Arthurian Legend

Even readers who don't normally enjoy Arthurian legends will love this version, a retelling from the point of view of the women behind the throne. Morgaine (more commonly known as Morgan Le Fay) and Gwenhwyfar (a Welsh spelling of Guinevere) struggle for power, using Arthur as a way to score points and promote their respective worldviews.

This is the saga of the colony known as Camulod and the relationship between Merlyn and Uther Pendragon, the man who will father the legendary Arthur.

At the dawn of his reign, a young king must prove his greatness...or lose a realm. Arthur is king -- but darkest evil has descended upon Britain's shores in many guises. Fragile alliances fray and tear, threatening all the noble liege has won with his wisdom and his blood. In this black time of plague and pestilence, Arthur's most trusted counselor Myrddin -- the warrior, bard, and kingmaker whom legend will name Merlin -- is himself to be tested on a mystical journey through his own extraordinary past. So Arthur must stand alone against a great and terrible adversary. For only thus can he truly win immortality -- and the name he will treasure above all others: Pendragon.

This collection of 72 stories by noted fantasy authors including Tanith Lee, Jane Yolen, and Charles de Lint focuses on the enigmatic figure of Merlin. Many of the stories are original to this volume.

Merlin's world in all its complexities is memorably depicted in this first of three fictional studies by the author of the nonfiction The Quest for Merlin . The legendary figure tells his own story from his birth, including some mystical episodes. This book culminates in the battle of Dineirth, where Merlin has accompanied King Maelgun the Tall.