Miranda Bailey
December 12, 2000

Arbur, Rosemarie. Marion Zimmer Bradley. Mercer Island: Starmont, 1985.

An excellent and thorough guide to background information on Bradley. Brief summaries and critical commentary on all of Bradley's major works is included, with a chapter devoted solely to the Darkover series. Author focuses on Bradley's use of science fiction and fantasy to speak to women's issues. Includes a timeline outlining personal and career-related highlights and annotated primary and secondary bibliographies.

Benko, Debra A. "Morgan le Fay and King Arthur in Malory's Works and Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon: Sibling Discord and the Fall of the Round Table." The Significance of Sibling Relationships in Literature. Ed. Joanna Stephens. Ohio: Bowling Green State University Press, 1993. 23-31.

Provides a brief, but helpful overview of Arthur and Morgan's relationship as it is presented in both works. Demonstrates how Bradley creates a more complex bond by providing more explanation about their childhood and their political climate and loyalties. Uses a significant amount of criticism and psychological research to further explain and define the relationships. Attempts to show how the two different portrayals indicate a change in general societal perceptions of sibling relationships and gender roles.

Farwell, Marilyn. "Heterosexual Plots and Lesbian Subtexts. Toward a Theory of Lesbian Narrative Space in Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon." Arthurian Women: A Casebook. Ed. Thelma S. Fenster. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1996. 319-330.

Examination of the significance of strong lesbian overtones within Mists, with a focus on the sexually charged scene between Raven and Morgaine as the central, pivotal moment in the work. Includes a large, thoroughly researched section on patriarchal structural codes, literary dualism, and lesbian disruptive space in literature. Farwell argues that the lesbian narrative space within the novel undercuts heterosexuality and gives Morgaine power and strength. A helpful bibliography is included.

Fries, Maureen. "Trends in the Modern Arthurian Novel." King Arthur Through the Ages. Eds. Valerie M. Lagorio and Mildred Leake Day. New York: Garland, 1990. 207-222.

Traces the trends, development, and contributions of several twentieth-century retellings of the Arthurian legend. The short section on Mists focuses on Bradley's use of female voice and interestingly claims that none of the female characters obtain fulfillment or empowerment. A negative review of the book is also included.

Fry, Carrol L. "The Goddess Ascending: Feminist Neo-Pagan Witchcraft in Marian Zimmer Bradley's Novels." Journal of Popular Culture. 27.1 (1993): 67-80.

Defines Neo-Paganism and describes the major tenets of the movement. Reveals the influence of the movement in Bradley's Darkover series, Firebrand, and The Mists of Avalon. Argues that Bradley adapts Neo-Pagan ideals to criticize traditional gender roles and the misogyny of institutionalized Christianity. Includes portions of Fry's interview with Bradley.

---. " 'What God Doth the Wizard Pray to': Neo-Pagan Witchcraft and Fantasy Fiction." Extrapolation. 31.4 (1990): 333-345.

The author's main purpose is to inform and educate readers and critics on Neo-Paganism, so that they will be better able to understand and appreciate certain works of fantasy fiction. Begins by discussing the movement and its feminist and anti-Christian views. Using Mists and Katherine Kutz's Lammas Nights and Deryni series as examples, Fry shows how certain Neo-Pagan concepts, such as feminism, anti-Christian views, sexual freedom, and environmentalism, have been used to create a frame for much fantasy fiction.

Fuog, Karen E. C. "Imprisoned in the Phallic Oak: Marion Zimmer Bradley and Merlin's Seductress." Quondum et futurus. 1.1 (1991): 73-88.

Compares Tennyson's misogynist portrayal of Vivien to Bradley's portrayal of Nimue. Examining similarities and differences between the two characters, Fuog demonstrates where Mists succeeds and fails as a feminist retelling. Also defines Avalon as a phallocentric power structure and cites instances where female characters use sex to gain political power. Ultimately concludes that Mists fails as a feminist novel, citing inequality between the sexes, the female characters' failure to gain substantial power, and female phallocentric power structures as the main reasons for this failure.

Godwin, Parke. "The Road to Camelot. A Conversation with Marion Zimmer Bradley." Science Fiction and Fantasy Review. 7 (1984): 6-9.

Godwin and Bradley discuss their novels, Firelord and The Mists of Avalon, and the different approaches they took in reinterpreting the Arthurian legend and characters such as Lancelet, Guenevere, Morgaine, Elaine, and Arthur. Bradley also talks about the importance of history and the ancient matriarchal religion within her work. Additional influences, such as books, childhood experiences, and religious background are briefly discussed as well.

Hopson, Kathryn M. "Re-Visioning Morgan Le Fay: A Unifying Metaphor for the Image of Woman in Twentieth Century Literature." Diss. University of Southwestern Louisiana, 1993. Ann Arbor: UMI, 1993. 93-24,601.

Hopson begins by looking at negative portrayals of Morgan Le Fay and then examines more recent retellings such as Eudora Welty's The Golden Apples, Parke Godwin's Firelord, and Bradley's Mists, which she claims all re-invent Morgan with more positive traits. Her chapter on Bradley's contribution offers a very lengthy overview of the novel. Alongside this synopsis, she comments on attributes of Mists, such as female perspective, interior monologues, and the importance of feminine legacy, which she argues all help recreate Morgaine as a complex, fully-developed female character.

Hughes, Linda K. "The Pleasure Lies in Power: The Status of the Lie in Malory and Bradley." The Arthurian Yearbook. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1992. 99-112.

The history of the status of the lie in society and its relationship with power is discussed briefly. Hughes goes on to examine Malory's use of the lie in Le Morte D'Arthur. Her examination of Mists reveals how Bradley's work borrows from Malory and functions in opposition to it at the same time. Unlike Malory's characters, Bradley's characters, primarily females, despise deception because it forces women to deny their true feelings and thoughts. Hughes argues that truth in Mists represents fidelity to the Goddess and personal empowerment. She also recognizes Morgaine's use of the lie, though, and its relationship with her desire for power towards the end of the novel.

Hughes, Melinda. "Dark Sisters and Light Sisters. Sister Doubles and the Search for Sisterhood in The Mists of Avalon and The White Raven." Mythlore. 71 (1993): 24-28.

An examination of the role of sisterhood in Mists and Diana Paxson's The White Raven. In her discussion of Mists, Hughes focuses on the relationship between Morgaine and Gwehwyfar. She discusses doubles, woman-to-woman dyads, positive female bonding, and the archetypal "Dark Lady" and "Pale Maiden" as they apply to the two characters. Concludes that though their relationship is brief and tainted with jealousy and anger, it is partially responsible for their individual realizations of self and discoveries of sisterhood.

Kaler, Anne K. "Bradley and the Beguines; Marion Zimmer Bradley's Debt to the Beguinal Societies in Her Use of Sisterhood in Her Darkover Novels." Heroines of Popular Culture. Ed. Pat Browne. Bowling Green: Bowling Green State University Press, 1987. 70-89.

Focuses on the communal sisterhood societies found in many of Bradley's novels, particularly the Darkover series. Proposes that Bradley was influenced by her knowledge of medieval convents. Concentrates on twelfth century secular Beguinal movement. Presents a very in-depth background on the movement and a well-done comparison between it and Bradley's Free Amazon society. Research can also be applied to community of priestesses at Avalon in Mists.

Kobler, Turner S. "King Arthur and Popular Culture." The Arthurian Myth of Quest and Magic. Ed. William E. Tanner. Dallas: Caxton's Modern Arts Press, 1993. 107-114.

A quick survey of modern interpretations of the Arthurian legend and their implications. Bradley's work is included and defined by its feminine point of view. Most useful as a very brief summary of Mists. Kobler omits important facts, though, and his reading and interpretation of several incidents are questionable. Should be used with caution.

McClain, Lee Tobin. "Gender Anxiety in Arthurian Romance." Extrapolation. 38.3 (1997): 193-199.

Discusses and demonstrates how authors have used the Arthurian legend to make a statement about gender roles and gender anxiety in their respective societies. Presents Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Idylls of the King as examples of works centered on male anxiety. McClain then shows how Bradley used Mists to show how women's progress in society has led to increased anxiety about their roles as females. Cites religious hierarchy as the scapegoat or reason for this increased anxiety.

Noble, James. "Feminism, Homosexuality, and Homophobia in The Mists of Avalon." Culture and the King. The Social Implications of the Arthurian Legend: Essays in Honor of Valerie M. Lagorio. Eds. Martin B. Shichtman and James P. Carley. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1994.

Investigates and critiques Bradley's daring portrayal of Lancelet as homosexual. Presents thorough summary of evidence from the work that helps solidify this portrayal. Compares the demythologizing of Lancelet's sexuality with that of several female characters and argues that unlike the women, Lancelet is weakened and suffers through the disclosure of his sexual orientation. Concludes that Bradley's portrayal is largely homophobic.

Paxson, Diana L. "Marion Zimmer Bradley and The Mists of Avalon." Arthuriana. 9 (1999): 110-126.

A fairly lengthy work, which includes a well-done section of Bradley's personal background, education, development as a science fiction writer, and experiences with female spirituality. After establishing this context, Paxson discusses elements of Mists, which differentiate it from other retellings. Significant examination of female spirituality and goddess worship within the work and discussion of Dion Fortune's influence also included. Author was a relative and close friend of Bradley and a writer herself, so the information is detailed and reliable.

Riggs, Don. "The Survival of the Goddess in Marie de France and Marion Zimmer Bradley." Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts. 9.1 (1998): 15-24.

Begins with general background information on the Goddess and Her survival in different forms. Focuses on Her appearance in Marie de France's Lanval and Bradley's Mists and the similarities between the two works' portrayals of Her. Discussion of the information each author had access to and how that affected their work and description of the goddess experience.

Sharpe, Victoria. "The Goddess Restored." Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts. 9.1 (1998): 36-46.

Traces origins of Morgan or Morgan le Fay back to Irish goddess Morrigan. Gives brief history on Morrigan and then examines development and treatment of Morgan starting with Geoffrey of Monmouth, going on to Malory and T. H. White, and finally focusing on Bradley's Mists. Shows how Bradley's portrayal restores Morgaine to her original status as goddess by giving her qualities of maiden, mother, wise-woman, and warrior.

Sheppeard, Sallye J. "Arthur and the Goddess: Cultural Crisis in The Mists of Avalon." Arthurian Myth of Quest and Magic. Ed. William E. Tanner. Dallas: Caxton's Modern Arts Press, 1993. 91-104.

Focuses on the perspective of pre-Celtic and Celtic religious experience and cultural heritage as Bradley's major contribution to the Arthurian legend. Includes some background information and history on goddess worship and its eventual disappearance. Examines factual bases for characters such as Morgan and Taliesin. Traces the conflict between goddess worship and Christianity through the novel and discusses the history behind the struggle and transition.

Smith, Jeanette C. "The Role of Women in Contemporary Arthurian Fantasy." Extrapolation. 35 (1994): 130-143.

A survey of several fantasy retellings of the Arthurian legend including the works of Gillian Bradshaw, Joy Chant, Vera Chapman, C. J. Cherryh, Parke Godwin, Courtney Jones, Phyllis Karr, Welwyn Katz, Guy Kay, Stephen Lawhead, Sharon Newman, Andre Norton, Nicole St. John, Fay Sampson, Nikolai Tolstoy, Persia Woolley, and Marion Zimmer Bradley. Discusses how the tradition has ignored or minimalized the role of women in the past and demonstrates how fantasy retellings have recreated female characters as strong and independent. Focuses on works' use of female point of view, independent and assertive female qualities, use of goddess figure, and independent love lives.

Spivack, Charlotte. "Marion Zimmer Bradley." Merlin's Daughters: Contemporary Women Writers of Fantasy. Contributions to the Study of Science Fiction and Fantasy 23. New York: Greenwood Press, 1987. 149-161.

Primary focus on use of female perspective and the characters Viviane, Igraine, and Morgaine. Using the text, shows how each represent a different aspect or aspects of the goddess and womanhood. Looks at religious struggle between goddess worship and Christianity. Brief discussion of Morgause, Gewnhwyfar, and major male characters included.

---. "Morgan le Fay: Goddess or Witch?" Popular Arthurian Traditions. Ed. Sally K Slocum. Ohio: Bowling Green State University Press, 1992. 18-23.

Traces origins of Morgan or Morgan le Fay back to Irish goddess Morrigan. Examines development and treatment of Morgan starting with Geoffrey of Monmouth, going on to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Ruth Nichol's Marrow of the World, Penelope Lively's The Whispering Knights, Poul Anderson's Three Hearts and Three Lions, Sanders Anne Laubenthal's Excalibur, Phyllis Karr's Idylls of the Queen, Parke Godwin's Firelord, and finally focusing on Bradley's Mists. Shows how Bradley's portrayal restores Morgaine to her original status as goddess by giving her qualities of maiden, mother, wise-woman, and warrior.

Thompson, Raymond H. "Arthurian Legend in Science Fiction and Fantasy." King Arthur Through the Ages. Ed. Valerie M. Lagorio and Mildred Leake Day. New York: Garland, 1990.223-239.

Discusses how the science fiction and fantasy genres use the Arthurian legend. A survey of several works, including a brief mention of Bradley's Mists.

---. The Return from Avalon. A Study of the Arthurian Legend in Modern Fiction. Contributions to the Study of Science Fiction and Fantasy, #14. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1985.

The Mists of Avalon is one of many modern retellings Raymond Thompson discusses in his work. He attributes several qualities to Mists and modern Arthurian fiction in general, including a lesson or moral, dark forces of fate, wavering loyalties, examination of the psychological motivation of characters, and greater attention paid to women. He also discusses Bradley's use of a Dark Age setting and the resulting sense of sorrow and loss he feels surrounds the work.

Tobin, Lee Ann. "Why Change the Arthur Story? Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon." Extrapolation. 34.2 (1993): 147-157.

Begins with a brief discussion of feminist medievalism and Bradley's contribution to the Arthurian tradition. The bulk of this short work focuses on techniques that Bradley used to create a more female-centered telling of the legend. These include the trivializing of male-centered institutions such as Christianity and chivalry and the reinterpreting of Morgaine as a powerful, sympathetic, and positive female figure instead of a evil seductress. Tobin give much attention to Bradley's use of Gwenhwyfar as a demonstration of how patriarchal society led to the weakening of female power. Though Tobin believes Bradley's retelling has the potential to empower female readers, she also states that the female power within the novel is a creation of Bradley's and not historically accurate.

Volk-Birke, Sabine. "The Cyclical Way of the Priestess: On the Significance of Narrative Structures in Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon." Anglia. 108. 3-4 (1990): 409-428.

Volk-Birke touches upon the importance of female perspective in the work and then moves on to a fairly in-depth examination of polarity and cyclical structure. She cites love relationships vs. marital relationships, biological relationships vs. surrogate relationships, and loyalties to Avalon vs. loyalties to Camelot as examples of Bradley's use of polarity. Gwenhwyfar is presented as a failure because of her one-sided view of the world. Goes on to discuss the work as a historical novel and the cyclical nature of history. Reveals the parallels between the structure of the novel and Morgaine's development as a character. A chart showing Morgaine's physical journeys throughout the work is included. Psychologist Jean Gebser's mythical phase and its presence in Mists is briefly discussed, as well as a brief commentary on readers' reactions to the work.