe from the clutches of sin.
Finally Sir Lancelot , following in Sir Percival’s trail,
Arrives in hopes to help the Fisher King , where Percival had failed.
Lancelot arrives by sea and crosses the guarded Bridge.
Did I tell you , the seaward bridge to the castle was guarded by Lions
Fierce and dangerous are they, and many knights they have repelled
Lancelot had been searching years to find the Holy Grail he will fight the Lions and he will prevail.
Brave Sir Lancelot who rode with God and right on his side
Came, challenged and defeated the Lions where lesser knights had failed.
He Entered the castle and survived the tower and claimed the Holy Grail.
Then to the Fisher King he went and with God, and cured his wounds so sore
As if by a magic brush the kings lands were fruitfully as they were before.
Now there is more to this tale , but as for now dear friends I can tell no more.
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Merlin’s Soltice
The first rays of the golden sun burst forth upon the solstice dawn.
Merlin could see for miles, yet it was not what he could see
But what he knew that caused him to mourn.
His fate entwined with Arthur, who he would out live
but he would never be free.
So much pain, so much joy, yet no peace nor rest for Merlin.
He was terrified to realize that he was immortal
What a dark premonition, to see down the years unfurling
No real rest no real peace on and on no escape portal.
Looking out across the land, finally united
Harvests good and people happy if only his job was done.
Five men good and true to Arthur had been knighted.
If only Merlin didn’t have to know all his his battles had to be won.
Merlin’s fate was so much for him to carry
Too much information in his dreams
So much future so many deeds to face and parry.
Merlin sees it all on this solstice mourn all stretched out before him.
Arthur
Arthur, from an early age, for kingdom groomed
Taught by his father Utha and Merlin the boy grew well attuned
To matters of battles and affairs of state
Merlin his protector guided Arthur towards his fate.
A fine horseman, happy to work with birds and dogs
To read nature’s ways to never fooled by storms or fogs.
On his father’s death he had a task to do.
To remove the sword of kings, tried by a few.
Arthur retrieved the sword, he waved it above his head
He vowed to use it well,to serve his people and unite the Britons
To fight off the Saxon foe, chase them from his land or leave them dead!
Excalibur,would protect him if wielded for good,well that was what was said.
Being wise he listened to the people, calling upon his trusted knights
To join him in a counsel to sort their ever present plights.
He decided that all should be equal so he ordered a table round
Which made discussion easier and answers soon were found.
He married Guinevere a beautiful Welsh princess
She was gentle, kind and she had qualities that would help Arthur to progress.
And so now our scene is set , well no, that is not quite true
For there are some important knights that I shall have to introduce to you.
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Merlin’s Soltice
Sir Lancelot
Oh! he was dark with eyes of fire he was the dream of any maiden’s desire.
Arthur’s closest friend, they swore allegiance and supported each other under fire .
Lancelot the most trusted , favoured knight. He stood on Arthur’s right
For his king he would gladly die. He saved his kings neck in many a fight.
Sadly for all involved he charmed his queen too,
His eyes went deep into her soul
He stole into her dreams at first,
Then her days finally her bed, he devoured her whole.
This sad turn of events went from bad to worse.
Lancelot deeply scarred his friend stole the heart
Of his wife, it was like a curse.
The Kingh with the gleaming eyes was forced
To return to France
Arthur’s broken heart forced him to to condemn his beloved wife
To the firey dance.
A trap was set to catch Sir Lancelot, his dearest friend
Who’d stolen his wife , OH! sad mischance.
Arthur set his bravest knights to guard the pyre ,
Lancelot returns a bloody fight ensues.
Guinevere is to a nunnery sent,
Arthur, Lancelot to France peruses.
Fear not there is much more to tell
Yet for now sweet friends I need to bid you farewell……………………..
Gawain
Gawain such romance and beauty in a name
Many have asked from whence he came.
His father was strong of heart a knight of old,
Who taught Gawain to be loyal and bold.
Gawain was Arthur’s nephew
He proved a fine friend and ally true.
Merlin became his closest friend
They stayed true to each other right to the end.
Even Guinevere was not safe from his charms
He beguiled her with his smile and she fell into his arms!
I hope no one is getting the wrong idea
I do not wish to taint the name of the Lady Guinevere
Enough gossip let’s to the real tale.
One Christmas tide all around the table enjoying food and drinking ale.
Merry making was the order of the day
All damsels safe for now and no dragon’s left to slay.
All of a sudden the sound of pounding hoofs
Echoed around the halls and resonated to the roofs.
The doors of the great hall flew asunder
As a giant of green riding a verdant horse
Into the courts presence did thunder!!
All was silent as the giant green knight dismounted
And stood before Arthur and his court
I challenge you to take a blow at me, then in one year
And a day I shall return the blow to thee.
Arthur always brave and ready for a challenge
Decided to accept the gauntlet.
But before the words had left his mouth Sir Gawain
Cried, Green Knight address your words to me.
The giant knight bent down his head
Sir Gawain swung his sword across the giants neck
To the astonishment of all green man
Bent down and picked up his head!
As he lead his horse from the hall,
He turned his head to Gawain and said
Meet me next year at the Green Chapel
You’ll need to find it , it’s a long trek!!
Sir Gawain part 2
And so the year passes and winters’ chill was in the air
As silently snow laid it’s billowy white skirts everywhere.
Time’s gentle reminder to Sir Gawain that his return meeting
With the green knight was near,
Impressing on him that his time was fleeting.
Arthur was loath to bid his favourite knight farewell
Unknowing of the future he feared his cousin may be
Riding into hell.
He well recalled the Green Knights’ visit at Christmas time
The the year before.
Brave Gawain saluted his king and told him
To pray for him, he had taken the challenge
And he knew the score.
So brave Gawain set off into the unknown to find
The Chapel Green
Having no idea what lay in store for him,
He was not too keen.
Through trials and tests he made his way,
Ever onward in search of his fate
He had to find the Green Chapel he only had one chance
He could not be late .
Tired and weary with only four days left to spare
Gawain, our brave knight happened upon a castle
In the middle of nowhere.
From out the shadow came a kindly Lord,
Bertilak de Hautdesert by name
He invited our hero in for a bite to eat,
He asked “where are you going Sir Gawain “
In the warm and welcoming hall
The lord and lady made Sir Gawain comfortable.
As they ate and drank and spoke of his travels Gawain
Noticed an old woman at the far end of the table.
No one introduced her but she was treated with great respect
Gawain noticed she was an ugly crone and on this he did reflect.
Sir Bertilak entreated Gawain to stay a while the Green Chapel
Being but one day’s ride from this place.
Gawain was tired and this offer he did embrace.
The next morning the lord of the castle had gone hunting,
He left word that he would would give Gawain whatever
He might catch that day.
If Gawain would give to him anything he had gained
That day.
The lady of the castle visited Gawain in good grace
With all her female guile she tried to seduced him.
Being a knight of honour and of loyalty he refused her
Not wanting to commit a sin.
Gawain though sorely tempted refused the lady’s charms
But to so as not to hurt her he accepted a kiss.
On Bertilak’s return he presented Gawain with his spoils
In return Gawain gave him a kiss,
The lord asked not from whence it came nor took it amiss.
The second and the third day too Bertilak repeated his terms,
that he would present his hunt spoils to Gawain for what ever
Gawain that day had earned.
The lady of the Castle also tried to give herself,
Each day, to honourable Sir Gawain.
Each day he turned her down allowing only an extra kiss
Each day though he did find it a strain.
The lady grew more amourous and Gawain,
Only a man, but he refused her each time and
Both evenings he gave Bertilak the kisses he had received
For the hunts spoils that were put into his hand .
Then upon the third morning when the lady begged his favours
She offered him her sash of green
She told him it would keep him alive and safe,
With his impending doom, this hope to take, he was keen.
Gawain took the sash and bound it around his waist.
He hoped it would help survive the Green Knight’s axe.
That evening on his return Bertilak received three kisses
Again he did not ask from whence they came
To be continued
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Sir Gawain part 3
On the morning of the fourth day Sir Gawain left the castle gate
The lady of the castle waved him off biding him farewell.
Brave Gawain did not know if he would greet another morn but on he went to meet his fate.
The sun shone off the snow and all hushed and still , with God help he prayed all would go well!
After a long days ride Sir Gawain saw a little chapel come into view.
His spirits were low but he knew he had honour and truth on his side.
As the sun set he dismounted his steed , he knew what he had to do.
So he left his sword and shield by the chapel door and walked towards the alter , there was nowhere to hide.
There stood the Green Knight waiting in the gloom,he asked sir Gawain was he ready to meet his doom.
Gawain advanced toward the Green Knight, and went down on bended knee and removed his helmet
Offering his neck he waited for the blow, he hoped he could be brave enough, he feared that he might swoon.
The Green Knight raised the axe and as he brought it down she saw Sir Gawain flinch before his neck the blade met.
The Green Knight asked Sir Gawain if he was afraid, he then made fun of him calling him a maid.
Gawain then told the Green knight to get on with things and take his blow.
Then Knight then swung again and this time missed his mark. At this Sir Gawain, no longer afraid
Demanded that the Green Knight tarry no more . He shouted ” take your blow sir and let my blood flow!!”
So taking aim the Green Knight took a swing and came down hard and fast, but just barely glanced our brave Knight’s neck.
Sir Gawain could not understand how he was only grazed, he asked the Green Knight why he was still alive.
The Green Knight started laughing and suddenly he changed by magic fair or foul he had become Lord Betilak.
What is this wandered our brave hero, why was he here awake and alive.
The two knights left the chapel and to a near by lake, did walk
The Green Knight told Gawain it had all been just a test.
Devised by the old lady who had been at their first meeting , who had smiled at him but did not talk.
She was the witch Morgan Le Fay she had decided they would test Arthur’s Knights to see if any she could best!
Gawain was angry perhaps it was his pride
The Green Knight told him that his wife had been in on the trial
But Sir Gawain had resisted her however hard she’d tried.
You are an honourable knight sir I beg you lets part as friends said the Green knight with a smile..
So back to Arthur’s court a weary Gawain rode
He had many a tale to tell of the people he had met
On his journeying and those he had helped along the road.
Arthur was interested in Sir Gawain’s tale he was not surprised at his sisters’ part in the whole affair.
So now it is another Christmas tide for Arthur and his knights
Let us leave them for a while to their feasting and their fights!
Morgause,Morgana, Mordred.
AH! here hangs a complicated tale
So entwined are these three, to shock you this cannot fail.
First there is Morgause the first daughter of Vivienne.
High priestess of the old ways, troubles from her stems.
Her half sister Morgana is Arthur’s too, twists and turns
I tell you so complicated were these three.
If I tell you the tale will you believe me?
Enchantment and witchcraft playing no small part
Arthur and Morgause had a child, being related did not keep them apart.
Mordred was the boy’s name he would be a knight and serve Arthur well.
Arthur would not of known him and Morgause would not tell.
Mordred would fall by Arthur’s hand at Battle of Camlann
Yet not before Mordred fatally slays Arthur, a fatal plan.
The sisters locked by blood and magic,shared mother but not father
Both wanted Arthur’s death so they could rule his lands forever.
Morgause also known as Morgan la Fay groomed the boy in magic
She knew Mordred’s future, saw it all. She cared not his end be was tragic.
Most evil of the two sisters Morgause twisted Morgana’s mind.
Morgana, before she knew the truth was loving gentle and kind.
Yet Morgause whispered harsh truths about Utha , her Mother and father.
This twisted her mind and broke her heart made her hate forever.
A dangerous diamond in Camelots heart, treacherous and scheming
Forever of Camelot ruling she was dreaming.
Father and son but does either of them know,
One given life then deals the other a fatal blow.
Sisters entwined in magic and hate
They scheme against their brother leaving nothing to fate.
AH! here hangs a complicated tale
So entwined are these three, to shock you this cannot fail.
willowdot21 
