Anti-Feminist Themes in the Mists of Avalon

In my opinion, in our readings thus far, this is the most bizarre text. The Mists of Avalon dives head first into the magical aspects of the Legend of King Arthur. Today’s passages included a profound sex ritual and the creation of the King’s magical sword, Excalibur. But, the text also reinforces the theme of subjugated women throughout the collective King Arthur literature. There are some arguably feminist aspects sprinkled into The Legend, but what Morgaine had to go through is far cry from anything resembling humane treatment. First off, when she was being prepared for the ritual, the performers of the ritual needed to check if they were actually using a virgin or not. On page 173, “With her own hands, the woman began to prepare Morgaine for the ritual. Briefly, almost perfunctorily, she parted the girl’s legs and probed a little; Morgaine, beyond embarrassment”(p.173). The author chose the word ‘perfunctorily’ for the adjective of search suggesting that Morgaine is nothing but a prop for the ritual. What if she had not been a virgin? Next, during the feast leading to the ritual, after essentially starving her, they give her what sounds like some of the tastiest sounding meats one could eat. Then they get her drunk, “The old priestess who had painted and decked her this morning held a silver cup to her lips: she felt the strong liquor sting her throat and burn all the way down”(p.177). If Morgaine was willing why would the priestess need to hold the cup? Or, if Morgaine had sufficient strength to drink for herself why wouldn’t she? In either case it doesn’t seem like she would drink or even be able to drink. Moments leading up to the ritual, Morgaine was terrified “Morgaine clung for a moment to the old woman, hugging her in sudden terror, as if the woman’s sheltering arms were her mother’s own”(p. 178). Does any of this make it seem like Morgaine truly wanted any of it? In conclusion, Morgaine is raped. This, although a vulgar example, reinforces the theme of the subjugation of women throughout the King Arthur literature.