World of Arthurian Britain
The Arthurian world is different for every storyteller.
Some things remain the same, of course-- but characters, tone, location, even relationships often vary depending on the story.
This is my Arthurian Britain.
I love this world deeply and come back to it for all of my Arthurian tales! If you'd like a sneak peak into Percival's world for my upcoming book, or if you're new to the legend and would simply like to explore King Arthur's land, take a look below! You'll find characters, relationships, locations and more.
Happy exploring!
Major Characters
King Arthur
King Arthur is the king of Camelot.
The night he was born, he was taken by Merlin to live with Sir Ector. Sir Ector, one of King Uther's knights, raised Arthur as a second son. His first son, Kay, spent much of his teenage years bullying Arthur. But Arthur used this to his advantage and therefore learned how to stand up for himself.
As he got older, Merlin began resurfacing in Arthur's life again, teaching him about wisdom; of bravery, of honor, humility and modesty. Things all needed in a good ruler. Before long, King Uther died and Camelot needed a king. Merlin placed a sword stuck fast in solid stone and proclaimed that only the true king could pull it free. Every man tried with all their might...but only young Arthur was able to pull it from stone before all the eyes of the land. And thenceforth, Arthur was crowned King.
Arthur remains a great ruler, beloved by many. Some do not agree; the Saxons look to overtake his throne and rule England forevermore. But Arthur has a strong Round Table of knights–his friends and family, and even his step-brother, Kay–who will fight for him and the peaceful realm he's built at all costs.
Merlin
Merlin is Britain's greatest wizard– and the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth.
Merlin grew up a Druid in north Wales, among fae creatures and others of the Old Religion, from whom he learned his craft. In his older years, he became an advisor for King Uther Pendragon of Camelot. Using his magic to disguise Uther as the Lady Ygraine's husband, Merlin made it possible for Ygraine to conceive a child with him. Merlin knew the two of them would produce a son that was to be written into tales for ages to come. And thus, because of Merlin's magic, Arthur was born. But this was considered illegitimate in the eyes of Camelot. Merlin had to take him away at birth to be raised away from the city, unknowing of his birthright. Still, Merlin taught him life lessons throughout his youth.
As Arthur grew older, and Uther passed away, Merlin made it possible for Arthur to return to the throne by placing the Sword in the Stone for only Arthur to pull free.
Now Merlin remains an advisor for King Arthur, and serves as both a healer and prophet for Camelot. Many knights go to him for advice, including Sir Percival, Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain. But he will always serve first and foremost as a guide and beloved father-figure to Arthur.
Morgaine
Lady Morgaine is Arthur's half-sister, the step-daughter of King Uther.
Morgaine grew up in Camelot, knowing she would one day be queen. But when young Arthur suddenly shows up one day, carrying the Sword from the Stone, her birthright is suddenly pushed aside as Arthur is crowned King. When Arthur first arrived in Camelot, he pleaded for peace with Morgaine, claiming that he never wished to be king, and for a while, the two of them got along. They even bonded over their sibling connection, amongst other things, and for a time, all was at peace. But Merlin soon scolded Arthur for this, and proclaimed him the Rightwise King, destined for this since before he was born. There was no questioning it. Morgaine would never be queen.
Morgaine soon despised Arthur for this and quickly developed tactics for overthrowing him. Nothing she tried worked...and soon, as her anger grew, she turned to murder. But on the night she planned to have a hired assassin take his life, a little girl who was staying in the castle overheard her plans from outside her bedroom door. This little girl was Blanchefleur, who went straight to King Arthur to warn him. Within the hour, Arthur had his guards seize Morgaine and he banished her to a valley far away. There she stayed for over ten years, planning her revenge on Arthur and little Blanchefleur.
Morgaine was also born with magic abilities. She learned much of her craft in Cornwall and in Camelot during her youth, as she practiced the Old Religion. But it wasn't until she was banished to the Valley that she was able to truly hone her abilities with no boundaries. Now, after a decade, she has perfected them and remains a most powerful witch, waiting for her revenge in the ruins of a dark and crumbling abbey in the Valley of Fallen Kings.
Guinevere
Guinevere is the princess of King Leodegrance, and Arthur's eventual wife.
Guinevere first fell in love with Sir Lancelot when they met in his hometown, in France. They were immediately taken with one another and would very happily have married... if Arthur hadn't already been persuaded by Merlin to propose to her. Arthur had never officially met Guinevere, but he sent a letter to her kingdom, offering marriage; an alliance between kingdoms. To Arthur, it was a business decision. And it didn't hurt that she was also known to be the most beautiful woman in all the land.
Guinevere's father declared that a marriage to King Arthur was a brilliant idea and officially accepted on behalf of his daughter. In no time, Guinevere arrived in Camelot and married the King.
Over time, Guinevere grew to like Arthur, even love him. She cared for him deeply--though her love for him was like that for a brother. Someone to protect, love and respect. Her true love was only ever for Lancelot. Out of respect for Arthur, of course, Guinevere never dared pursue her forbidden love. But still, there it always remains, in the back of her mind...
Guinevere carries herself with grace, dignity and class, and remains of great assistance to Arthur in regards to politics and the well-being of Camelot. Though it is rather easy for other beautiful girls to make her jealous...she will never admit to it. She focuses solely on being the Flower of Britain, and the best queen for Camelot...even if it means pushing down her secret desires for Sir Lancelot.
Kay
Sir Kay is Arthur's adoptive older brother.
Kay is the son of Sir Ector, who raised Arthur in oblivion to his royal birthright. Kay also grew up unknowing of Arthur's royal blood. But he did know there was something special about him. And he made sure to remind Arthur how very un-special he was. As a young boy, Kay enjoyed playing with Arthur. The two of them played many games of pretend around their cottage while they did household chores. But as they grew older, Kay became more focused on his dream of becoming a knight of Camelot. And he refused to let Arthur stand in his way, no matter how many times Arthur begged him to take him along on his training trips.
But as the story goes, Arthur pulled the Sword from the Stone before all...including Kay. And right then, Kay bowed before his little brother and begged forgiveness for his selfish and cruel behavior. Not only did Arthur forgive him, but he made him his first knight. Kay was elated.
Now Kay serves as the royal seneschal and acts as Arthur's right-hand man, overseeing all of the knights' duties, quests, and royal arrangements. He still has some areas to work on; he may be quite the rule-follower and does most everything by the book, even to a fault. He is also prone to rather rude manners, quick to anger and even quicker to grow jealous of other knights who steal his glory. But his loyalty will always remain entirely to Arthur--for he still considers himself Arthur's older brother and finds it his responsibility to protect and serve him. And for that, Arthur will always be grateful.
Lancelot
Sir Lancelot is Arthur's best friend and one of the most popular knights of the Round Table.
Though Lancelot is the son of the Lady of the Lake–a Druid woman who gave Arthur the sword, Excalibur–he was raised by his father, King Ban of France. Lancelot was an only-child and spent much of his time training for the day he would become a knight. But rather than be a knight for his own kingdom, Lancelot dreamed of serving the great King Arthur in Camelot. Thus, with his father's blessing, he crossed the sea into England and served Arthur for several years. Before they knew it, Lance and Arthur were the closest of friends. Nothing could come between them.
It wasn't until he went home to visit his father that Lancelot happened to meet the princess, Guinevere. They fell in love instantly and grew inseparable within weeks. But just as he was about to propose to her...word arrived that Arthur had asked for her hand in marriage, unknowing of Lance's love for her.
Lancelot remains Arthur's most trusted friend...and he would do anything to ensure that Arthur continues to feel that way. But it's not always easy when Guinevere's amber curls and sweet laugh are never far away...
Gawain
Sir Gawain is one of Arthur's closest friends and one of the more popular knights of the Round Table.
Gawain was born a prince in the Orkney Isles of Scotland. Growing up, he and his three brothers were raised by the evil witch, Morgause, and their father, King Lot. Gawain was raised to believe that Camelot was a weak kingdom; that England had too many rulers and that only one should rule them all.
His mother, Morgause, meant to be that one.
So when young Arthur pulled sword from stone and was crowned king, Morgause forced her husband to gather a giant army and kill Arthur, invading Camelot while it had a weak ruler. Gawain and his brothers gladly fought beside their father against Arthur. But in the midst of battle, Arthur plunged a sword right through King Lot's chest. Outraged, Gawain fought Arthur one on one with all his might, until finally, he was overpowered. Rather than killing him, Arthur decided to keep him as a prisoner in Camelot.
Soon, Arthur felt guilty keeping this teenager in the dungeon, especially after killing his father. So Arthur allowed Gawain to be treated as a guest in the castle, and emphasized to Gawain that he wished for peace between the two of them. Gawain fought his kindness, for not only did he hate Arthur...but he was also never taught kindness or forgiveness. Not until then, that is.
Before long, Gawain began to admire the king's morals; his peaceful manner and kind words. Arthur, likewise, made it his mission to give Gawain the best end to his childhood possible...and it worked. Gawain fell in love with the warmth of Camelot, and all that Arthur stood for. He realized that Arthur was a better ruler than his parents could have ever been. In months, Gawain vowed to serve Arthur forevermore. And Arthur made him a Knight of the Round Table.
Soon, Gawain would go on the famous quest of the "Green Knight" and risk his life a hundred times over to defend Arthur and to learn the meaning of honor.
Now, after several more grand quests, Gawain remains a "celebrity" throughout Britain, and has made close friends with several knights, including Sir Lancelot, Sir Bedivere and Sir Percival. He's also known to be quite the ladies' man-- even to the hunchbacked Lady Ragnell, who seems to have stolen his heart.
Percival
Sir Percival is one of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table.
Percival was raised in the Waste Forest in Wales by his mother. Because her two sons were killed fighting a battle for King Arthur, she raised Percival away from civilization, where he would never learn of knights or have any desire to become one. Nevertheless, Percy got his mother to tell him of knights, and of King Arthur, and before long, knighthood became his one and only dream. On the night of his seventeenth birthday, Percival ran away to Camelot and asked Arthur to knight him, to which he was told he must first return successfully from a quest.
Eventually, Percy completes his quest and becomes one of the more unique Knights of the Round Table, thanks to his unusual adventures. For one, he falls in love with a lady with albinism named Lily; the same girl responsible for warning Arthur of Morgaine's murderous plans many years ago.
Unlike the other knights, Percy learns about knighthood (and socially acceptable behavior) along the way during his quest, and even discovers that he has an almost supernatural ability. When triggered, he is able to summon a warm "light" within himself that brings a sense of peace to others--and makes him practically invincible in combat. This, and his zealous personality, have made him a popular knight of the Round Table.
Percy remains a loyal knight to Arthur, and lives happily married to Lily in Camelot. But that doesn't stop him from spending time away once in a while, in the trees where he feels the most at home.
Lily
Lily is one of the ladies of King Arthur's court.
Lily was born with albinismºwhich in Arthurian Britain, was considered a curse. People with albinism were thought to be demonic, or products of witchcraft, and were therefore discriminated against and even killed if deemed threatening. Because of this, Lily's father kept her locked in their manor in Algara, forbidden to leave for her own safety.
When she was little, her father used to take her on many adventures. They once even stayed in Camelot, since her father was invited there on diplomatic business. But one night during their stay, she overheard the Lady Morgaine discussing King Arthur's assassination behind closed doors. Morgaine had planned to kill him that night. The Lady swung open the door and discovered her, but Lily raced as fast as she could to Arthur and warned him just in time. Now, thanks to Lily, Morgaine is banished to the Valley of Fallen Kings and Arthur has continued ruling Camelot for many years. However, this incident was what prompted Lily's father to keep her hidden in her manor forevermore.
Eventually, her father passed and Lily became lady of the manor...but she inherited her father's fear of the world and remained indoors on her own accords. It wasn't until Sir Percival came knocking on her door one day, pleading for food and lodging on his first quest, that Lily let a stranger inside her home...and inside her heart.
Over time, Lily and Percival fell in love. He even gives her the nickname she is commonly called by. She is originally named "Blanchefleur"; French for "white flower" or "white lily". After insisting that he's terrible at French, Percy gives her the nickname, "Lily"...and she comes to prefer it even over her birth name. Thanks to Percy, Lily learned to put fear aside and finally step outside her home once more, on a wild adventure. Her love for Percy even inspired her to don her father's armor and go after Percy in Camelot when she realized he might be in danger.
After the adventure of a lifetime, she and Percival are happily married in Camelot. Lily is now a woman of Arthur's royal court, and spends much of her time helping to create equality across the land for those who are different. Though many still call her a "ghost lady", she is beloved by nobles and servants alike throughout Camelot–and most importantly, she is loved by herself.
Galahad
Sir Galahad is one of the Knights of the Round Table.
Galahad was raised in Norwich by the Lady Elaine and her husband. Elaine, however, died when Galahad was only six, and so his father raised him until he turned twelve. Then his father passed, as well. A knight named Landry took the orphaned Galahad "under his wing" by offering him a position of servitude. Though Sir Landry was cruel and abusive, Galahad served as his squire until he was fourteen. Finally, he traveled with Landry to a tournament in Mercia, and there he met Sir Percival.
Percival taught him what true knighthood looks like, even though Percival was still learning the meaning of it himself. During the tournament, Galahad also saved Sir Gawain's life when a wound on Gawain's leg grew dangerously infected. Galahad's presence was appreciated immediately. From then on, Galahad defied his own knight and vowed to serve Percival forevermore in Camelot. He spent half a year as Percy's right-hand man until Percy finally knighted him on the day of his wedding.
Galahad is now one of the youngest Knights of the Round Table, and is elated to be called so. He grew up hearing the tales of King Arthur and is honored to serve Camelot in his many adventures that lay ahead.
Palomides
Sir Palomides is one of the Knights of the Round Table.
Palomides was born a prince of Babylon, son of King Esclabor. He and his brothers spent much of their time in northern Africa and the Middle East...until they met King Arthur on a diplomatic trip to Rome. There, Palomides and Arthur spoke of quests and culture, and Arthur offered to have him come stay in Camelot for a visit.
Within months, Palomides left the Arabian deserts and ventured to England. Many were confused by his fine clothing, as men of color in England were not often in positions of nobility. But Arthur patiently reminded all that he was a prince, and was to be treated as such- just as he once had to do with his wife, Guinevere. While Palomides was there, a quest arose that required as many of Arthur's best knights as possible. Palomides gladly offered to help, and Arthur sent him to Cornwall with Sir Gawain, Sir Percival, Sir Galahad, Sir Lancelot and Sir Dinadan. Throughout their quest, Palomides grew very fond of the other knights. And likewise, the other men grew to admire Palomides' strength, bravery and wit. (As well as the spice pack that he carries in his satchel for seasoning food!)
In no time, the quest was completed. When all returned to Camelot, the other men told Arthur of how daring Palomides was, and how he rescued them from a dangerous group of Saxons along the way. Immediately, Arthur declared him a Knight of the Round Table. He became the first official knight of color in Camelot.
Palomides graciously accepted this offer, so long as he was allowed free reign to go back to his homeland of Babylon to assist his father and brothers, as needed. Arthur gave him full permission.
Now Palomides comes and goes from the land of sand and incense to the land of forests and mead. And he always looks forward to seeing his friends once again for another adventure.
The World of Alinu
Alinu is a realm full of different lands, different cultures and different stories full of unique, inspiring characters. To read more about Ivarni's world, or to learn more about Alinu, click this link! You'll find locations, characters, relationships and more.
Happy exploring!
