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Sith_Priestess Registered: Feb '03	Date Posted: 1/3/06 1:42pm Subject: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	This thread is to discuss The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Mists is one of my favorite books. I love the way that it takes a step away from King Arthur and the men that are usually the focus Camelot and focuses on the women. I found it really interesting the power the women have, especially Vivian and Morgaine, rather than being written off as witches who do very little. I’m curious to see what others think. -----signature----- Priestess is moving to Indiana. Go Irish! AHBY\| Knight\| Jedi_Daniel I talk to squirrels: chikoo chikoo chikoo Cookie GirlProvider of Homemade Cookies Remus Lupin is my kind of werewolf howl*
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ginchy Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 1/4/06 7:54am Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	I really enjoyed The Mists of Avalon, and it's prequels (though Priestess of Avalon was a bit streched, imo.) I first read this in high-school and couldn't get enough of it...I think I read it about 8 times. My favorite part is the beginning with Igraine, though I love the entire book and cast of characters. The infusion of religion and religious ideas, the differences of Camelot and Avalon, Arthur's betrayal of the Goddess and Her ways, and the ultimate ending is so powerful. Much like Anakin, the women of Avalon set out to stop something from happening, and in that, created what they were trying to avoid. That's a very powerful theme. I loved the book! -----signature----- ginchy's gambit: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29089731/p1 ** Ready for 2009.
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Sith_Priestess Registered: Feb '03	Date Posted: 1/4/06 3:35pm Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	I totally agree about the theme, it is really powerful and very interesting. You're right, Priestess of Avalon was a bit stretched. I did really enjoy Lady of Avalon (my favorite of thre prequels) because it showed that Vivian had weak moments at one point. Her development was really interesting. Kevin the Harper is my favorite of Mists just becuase he's so sarcastic but in a really good way. -----signature----- Priestess is moving to Indiana. Go Irish! AHBY\| Knight\| Jedi_Daniel I talk to squirrels: chikoo chikoo chikoo Cookie GirlProvider of Homemade Cookies Remus Lupin is my kind of werewolf howl*
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doc4converse Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 1/5/06 11:37am Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread - Date Edited: 1/5/06 11:40am (2 edits total) Edited By: doc4converse
	Hello, Sith Priestess and ginchy. I started reading this book before the Christmas holidays, and so far I love the book. I may have to say that I like it better than the Harry Potter books but I won't until I finish it. I have never read any of the King Arthur tales, but I am familiar with the Disney Movie that I watched as a kid as well as the basic storyline of Arthur, Lancelot, and Gwinevere. This past summer I watched Marty Python's The Holy Grail after a friend a mine went to see the musical. And more recently I learned the story of Tristam and Isolde. Below is a list of quotes that I marked in the book: Igraine: "Do you think Gorlois does not grieve, my lord? How cold and heartless any man should be, not to weep for the king he has loved all his days! If I were a man, I would not wish to follow any leader into war who would not weep for the dead whom he had loved, for fallen comrades or even for brave enemies." "What wise God would consign a man to Hell for ignorance, instead of teaching him better in the afterlife?" "And she would sit and spin, gritting her teeth with frantic guilt, and wonder if her whole life was to be spent in atonement for a sin only half-consciously committed." "I have never been able to rely on myself, she thought bitterly." "I should not be harsh with my child because my mind is with my lover." "...Uther would bow to public observance, whatever his private views on religion." Morgaine: "...anger was mixed with affection to neither of which she was allowed to give voice. and this did strange things to her mind. She wondered at herself, because she had been taught to control her emotions as she controlled her words and even her thoughts." "She had learned to live without need of any mother..." "In their world there is only their church and its tower. If we wanted to listen with the ears of the spirit we could hear the church bells...they are shadows here, and in their world, we should be shadows." "...it had burned her; to him it was only a game perhaps, but it could never be so to her." Viviane: "Better, she thought, to have an ungodly man for High King than a religious fanatic." "Uther is not my master, and no one can rule over another's conscience." "Done is done. And at this moment the hope of Britain is more important than your feelings." The list seems long, but there were many more that I marked not listed here. Viviane's last quote above is where I have stopped reading to get back to real life and on-line life. I am still reading the book, but I sure would love to have your thoughts and comments on the above statements if you and others are willing to share. Or if you have statements that you particularly liked not listed here, I would love to see which ones you liked. It was rather interesting to see Guinevere/Gwenhwyfar as a young fearful girl near Lancelot and Morgaine. It will be interesting for me to see how her character develops. Again, I do have to remind you that I have not ready any of the King Arthur tales so I have no idea what the men's perspectives are nor what role the women have played. After reading Bradley's book, do you have any suggestion of which other King Arthur Books/Interpretations I should read? Unfortunately, my booklist is huge!!! -----signature----- 'Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby.' X-Files:"The truth is out there, but so are the lies." Chicago Force Member - Errant Venture Book Club Rebel Legion Member: Pvt. Embers Maru
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Amon_Amarth Registered: Jan '05	Date Posted: 1/5/06 2:33pm Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	I watched the movie (mini-serial), but I didn't know that there were books too. I really liked the sory, I plan to read the books soon. -----signature----- Jedi Guardian - Acolytes of Revan "The Force is fine...but I would have preferred some company." 'Caenorhabditis elegans' is much better than Darth Plagueis at cheating death. "Don't **** with the Jedi Master, son!" Mark Hamill, CE
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ginchy Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 1/10/06 6:42pm Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	Hello, doc4converse! Sorry it took me so long to get back to the thread. RL can get at you sometimes! But I've got my book off the shelf now... It's been several years since I've actually straight out read the book, so I may not be able to come up with a lot of quotes that I like (although, flipping through just now I did find one). But I can tell you the story-lines I particularly enjoyed, and comment on some of your quotes. As for storylines, I really enjoyed the stories of Igraine and Uther, Viviane and Priscilla and their sons Balan and Balin, Morgaine/Arthur/Gwenhwyfar/Lancelet, and Morgause, with her ability to know seemingly everything! I really enjoy the idea of the 'Merlin' as well (being a title that is passed on) and I love how the religions/peoples intersect within the fabric of the story. The story as a whole is very large...if there is interest perhaps we could break it down and discuss certain story points? As for a favorite quote of mine, here it is: "You are wise," [Uther] said, then raised his head and stared at her with unflinching hatred. "I wish you were a foolish woman I could despise, damn you!" "If your priests are right," said Viviane calmly, "I am already thoroughly damned and you may save your breath." I just love how unapologetic the priestesses are about their religion and how proudly the carry it with them. And Viviane is the best among them...she truly puts her faith above herself. Sadly, she helps to cause that which she is trying to avoid, but that is the risk in playing with fate. As for your quotes (I picked a few): doc4converse posted: Igraine: "And she would sit and spin, gritting her teeth with frantic guilt, and wonder if her whole life was to be spent in atonement for a sin only half-consciously committed." Viviane: "Done is done. And at this moment the hope of Britain is more important than your feelings." I think these two quotes really show Viviane and Igraine's unique places in the fate of Britain. Viviane has done all that she can to ensure the continuing worship and practice of the Old Ways in Britain, even going so far as to 'sacrifice' her sister to the cause. And she states, quite clearly, that the fate of the whole is more important than the fate of a part. On the flip side, you have Igraine, who must live with the consequences of what she has done...whether she wanted to, or not. I find Igraine very interesting...she who is at first at odds with the Goddess, then embraces Her, then casts Her away for the Christian religion, only to again, realize and embrace, the Goddess in her final hours. Anyway, this is mostly rambling, but I do love this book! -----signature----- ginchy's gambit: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29089731/p1 ** Ready for 2009.
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doc4converse Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 1/19/06 1:16am Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread - Date Edited: 1/19/06 2:14am (1 edits total) Edited By: doc4converse
	Amon, I guess i better watch the movie after I read the book. ginchy, real life has pushed me to edge, literally. So please accept my apologies, too. I haven't had a chance to read further, but yes, I do like the quotes you listed so far. "I wish you were a foolish woman I could despise..." - change the word from "woman" to "man", and you get the picture. It is said that "hate fades" and "love remains"; is that true? And where are you, Sith Priestess? Did I scare you away? Kevin the Harper has something to share that I am looking forward to seeing. I have not had much time to read more, but will do so and post as I go along. -----signature----- 'Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby.' X-Files:"The truth is out there, but so are the lies." Chicago Force Member - Errant Venture Book Club Rebel Legion Member: Pvt. Embers Maru
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JEDI_TEEGIRLOO Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 1/20/06 6:09pm Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	I only read Myst of Avalon but it was brilliant Morgaine was my favorite i felt for her because she went thru so much. Amon i also saw the movie too but i read the book before the movie i liked it.
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SWJaggy Registered: Nov '03	Date Posted: 1/21/06 6:22am Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	I have been wanting to read this book forever! Just never found the time. With all the school stuff to do I just can't seem to get to it. Maybe this will be a book I ask for Christmas this year. I've seen the TNT movie of "Mists of Avalon" which is what first drew me to it. Ever since then I've been dying to read the book. Granted it's very lengthy but I'm sure it's worth it.
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AzureAngel2 Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 1/24/06 11:35am Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread - Date Edited: 1/24/06 12:19pm (1 edits total) Edited By: AzureAngel2
	When two things can be called very essential in my life, then it was seeing Anakin dying in his sons arms as a 7 year old girl at the local movie theatre and reading the MISTS OF AVALON when I turned to womenhood. Since then I am deeply rooted in the earth and hold my head straight into the sky. And actually I have a confession to make: once upon the time I did dare to mix SW and THE MISTS of AVALON. Okay and I won't go into detail about that silly SW fanfic that my former best friends Petra, Cornelia & I came up with. See, Marion would turn arround in her grave and so would Frank Herbert in his. I also bet that GL and Stephan King would sue us for stealing some of their idears. But I really did like my version of Luke's und Leia's mom: Princess Shaya Hathor, daughter of a royal house on the planet Draconis, cousin of Bail Organa and priestress of Mother Snake. She did not die because of a broken heart, when her Anakin was lured to the dark side. Oh no! She followed him there and gave Vader a hard time ever after! Anyway, I did like the film that was made out of Marion's gorgeous book. But I did miss Kevin in it and Morgaine's encounter with The Other World. If all of you like to read about the Arthur legends seen from a female point of you, I also can recommend,hum what is the English title, er... ME, MORGAN LE FAY from Nancy Springer... I guess. We Germans have the nasty habit even to translate... mostley mutilate book titels. Oh and about changing the future. I see it more from Master Yoda's point of view. The future is not written yet. Yes, death waits for all of us at the end, but in the end it is us who shape our lives as much as our destinies. SHE wants us to fly out of the nest and love and learn and give before it is time to return into her womb. -----signature----- "There is good in him. I felt it." "Y a-t-il un coeur sous ton armure? Le mien est pur comme l'azure." Wife of DU & e-mom of DG Member of the GFFG
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Sith_Priestess Registered: Feb '03	Date Posted: 1/24/06 12:59pm Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	Hi everyone! It's nice to see the thread jumping off in my absence. I haven't died been simply heald cpative by Darth Real Life, but I have managed to ellude him for awhile. On the quotes: I love the ones by Viviane, she is probably my second favorite character in the book becuase as much as you want to continuously hate her for all the bad things she does you also understand where she's coming from. The Mini-Series... Wow, it appears I am the only one who was appalled by the mini-series. I absolutely hated that movie simply because it mutilated the book. I got the book to read on a class trip when I first saw the previews for the mini-series sicne they previews looked totally cool and then finished the book months before the movie came out. I was pumped to see the movie then sadly let down by whatit offered to me. A lot of my anger probably stemmed from the lack of Kevin , but there were other weird adpatations as well. One day, I am going to rent the movie and watch it again to try and appreciate it as a seperate entity from the book. My suggestion is not to watch the movie immediately after finishing the book or you may be heartbroken, but a lot of people seem to like it so I could be wrong. AzureAngel, That fic has a pretty interesting concept. I bet it wouldn't totally upset the author I will also have to check out your book recommendation. As for my own suggestions on good King Arthur Tales: -The Once and Future King (ah, the classic from which all others are compared) -The Forever King OMG! Monty Python and the Holy Grail is hilarious! Oh, everyone should watch that! Everyone! Your life is not complete until you have seen it! Sorry for the rambling lunacy! ~Priestess -----signature----- Priestess is moving to Indiana. Go Irish! AHBY\| Knight\| Jedi_Daniel I talk to squirrels: chikoo chikoo chikoo Cookie GirlProvider of Homemade Cookies Remus Lupin is my kind of werewolf howl*
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AzureAngel2 Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 1/25/06 6:02am Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	A further recommendation: "The Winter Prince" from Elisabeth E. Wein. The whole story seen through Modred´s eyes! And as for my alternative fanfic about the mother of the Skywalker twins: well, this storyline gave my teeny years a certain blizz at times. It was fun writting and acting roleplay with my former two best friends. The fact that Princess Shaya Hathor was not only of a royal house, but raised in the Temple of Wisdom due to her very high force powers and promised to her cousin Bail Organa made the whole marriage with Anakin during the CW even more complicated! -----signature----- "There is good in him. I felt it." "Y a-t-il un coeur sous ton armure? Le mien est pur comme l'azure." Wife of DU & e-mom of DG Member of the GFFG
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DarthIshtar Title: Former CR Registered: Mar '01	Date Posted: 2/3/06 10:24pm Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	I like this book because, while we see so many stories of women in those ages as either fickle, unfaithful, weak or foolish, this book explores credible influences both in politics and familial ties that influence the shaping of a nation. I thought the only part that I didn't like was Morgaine 'fooling' all the knights into going on the quest for the Holy Grail by being the Virgin Mary representation. -----signature----- "I feel like a more down-to-earth Pink 5 when I'm writing Leah. Same attitude, less lip gloss." ~Me on how to get in the right mindset for Twilight fanfic.
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NYCitygurl Title: Generally Out to Lunch Manager: SFFBC, C&G, NSWFF Registered: Jul '02	Date Posted: 2/17/06 12:14pm Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	I haven't finished this, though it was a good book, because I was readign a lot of the Arthur legends and getting quite sick of them all I may pick it up again, though; this thread has renewed my interest -----signature----- "Not till the moon falls. Not till the world ends."
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Thrawn1786 Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 4/14/06 5:42pm Subject: RE: Into the Mists: The Mists of Avalon Thread
	I found a copy of The Mists of Avalon at a booksale last spring. I had read the 'Tristan and Isolde' series by Rosalind Miles(which is very good, BTW) and wanted to read some of that genre, so I picked it up. I read Mists last fall, and loved it. Morgaine and Vivian were my favorite characters. Currently I am reading Priestess of Avalon, which, while not as good as Mists, is so far a decent read. I would pick it up again. -----signature----- e-sibs: Rabe, padawanlissa, Elfie, CW, DG, Kahn, Trimaj, MGA, prj1, SWF444, Swan, Allegra Minister of Internal Affairs, EUC Senate
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