Niniane in the Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

In The Mists of Avalon Niniane goes by the names of Viviane, Nimue, and Niniane.

Bradley has three Niniane characters in this one, as might be indicated by the three names. The first, Viviane, is the earliest lady of the lake and the one who gives Arthur his sword, as in Malory. However, she is also the teacher of Morgaine (Morgan le Fey) which departs from the classical story line. She then leaves her title to Niniane, who is the lover of Mordred? and is eventually killed by him? Niniane is rather incompetant at best, and Bradley leaves the reader to belive that Morgaine would make a much better Lady. The other, Nimue, is the one who kills Merlin, in this case because he has violated the Goddess's will. She seduces him and brings him to be put alive into a hollowed out tree. Ouch! The story is fairly good, although, as far as I can tell, it has little to nothing to do with the classical or historical Arthurian legend.

Year: 1982

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