#i know this is from excalibur 1981

[starthur]

[CAR CRASH] [GLASS SHATTERING] ‘GOOD LORD!’ [GENERAL COMMOTION] [BABY CRYING] ‘WAAAAH WAAAAH’ [YELLING] [POLICE SIRENS] WEEWOO WEEWOO [HELICOPTERS] ‘WE’RE REPORTING LIVE-‘ [EXPLOSION] ‘MY LEG... MY LEG...’

[mordredpendragon]

MAYDRED DAY 3: Mordred in Film

Back with another post about Mordred! And this time it's my Top 3 appearances of all time in film.

links supplied by the Arthurian Preservation Project by @queer-ragnelle 💕

If you shield the living, who shall avenge the dead the outrage of murder? ⸺ Mordred to Arthur in Knights of the Round Table (1953) dir. Richard Thorpe

A phenomenal movie that's quickly become one of my comfort movies, this is the film I show to people who are new to Arthuriana. It's got everything: an amazing script, great characterization, beautiful costumes and sets. Medieval movies get a lot of flak for looking muddy or gray but not this one, it's vibrant and colorful and each knight (even the extras!) has unique armour. Mordred, played by Stanley Baker, is given a black tabard with a unicorn on it. Talk about iconic. He and Morgan are the film's antagonists, from the very beginning to the end they plot together to take Arthur's throne. As a villain, Mordred is given a lot of depth and has genuine reasons to go against Arthur other than pure ambition. He's a worthy rival to Arthur and has proven himself to be competent, charismatic, and more than capable of leading an army. Mordred aside, if you like Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot this is definitely something you'd enjoy. Percival and Elaine are amazing in it as well, and Gawain and Gareth are endearing. It's a flawless movie and a 10/10 from me.

Come, Father. Let us embrace at last. ⸺ Mordred to Arthur in Excalibur (1981) dir. John Boorman

Another all time if not the favorite Arthurian film of all time for me. It's the most popular out of this list and it's for a good reason, the dark fantasy genre as we know it would not be the same if it weren't for Excalibur (1981). As a child, he's played by Charley Boorman (John Boorman's son) and by Robert Addie as an adult. Unlike in Knights of the Round Table (1953), Mordred is not Arthur's peer but rather his incestuous bastard son borne from his sister Morgana, who then raises him as a pawn for her own ends. She gives him an impenetrable golden Roman armour in a scene that reminds me of Thetis dipping the infant Achilles into the River Styx. However, like Achilles, Mordred is doomed to die. Mordred wages war with Arthur in a scene that's got to be one of the heights for Arthuriana in film for me and I haven't been the same since. Robert Addie's portrayal of him is absolutely stellar, being both cruel and cold whilst also deeply tragic, painting the picture of a young man entangled in a fate he never asked for.

Mordred. You behaved with dignity as befits a knight. He behaved with dignity, I swear! Mordred! ⸺ Lancelot calling out to Mordred in New Adventures of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1988) dir. Viktor Gres

Otherwise known as Russian Connecticut Yankee, this was a movie I didn't expect to love so much as I do now. The film starts off with Mordred (played by Mark Gres) and Lancelot talking about a dream they shared, only to be caught by surprise by a plane crash, which they refer to as the steel dragon. Mordred flees while Lancelot stays, rescuing Hank Morgan, the titular Connecticut Yankee. There's a lot to be said about this film. Not only do I adore Mordred's casting, but this also has some of the most unique and compelling ways that I've seen Mordred utilized in anything ever. I can't spoil it, it's something you need to experience for yourself. It's become a favorite of all time for me alongside Excalibur (1981). The casting, sets, costumes, music, cinematography and the script, everything is absolutely amazing and everytime I watch it I notice something new. I should also mention the fact that this is a deeply philosophical and political film, having been produced in the late Soviet Union is very important context for this movie. Despite being made in a different time and in a different culture, the Anti-American themes resonate so deeply and has given me much to think about. I love this movie. It's a bit of an acquired taste and can be considered esoteric for some, but I urge you to give it a try.

[queer-ragnelle]

hello! hope you're having a good day :)

I'm slowly introducing my girlfriend to arthurian legend and I was wondering what films you would recommend for a complete beginner (her). I will be next to her explaining things but I also wanted to start off with something more digestible. We've already watched the green knight (2021) (I know) and excalibur (1981) together. thank you for all you do!

Hello, I am and I hope you are too!

Oh yayyy this is so awesome. I'm going to suggest things that I personally feel really give a newbie a grasp of the characters in such a way that if they were to watch something else afterward, it would actually aid them in understanding. There are some films that are so experimental they're unrecognizable (like Knightriders (1981) or Shadow of the Raven (1988)). Those are amazing, visionary films. But they're entrenched in their respective cultures (American and Icelandic respectively) so they don't really help someone new grasp the foundational lore like the things I'll be suggesting will. This list offers self-contained stories with solid writing, great acting, and entertainment enough to keep one engaged, without any requirement for prior knowledge to appreciate.

Here are the beginner friendly options listed in order of release:

Knights of the Round Table (1953)

Details the rise & fall of Camelot from Arthur pulling the sword from the stone to his & Mordred's deaths. It has everything, the A/G/L of all time, adorable Percival & Elaine as siblings, Orkney bros Gawain, Agravaine, Gareth, & Mordred (who is not a product of incest), sassy clever Morgan beefing with fatherly sweet Merlin, gorgeous costuming, moving script.

BBC The Legend of King Arthur (1979)

This is technically a show but hear me out. It's only 8 episodes, half hour each, & covers the full Arthurian story from Uther's battle with Gorlois to take Igraine all the way to Arthur's passing. Morgan is a central character & fascinating. Arthur raised by Ector alongside Kay. Goes to battle against Lot & Accolon & the other rebellious lords. Great Lancelot & Bors. Guinevere is strong & interesting & sympathetic. Orkney bros Gawain, Agravain, Gareth, & Mordred (who is not a product of incest). Elaine of Corbenic & Elaine of Astolat both present as separate women. Grail quest led by Galahad (no Percival unfortunately). Mador’s brother Guido poisoned “by Guinevere” like in Le Morte d’Arthur & a trial by combat ensues. It’s a really compelling version of events that can give a beginner a great overview of the legends.

Sword of Lancelot (1963)

Opens with an older Arthur looking to marry. Lancelot is his bestie & champion. Other knights include Gawain, Mordred (who is not a product of incest), Bedivere, Dagonet the jester, Lamorak, Kay the seneschal, & eventually Tor. Lancelot/Guinevere have great chemistry they were married irl.

Gawain and the Green Knight (1991)

Faithful adaptation of SGATGK complete with three days of kissing! Unique by having Gawain recount the reason for his journey as he’s already on it. Flashbacks show Gawain at the high table with Arthur & Guinevere, sitting next to his brother Agravaine, when the Green Knight comes in, & is beheaded. The events at Bertilak’s castle play out just like the poem with the lady coming to tempt Gawain & then he forwards those kisses to Bertilak in exchange for the animal of the hunt. Colorful & fun!

Tristan & Isolde (2006)

One of my favorites. I think the leads have great chemistry & gives a decent overview of the Medieval story without too much access. Mark here is morally way better than in Medlit but it does make the live triangle more juicy. Brangain is really funny here too. There is no magic in this version, so no love potion. Just pure unaided adultery.

Sir Lanval (2011)

Short & sweet indie movie adapting Marie of France’s lay of the same name. Great casting, beautiful costuming, pretty sets. Lanval’s rags to riches story thanks to his fairy lady Tryamour. Sport but well-meaning Arthur not doing his marital duties gives Guinevere sufficient motivation to try & seduce Lanval. Kay is here as Arthur’s foster brother & seneschal but sort of acts like an attorney? Lol? Great movie.

Sire Gauvain et le Chevalier Vert (2014)

Another SGATGK poem adaptation, this time in French (with English subtitles) & condensed to a mere 28 minutes run time. Visually stunning & beautifully acted. A little more mature than the 1991 version, bc of course the French have to get freaky with it sexual style (this is a good thing). Another awesome adaptation worth checking out.

Okay I think those are all my suggestions! Hope that gives you and your girlfriend a solid watch list and you both enjoy them. Take care!

[medievalandfantasymelee]

COME ONE, COME ALL to the MOSTE ILLUSTRIOUS TOURNAMENT of the FINEST, the MOSTE PUISSANT and HOTTEST MEN MEDIEVAL MEDIA HAS TO ITS CREDIT.

Be it known that we shall accept submissions of the hottest men OF THE PEOPLES’ CHOOSING from any live-action* TV or movie media property set between the years AD 500 – 1550 (Tudors WELCOME!!), and any fantasy properties which emulate said period!

KNOW ALSO that we, by the grace of this fine hellsite and with the counsel of the moste honorable and illustrious @hotvintagepoll (many thanks), have made

THESE GUIDELINES here given:

ANY HOT GUY who appears in any movie or TV show released in ANY YEAR, from ANY COUNTRY, shall be deemed eligible for entry. Below are listed examples of eligible properties. If YE BE NOT CERTAIN whether your hot guy is eligible, submit him anyway!

Examples of Eligible Properties: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-03), Game of Thrones (2011-19) House of the Dragon (2022), Wolf Hall (2015-2024), The Tudors (2007-2010), Ladyhawke (1985), The Princess Bride (1987), The White Queen (2013), Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020-2022), Vikings (2013-2020), The Last Kingdom (2015-2022), Diriliş: Ertuğrul (2014), A Knight’s Tale (2001), BBC’s Robin Hood (2006-3009), The Last Duel (2021), The Story of Minglan (2018), The Borgias (2013), Robin Hood (1939), Outlaw King (2018), Pilgrimage (2017), Legend (1985), Braveheart (1995), The Green Knight (2021), Excalibur (1981), Beowulf & Grendel (2005), The Lion in Winter (1968), Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), The Black Adder (Blackadder Series 1, 1982), Rashomon (1950)

Remember: This is just a list of examples—WOW ME!

These following titles are examples of properties that do not fall within or emulate the stated time period and therefore DO NOT QUALIFY: The Three Musketeers (Any Version), Pirates of the Caribbean (2004), Barbarians (2020), Gladiator (2000), Ben Hur (1959), Shogun (2024), Elizabeth (1999), 300 (2006), Troy (2004), Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001), Disney's Robin Hood (1973)**, Yojimbo (1961), Shakespeare in Love (1998), King Arthur (2004)***

For the purposes of this tournament, "Man" and "Guy" are defined as any bi-pedal humanoid male character played by a man. As such, characters belonging to non-human races such as Hobbits, Orcs, Elves, Demons, Fauns, Werewolves etc. ARE admissible, and, indeed, encouraged.

If you have propaganda you forgot to include in your submission, just hold onto it and send it in an ask after the Tournament begins.

You may submit as many hot men as you like but please submit only ONE ENTRANT per submission.

Do not hesitate to submit ANY hot guy you think may qualify, no matter how popular he is. There is no such thing as a shoo-in with these tournaments. If you think "Someone MUST have submitted him already!" Everyone else is probably thinking that too and then he may well NEVER get submitted and we don't want that.

Do not worry about how many submissions your hot guy might have had already--I need to get a sense of who the strongest contenders are in order to fairly seed the draws, and the best way to do that is volume of submissions.

We are voting on the hotness of the characters. While the actors who portray them are of course a major factor in this, we are not voting on the actors themselves, therefore propaganda pertaining to the actors real lives (aside from anecdotes relating to their portrayal of the character) is not admissible.

By that same token, in the case of historical figures (e.g. Henry VIII) we are judging hotness based on the fictionalized portrayals of them in these properties, not on historical fact.

Regarding immortal/time-travelling/dimension-hopping/extremely long-lived characters, regardless of when the character was born, the main action**** of the story must take place within the Medieval Period (see dates listed at the top of this post) or Medieval-esque fantasy fantasy realm in order for them to be eligible for submission. As such, characters like the Pevensie brothers (The Chronicles of Narnia) and Ash Williams (Army of Darkness) are admissible, but Asgardians (the MCU Thor films) are not.

I, as the Administrator and Master of Revels of this tournament, am exercising discretion in the admittance of characters from works by Shakespeare, since many of them have no set date.

Re: characters adapted from books/written works - Book quotes by/ about your character are not admissible as Propaganda for their tv/ movie counterparts unless said quotes were also written into the show/movie.

Book illustrations and fanart are not admissible Propaganda

SUBMISSIONS SHALL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT, JULY 1st

The Tourney shall begin at a date yet to be determined with the Melee (Qualifying Rounds), wherein the entrants with the fewest submissions and least propaganda will duke it out in a free for all brawl to determine who will enter the Lists.

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRANTS HERE TODAY!!!

-- Master of Revels

*The "live-action" qualification does have a caveat: exception may be made for those CGI films which were all the rage in the mid-00's that used the motion-capture and likeness of the actors; for example characters from, Robert Zemeckis's Beowulf (2007) are admissible.

** this one doesn't qualify, not because it isn't the right time period, but because it falls solidly under the "Animated" category.

***Yes, sadly we are deprived of the beautiful countenances of Clive Owen, Mads Mikkelsen, Ioan Gruffudd et al because the producers of this film in their infinite wisdom and in an attempt to seem "more historically accurate" chose to set it during the Roman withdrawal from Britain, which occurred in the 5th Century (About a CENTURY earlier than Authurian tradition) and is generally agreed to have ended by AD 410. It therefore does not fall under the Medieval umbrella and is not eligible for submission.

**** "Main Action" here defined as "More than half an hour of a movie and more than two episodes of a series"

[sirrgawaine]

[like him - tyler the creator, lola young]

MAYDRED 2025: LONG LIVE THE KINGSLAYER!

Mordred: The Son

I know thee now, Mordred! My son! My very son! The child of Youth and Doom, sent to me from the past with life's young glory in thy wilful eyes and in thine hand, stark death! [Mordred: A Tragedy by Henry Newbolt]

this is the first prompt for @mordredpendragon's #maydred where we're spending the bad boy's birthday month celebrating him. this edition is mordred 'the son' - and I thought what better way to go about it than using the excellent performances of paul curran and jason done as arthur and mordred in the merlin 1998 miniseries, one of my favourite arthurian visual medias ever.

'I cannot give you the land. Only my love.' 'That's the only thing of yours I don't want.' [Excalibur 1981]

[media is provided by L at the arthurian preservation project]

long live the kingslayer!

[knightfighttourney]

Kay:

1- No propaganda submitted, but I will point out his wide array of superpowers and that time he threw a jester into a fire, which is cunty in your humble tournament announcer's opinion

Mordred:

1-

killing your father, commiting treason, inciting a rebellion is inherently sexy and serves MAJOR cunt. and of course he's iconic for that one h.j ford illustration where he's leaning over his sword. plus, he's haunted. he's very luciferian, adjacent to that to a lucifer from paradise lost (their parallels are near 1:1, mary stewart also compares him to lucifer in the wicked day) he's also mentioned in dante's inferno in the 9th circle of hell in cocytus frozen in a lake for treason and betrayal against kin. so i very much argue that mordred is an antihero in the same vein

also this vulgate passage. enough said. he is so fucking sexy

"you're a man without compassion and without kindness, for just as the dragon is gentle when it starts to fly, so is it with you. at the beginning of your career as a knight, you were not too wicked, but kind and compassionate; henceforth you will be a real dragon, doing nothing but evil and killing all the men you can. what can i tell you? in one day you will do more harm than your kin have done good in all their existence. and i myself who am so old and should never have died a violent death, i will feel your cruelty, for you will slay me with your own hand"

he's also got the tragic backstory in post vulgate aka the may day massacre where arthur tries to kill him alongside other mayday babies in a boat but MORDRED is the lone survivor AND lives up to his prophecy in killing arthur. he is literally the embodiment of sin, the son who carries and represents the sins of the father, and is the father's consequence. mordred is a living consequence of arthur's sins. he's committed a lot of crimes and is commonly a villain yes but like i said he's got a lot of qualities to be a luciferian antihero and to be very very morally grey, there's multiple depictions of him that depict him as nuanced and idealistic and burdened by fate. his name is synonymous to rebellion. that is serving cunt. being against the status quo is cunt. see henry newbolt's mordred a tragedy where he says i quote "what then? to tyrant's ears, truth may be treason."

see mordred's song by blind guardian as well for themes dealing with being burdened by fate and destiny, he did not ask to carry his father's sins, he did not ask to be born. yet he carries them anyway.

"i never wanted what they told me to be, fulfill my fate and then i'll be free, god knows how long i tried to change my fate."

++++ norris j. lacy's mordred manuscript where he says "they made me what i am and blamed me."

sorry this is super long but mordred is the guy who serves THE most cunt of all arthuriana its not even a question its a no brainer.

Long live King Mordred!

mordred from mordred, a tragedy by henry newbolt

SAY IT LOUDER.

WHAT IS TREASON MUTTERED MY ONE MOUTH, EARNS ANOTHER NAME WHEN MANY SHOUT IT.

tis called rebellion.

I CARE NOT IF IT WERE. SINCE TIME BEGAN FREEDOM HATH BEEN REBELLION.

imagine your name being synonymous with rebellion and treason. THAT is the epitome of serving cunt. MORDRED'S MESSAGE IS SOMETHING WE NEED MORE THAN EVER. FUCK THE STATUS QUO.

KILLING THE KING LITERALLY APOINTED BY GOD, THE VERY IMAGE OF AUTHORITY <- SERVING CUNT

mordred being likened to lucifer, referencing his war in heaven against god, in mary stewart's the wicked day

vulgate lancelot, part vi

https://www.youtube( . )com/watch?v=7ZEqMqBLOOI&pp=ygUXZXhjYWxpYnVyIG1vcmRyZWQgZGVhdGg%3D (remove the spaces parentheses)

mordred in excalibur 1981, his iconic death "Come father, let us embrace at last"

the ever iconic image of mordred, illustrated by h.j ford for the book of romance by andrew lang

mordred and arthur killing each other in vulgate death of arthur

++++

the ray of sunlight in the wound is also mentioned in dante's inferno in canto XXXII, where mordred is in the 9th circle of hell. he's submerged in a frozen lake in caina, for treachery towards kin.

also just want to say that may day massacre in post vulgate is a direct parallel/reference to king herod's slaughter of the innocents wherein he tries to kill the infant jesus.

^ screenshot from wikipedia.

mordred having direct parallels with not only lucifer for his rebellion and war in heaven, but also jesus? as some fucked up antichrist? THAT is serving cunt.

BONUS:

mordred in the russian connecticut yankee film

[tiodolma]

this scene from Excalibur 1981

reminds me of

"Guinevere" poem by Alfred Tennyson, Idylls of the King [1859-1885]

My love through flesh hath wrought into my life So far, that my doom is, I love thee still. Let no man dream but that I love thee still. Perchance, and so thou purify thy soul, And so thou lean on our fair father Christ, Hereafter in that world where all are pure We two may meet before high God, and thou Wilt spring to me, and claim me thine, and know I am thine husband--not a smaller soul, Nor Lancelot, nor another. Leave me that, I charge thee, my last hope.

.

.

.

excsuse me while i sob cry and slide down the floor

[aduckwithears]

You know that shot from the magic shop in 1941? The one with the sword (and the “Excalibur’s Chest” magic trick) between them?

@myladycrow12 reminded me on my gif set post of the similarity to the visual in a scene from the movie Excalibur (1981 - check it out if you haven’t seen it - deeply weird and dark and rated R - fantastic music). There’s a scene where Lancelot and Guinevere have consummated their forbidden love affair in the woods, Arthur comes along while they are sleeping and leaves Excalibur in between them. I went to grab a screenshot from the movie, saw that it is pretty much the same sword, and was shooketh. Here you go:

Lancelot and Guinevere KNOW now they have been found out, that Arthur knows, and that he did not immediately strike them down but that consequences will happen. (There’s also a whole thing about Arthur abandoning the sword that gives him the right to rule, but we’ll leave that be for the moment… except to say that Lancelot freaks out about this issue, and runs off into the woods ass out which is actually pretty funny)

How does this relate to our ineffables? Well, at this point Aziraphale has realized what their relationship is (it’s love, baby!!!), Crowley’s been there all along (maybe not in the same words but you know), but they are still being watched, monitored and observed - literally by the nazi zombie yahoos in this scene but potentially at all times from above. That’s a great big sword keeping them apart.

[thecraftyacademic]

♱𝔡𝔞𝔯𝔨 𝔣𝔞𝔫𝔱𝔞𝔰𝔶 𝔞𝔯𝔱 𝔯𝔢𝔣𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔫𝔠𝔢𝔰♱

I created a Pinterest board for dark (mostly medieval) fantasy references because I enjoy the genre so much. Upon putting it together, I've unfortunately been noticing a lot of AI-generated artwork which is really upsetting to see. :( I've been struggling to find a solid, collective batch of references from actual artists and human-made media so I'm making this post just so that there's something digitally to refer to.

Artists Reza Afshar Juan Miguel López Barea Zdzisław Beksiński Clyde Caldwell Frank Frazetta Piotr Jabłoński Chris Nazgul Keith Parkinson Luis Royo Justin Sweet Keith Thompson Boris Vallejo (and Julie Bell) Michael Whelan Takato Yamamoto Andrej Z.T.

Tumblr Accounts (includes artists) @buriedknight @darkartfinds @descendinight @godivaghoul @jakubrozalski @lowstrear67 @madcat-world @plastiboo @saprophilous @vane-sya @vyrosk @wolfhidewinter @yehuoji

Movies (not a lot, I know, I'm not a big movie person) Dragonslayer (1981) Excalibur (1981) Legend (1985) The Dark Crystal

Reference Books Castlevania: The Art of the Animated Series Demon's Souls (Black Phantom Edition) Artbook Dracula X ~Nocturne in the Moonlight Dark Souls Design Works Magic and Dark Fantasy Coloring Collection Santa Lilio Sangre - Ayami Kojima Artworks Art Book Sketching from the Imagination: Dark Arts Substrata: Open World Dark Fantasy The Art of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

Other/Miscellaneous Resources Dark Fantasy Resource Pack - RPG Maker MV Demon's Souls Concept Art Diablo Concept Art Symbaroum Shadow of the Demon Lord World Anvil Royalty free Dark Fantasy music

I hope that this may be helpful to others too. Feel free to add on to this!

[sentinelprompts]

━━ ⟢ SENTENCE STARTERS : EXCALIBUR ( 1981 ). all of these were pulled from the final draft of the script as it is available online. perfect but not limited to fantasy / historical muses and verses ! feel free to edit as needed.

❛ i spit on your truce, [name]. ❜

❛ [name], what is this wagging of tongues? ❜

❛ you will be mine. wife and queen, bed and crown. ❜

❛ i want no other crown and no other bed than those i have. ❜

❛ sometimes i give, sometimes i take. it is mine to know which, and when. ❜

❛ i know the storm inside you, and what it has wrought. ❜

❛ you will swear by your true kingship to grant me what i wish. ❜

❛ this is magic - making solid what is in the mind, and unsolid, that which is already solid. ❜

❛ it is done. the future has found root in the present. ❜

❛ but what shall become of me, and the child i bear? ❜

❛ three horses died under me, so hard did i spur them here. ❜

❛ the child is mine, [name]. i have come for [him/her/them]. ❜

❛ it’s not for you, [name], heath and home, wife and child. ❜

❛ to kill and be king, is that all? ❜

❛ you strike me with words as hard as steel. ❜

❛ [name]... i loved you, mighty child. ❜

❛ it is a dark hour… everywhere lawlessness and destruction, and no one to lead us out of it. ❜

❛ you wrong me, for i have never stolen from others, or destroyed the fruit of the land. ❜

❛ a good squire doesn’t forget his knight’s sword. ❜

❛ i was your son before i became your king…if i am king. ❜

❛ [name], we haven’t forgotten you. this is more of your trickery. ❜

❛ ‘help me, help me’. help me get up. ❜

❛ i was hoping i could ask you for a little magic help, but if it makes you so tired… ❜

❛ it will be a good lesson. the best, if it’s not the last. ❜

❛ let’s finish this with a show of force. we have no more tricks and no more advantages. ❜

❛ you are in my hands, to slay or to spare. ❜

❛ swear faith to me and you shall have mercy. ❜

❛ you, [name], will knight me. ❜

❛ well, then, i shall tell you which knights have maiden daughters, so you can avoid their castles. ❜

❛ quiet, or i’ll sew up your mouth too. ❜

❛ i love her. if she would be my queen, my dreams would be answered. ❜   

❛ there are maidens as fair, and fairer than [name]. ❜

❛ you’re not listening. your heart is not. love is deaf as well as blind. ❜

❛ i should have left you to fend for yourself. ❜

❛ that is a wild boast. you lack a knight’s humility. ❜

❛ never have i met my match in joust or duel. ❜

❛ yield. i have the advantage. ❜

❛ fight me from your horse or on foot, but fight me. your avoidance mocks me. ❜

❛ i sought only not to harm you. ❜

❛ thanks to god, you are alive. ❜

❛ i love you, my king. ❜  

❛ it is i who must love you, for through your courage and patience you taught me a bitter lesson. ❜

❛ make me your champion, and i will always fight in your place. ❜

❛ i would pledge to you all that i still own : muscle, bone, blood and the heart that pumps it. ❜

❛ the war is over. one land, one king. peace. ❜

❛ i swear never to rest twice on the same pillow till all men live at peace. ❜

❛ i hear the stifled cry for help, i smell the reek of fear… ❜

❛ for your gift, ask a gift of me. ❜

❛ don’t start a war on my wedding day! ❜

❛ look, [name]. the maids and ladies whisper about you. they all dream of winning you, young and old, fair and ugly. ❜

❛ you're the bravest and strongest knight they’ve ever seen, and beauty has kissed your brow. ❜  

❛ and is there no maiden in the whole world who inspires you? ❜

❛ i would swear my love to you. ❜   

❛ i will see you in all women, and i will defend them as i would defend you. ❜ 

❛ [name], don’t you join the celebration? ❜

❛ you’re an angel! not a devil… ❜

❛ who will give me my sword? ❜

❛ i want to write poems about you with moonbeams, make the sea sing your name… ❜

❛ what good are songs and poems to me? they are the barter of ordinary love. ❜

❛ tell me, [name] : have we defeated evil, as it seems? ❜

❛ where hides evil, then, in my kingdom? ❜

❛ i will champion you, my lady. ❜

❛ when i act as your king, i cannot be your husband. ❜

❛ the laws, my laws, must bind everyone, or they are not laws at all. ❜

❛ [name], i fight against myself… ❜

❛ i demand justice, as is my right. ❜

❛ i yield to your mercy, [name]. ❜

❛ flesh on flesh. i will heal you. ❜

❛ they miss the battlefield. i think we do too. ❜

❛ you will be sorely missed. heal yourself and come back. ❜

❛ you think yourself a kingmaker. ha! a meddler, more likely. ❜

❛ the gods of once are gone forever, it is time for men. ❜

❛ [name], make a man out of me. kiss me. ❜

❛ do you think i am ignorant of your stupid little games? preying on the weakness of others. that’s your power, a petty evil. ❜

❛ i will ride forth in the name of that quest, and commit my strength and my soul to it. ❜

❛ [name], a dreadful fear is upon me, that we may never meet again, that the fellowship will be no more… ❜

❛ [name], i know your heart yearns to go, but i am prisoner to my duties, and you must be to yours, at my side. ❜

❛ [name], forgive me. i die without the secret. i have failed. ❜

❛ where are you going, [name], in your iron tomb? still trying to save the world? ❜

❛ i have come to claim what is mine. ❜

❛ i recognize you only as my son, no more. ❜

❛ i cannot offer you the land, only my love. ❜

❛ we will embrace only in battle, and i will touch you only with the blade of my spear. ❜ 

❛ i will muster a great force of knights, and i will return to fight for what is mine. ❜

❛ i have waited long for you. ❜

❛ i am wasting away and i cannot die. and i cannot live. ❜

❛ i didn’t know how empty was my soul until it was filled. ❜

❛ [name], accept my forgiveness, and put your heart to rest. we have suffered too long. ❜

❛ i have always loved you, and i still love you. ❜

❛ i loved you much, as king, and sometimes as husband, but one cannot gaze too long at the sun in the sky. ❜

❛ i was not born to live a man’s life, but to be the stuff of future memory. ❜

❛ now once more i must ride with my knights to defend what was, and the dream of what could be. ❜

❛ i never dared to hope all these years that it was in your keeping. ❜

❛ i have often thought that in the hereafter of our lives, when i owe no more to the future and can be just a man, that we may meet, and you will come to me and claim me as yours, and know that i am your husband. it is a dream i have… ❜

❛ [name], i need you at my side as you were once, my friend, to give me courage. ❜

❛ quiet. you’ll wake the men, and they must fight tomorrow for their lives. ❜

❛ you brought me back. your love brought me back. ❜

❛ what’s behind that beauty? a wizened, cold-hearted snake. ❜

❛ you are mine at last. i am the sea and you will never escape me. ❜

❛ in this battle there is one thing i must do, that no one else can. ❜

❛ [name], i will save you…don’t die. ❜

❛ let my heart do its job, [name], and pump me empty… ❜

❛ the fog is lifting. only we remain alive. ❜

❛ [name], prepare to meet your death. ❜

❛ obey me, [name]. you must act for me. it is my last order as your king. ❜

❛ [name]! will you return? ❜

[ladysparrow01]

I watched Excalibur 1981 for the first time yesterday and I have thoughts:

• Uther "the armour stays on during sex - yes all of it" Pendragon.

• Arthur's west country accent completely took me out at the knees for some reason. I just wasn't expecting it. But I think it made me like him way better than I would have if he'd had just another posh accent like everyone else.

• Patrick Stewart was acting his heart out amongst an otherwise flat cast. And then he just vanishes out of the story.

• I wish there'd been more about Kay. But I'm glad he wasn't an incompetent bully.

• Lancelot is the greatest of all knights simply because he says so and everyone says so and the film says so. But he's never actually shown doing anything great or knightly. He isn't even pathetic or sopping wet.

• Guinevere and Lancelot had hardly any scenes together so their romance just felt kinda blah to me. We know their in love because Lancelot says they're in love. But again, we never actually get to see it.

• Every outfit they put Helen Mirren in was 10/10 top shelf Wicked Sorceress quality.

• Liam Neeson was there.

• I honestly wish the whole film had just been about Percival. From the moment he first showed up I knew exactly who he was. And his character comes through without exposition. We see him being naive and pure hearted and brave. I felt like he had way more depth than any of the other characters.

• Mordred's golden armour was exquisite. Plus he was blond!

• Arthur just kinda... let himself be killed? I guess?

• And then it ended.

I don't really know how a film can manage to feel so flat and empty with so much going on. I think it was trying to do too much while also taking itself far too seriously. There were lots of interesting ideas going on. But by trying to tell so many of the Arthurian stories at once they failed to really tell any of them. And it felt to me like the film was so focused on what was happening that it never really explored why it was happening.

Like. It was fine, I guess?

[queer-ragnelle]

Hi! I’m obsessed with your passion for organizing your Arthurian media collection. This is absolutely the best resource I’ve ever seen!! I’m just getting into Arthurian media and I’ve only read a few stuff so far. Seeing the fandoms opinions for stuff at large has been super interesting. I think this is possibly the worst question I could ask, but are there any books where Arthur is the main character and he is a good person/king? I hope that this newbie question isn’t annoying but tbh I do like books about people striving to good things in the world and I know Arthur’s is a more complex character with fucked up stuff throughout the different legends but also. I’m sure at least one book he’s not killing babies or something. Sorry. For this question, I’m sure there is some sort of glaringly obvious misunderstanding on my part of the legends and also a personal character flaw of my own for slightly less complex characters who are nice but. These things happen. Idk sorry again, and thank you! I totally understand if you don’t answer this and I wish you all the best!!!!!!! <3 have a wonderful day!!!

Hello anon!

Thank you so much! I hope the collection has been helpful to you. :^) No need to apologize for anything, this is a great question. I have a bunch of suggestions. Most books are ensemble casts with many different points of view, not strictly Arthur; that's honestly rare! So I've included films and shows for you as well, some that focus on him even more. But you will find a lovely King Arthur to enjoy in them all. Have a great weekend!

Retellings

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights, The Story of the Champions of the Round Table, The Story of Launcelot and His Companions, & The Story of the Grail and the Passing of Arthur by Howard Pyle

The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, & The Wicked Day by Mary Stewart

Guinevere, The Chessboard Queen, & Guinevere Evermore by Sharan Newman

The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights by John Steinbeck

The Winter King, Enemy of God, & Excalibur by Bernard Cornwell

Exiled From Camelot by Cherith Baldry

The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman

Films [Watch for free here!]

Knights of The Round Table (1953)

Sword of Lancelot (1963)

Camelot (1967)

Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1975)

Excalibur (1981)

Merlin and The Sword (1985)

New Adventures of a Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1988)

A Young Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1995)

Camelot (1998)

King Arthur (2004)

Arthur & Merlin (2015)

Arthur & Merlin: Knights of Camelot (2020)

Kaamelott First Installment (2021)

TV Shows [Watch for free here]

The Adventures of Sir Galahad (1949)

The Adventures of Sir Lancelot (1956-57)

Arthur of the Britons (1972-73)

BBC The Legend of King Arthur (1979)

Merlin (1998)

Kaamelott (2005-09)

Starz Camelot (2011)

[fuckyeaharthuriana]

mordred through time (full post and video) (movies, tv shows, opera and musicals)

This is the condensed video and list!

If you want to watch the single parts (with longer clips) which have a bit more information on each single media, the actor playing Mordred and his role:

Part 1: From 1949 to 1981 -> here Part 2: From 1982 to 2002 -> here Part 3: From 2002 to 2010 -> here Part 4: From 2014 to 2017 -> here Part 5: From 2018 to the present -> here

Long post under cuts. Here I just added the list of media with essential information (color coded: antagonist or protagonist?, Arthur`s son?, does he have a lover?, queer content?).

1949 The Adventures of Sir Galahad: Antagonist, not related to Arthur.

1953 Knights of the Round Table: Antagonist, not related to Arthur. He has a lover (Morgana, who is not his relative either).

1956 The Adventures of Sir Lancelot (s01e03): Mordred assumes the role of Melagant, so he plays the antagonist. Once more, Mordred is not related to Arthur.

1960 Camelot: He plays the part of the antagonist, and notably for the first time he is Arthur’s son (as he is in White's book).

1962 Sword of Lancelot: Mordred is not only the antagonist but also Arthur’s son for the first time in a movie. In the movie he also has a female lover (a new added character).

1967 Camelot: David Hemmings plays Mordred. Same role as the original musical (antagonist and Arthur's son from Morgause).

1974 Lancelot du Lac: Mordred acts like the antagonist. He is not Arthur’s son or relative.

1979 The Legend of King Arthur: An 8 BBC episode tv show that faithfully tries to adapt Morte d'Arthur. Mordred is one of the main antagonist (alongside Morgana), he is Arthur's son.

1979 Unidentified Flying Oddball: Mordred is the antagonist (in the book he is Arthur’s nephew).

1981 Excalibur: Mordred is here Arthur and Morgana’s son for the first time, as in other adaptation Morgause was Mordred’s mother. He plays the antagonist.

1982 Camelot: This is a stage adaptation filmed live of the Broadway musical (so Mordred is antagonist and Arthur's son).

1984 Morte d'Arthur: He is antagonist and Arthur's son.

1985 Merlin and the Sword: Mordred plays the role of Arthur’s son (from Morgana) and a kind of minor comedic fumbling villain and antagonist.

1988 New Adventures of a Yankee in King Arthur’s Court: He is Morgana and Arthur's son and he is killed by Hank in a treacherous duel (Hank shoots him). He plays an almost martyr role instead of the usual antagonist.

1989 A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court: Mordred is a comedic-like antagonist.

1989 Doctor Who Battlefield: Mordred is an antagonist.

1995 Mordred’s song by Blind Guardian: Song about Mordred (from his pov), implied as sympathetic antagonist and he is Arthur's son.

1998 Merlin: Mordred is Morgana and Arthur’s son and the antagonist.

1998 Camelot (animated musical): Mordred is the son of Morgause (not Arthur's sister) and Arthur's son. He is both the antagonist and a redeemed sympathetic character.

1998 Camelot: The Legend: Arthur's son by his siter (through magic) and main antagonist.

2001 The Mists of Avalon: Mordred here appears once more as Morgana’s son, but he is a adopted by Morgause and raised to hate Arthur. He is Arthur's son. Mordred is the main antagonist in the second part.

2002 Justice League: Mordred is a kid, Morgana's son and both are antagonists who use magic.

2002 Merlin the Return: Antagonist Mordred.

2003 Gary Hughes’ album “Once and future king”: The song is “The Hard Way”, one of the two songs sung by Mordred (the other being “Demon Down”). We do not know if Mordred is Arthur’s son but he is the antagonist.

2003 recording of Albeniz’s “Merlin” opera: Mordred is the main antagonist alongside his mother Morgana. I am not sure, but he might be Arthur's son.

2003 Camelot, Papermill Playhouse: The usual Broadway musical (antagonist and Arthur's son).

2005 Camelot, Bad Hersfeld (Germany): The usual Broadway musical (antagonist and Arthur's son).

2007 Perceval (short): Mordred is Arthur's son (and Morgana's) and one of the two main antagonists (the other being Galahad).

2008 Camelot (Live from Lincoln Center): The usual Broadway musical (antagonist and Arthur's son). This is probably the first time we have a Mordred that is so obviously queer coded in his presentation.

2008 Merlin (BBC): This is an instance of a sympathetic turned antagonist Mordred. The show makes a point to explain his reasons. Mordred is not related to Arthur or Morgana. Also, Mordred has a lover in S5 as he is in love with a woman named Kara.

2009 Merlin and the Book of Beasts: Mordred is the antagonist and Arthur’s son. He also kidnaps his half-sister to marry her and continue the Pendragon dynasty.

2010 Avalon High: Mordred is the secret antagonist.

2010 Merlin and Arthur the Lion King: Mordred is a kitten and one of Arthur’s friends, he first betrays Arthur but then changes his mind. This might be one of the few iterations of a completely redeemed Mordred in movies/tv!

2014 High Noon Over Camelot album by The Mechanisms: This is also the first time we have an explicitly queer Mordred (outside of novels), as Mordred is a trans man in this retelling. Another case of a sympathetic Mordred - this time Mordred is more overtly sympathetic and even reconcile with his father Arthur at the end.

2011 recording of Albeniz’s “Merlin”: Another recording of the “Merlin” opera with Mordred as antagonist.

2015 recording of “Le Roi Arthus”: A recording of the Ernest Chausson's opera created between 1886 and 1895. Mordred is an antagonist and in love with Guinevere.

2016 Rex, youtube webseries: Mordred assumes the role of Arthur's jerk friend but he is not a full antagonist. Not related to any other character.

2017 Fate/Apocrypha: Mordred is here a Servant, they are the cloned-son of Saber (Arthur/Arturia, who is a woman) and Morgana. They are a protagonist. They are born as the close of a woman (Saber) and often referred with female pronouns through the series, they hate being called “a girl”, and also hate being called “a boy”. While I do not think the series was making an effort to actually depict a non-binary character, I do believe Mordred can easily be read as one.

2017 King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table: Sympathetic antagonist and Arthur and Morgana's son.

2017 King Arthur: Excalibur Rising: Antagonist and Arthur's son (from Morgana).

2017 Legend, youtube webseries: Mordred (Morty) is the overly joking, friendly guy who is hiding some deep hatred and jealousy towards Arthur (so he is a secret antagonist). Unfortunately I do not remember if Mordred is Arthur’s half-brother or just a friend.

2017 Mordred La Revolte: Unfortunately I cannot really tell how arthurian the series is, but the plot does not mention other arthurian characters. If I am not wrong, la Revolte is simply S2 turned into a movie.

2017 Fate/Grand Order The stage - Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot: Part of the Fate saga so protagonist/not-antagonist Mordred, non binary Mordred and they are Arthur's child.

2018 Arthur et les enfants de la Table Ronde: Mordred is Morgause's cousin and not Arthur's son. He plays a comedic antagonist.

2018 The Campaign for Camelot (webseries): Mordred is one of the main protagonists and he is introduced in episode 7. He is Arthur's son. Over the series he also develops a romance with Izzy (Iddawg, from “The Dream of Rhonabwy”). To clarify, in the clip Mordred is the guy without the glasses and the darker shirt! I do not remember if he is gay, pan or bisexual but he is attracted to men and in a relationship with a guy.

2018/2019 OSK’s Knights of the Round Table musical: Mordred is Arthur's son and an antagonist.

2020 Arthur and Merlin: Knights of Camelot: Mordred is Arthur’s son and the main antagonist of the story. He often uses threats of sexual violence towards Guinevere.

2020 Fate/Grand Order the movie: Camelot: Part of the Fate saga so protagonist/not-antagonist Mordred, non binary Mordred and they are Arthur's child.

2021 Fate/Grand Order: The Grand Temple of Time: Part of the Fate saga so protagonist/not-antagonist Mordred, non binary Mordred and they are Arthur's child.

2021 Le Roi Arthus opera: A recording of the Ernest Chausson's opera created between 1886 and 1895. Mordred is an antagonist and in love with Guinevere.

2023 Camelot Revival: The return of the musical Camelot! So as usual Mordred is Arthur's son (from Morgause) and an antagonist.

[rapid-oxidization]

10 gifs from 10 of my favorite films

Thank you @complicitsacrilege for the tag!!

Tagging (as always, no pressure): @twink-with-an-agenda, @stuckasmain, @noodle-of-sunshine

These films are not ordered by rank!! Most of them have at some point in time been comfort watches.

The Hunger Games (2012): we are starting off basic. i grew up with this series lmao they were the one film series i actively made an effort to go see in theatres and the first one especially was extremely formative for me.

Shrek 2 (2004): if you have spoken more than like 3 words to me then u know that i'm strongly opinionated about shrek. shrek 2 is unironically the goat. i think my loved ones underestimate how insane i am over this film. when i was a baby i had a shrek 2 poster in my room.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006): probably my least objectively comforting comfort film. my introduction to guillermo del toro. the only other film of his i've seen was Pinocchio but i loved that too and i keep telling myself that i need to do a complete filmography watch bc sooo much of his other stuff sounds up my alley. i adore the faun's and the pale man's designs. gets bragging rights for being the one film soundtrack that i routinely revisit.

The Princess Bride (1987): normie comfort watch. westley is on my gender envy list. this one and shrek 2 are tied for funniest script to ever exist.

The Beauty and the Beast (1991): everyone has that one disney renaissance film that they latch onto. this one was mine.

The Prince of Egypt (1998): i have only watched this film once but it genuinely altered my brain chemistry.

Excalibur (1981): ditto but a little bit to the left.

Nimona (2023): i'd been following nimona since the graphic novel days. when the film released i watched it and sobbed and then immediately made my parents watch it. then a year later i came out to them as trans.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001): obligatory "what got you into archaeology?" film with a healthy dollop of kinning milo thatch.

Stand By Me (1986): i watched this as a film study in grade 10 english class and idk it still haunts me to this day

[knightfighttourney]

Propaganda beneath the cut! If you have more, including images, please submit them to me via the Tumblr submissions/ask function!

EDIT: I missed just a tiny bit of propaganda

Mordred-

1-

killing your father, commiting treason, inciting a rebellion is inherently sexy and serves MAJOR cunt. and of course he's iconic for that one h.j ford illustration where he's leaning over his sword. plus, he's haunted. he's very luciferian, adjacent to that to a lucifer from paradise lost (their parallels are near 1:1, mary stewart also compares him to lucifer in the wicked day) he's also mentioned in dante's inferno in the 9th circle of hell in cocytus frozen in a lake for treason and betrayal against kin. so i very much argue that mordred is an antihero in the same vein

also this vulgate passage. enough said. he is so fucking sexy

"you're a man without compassion and without kindness, for just as the dragon is gentle when it starts to fly, so is it with you. at the beginning of your career as a knight, you were not too wicked, but kind and compassionate; henceforth you will be a real dragon, doing nothing but evil and killing all the men you can. what can i tell you? in one day you will do more harm than your kin have done good in all their existence. and i myself who am so old and should never have died a violent death, i will feel your cruelty, for you will slay me with your own hand"

he's also got the tragic backstory in post vulgate aka the may day massacre where arthur tries to kill him alongside other mayday babies in a boat but MORDRED is the lone survivor AND lives up to his prophecy in killing arthur. he is literally the embodiment of sin, the son who carries and represents the sins of the father, and is the father's consequence. mordred is a living consequence of arthur's sins. he's committed a lot of crimes and is commonly a villain yes but like i said he's got a lot of qualities to be a luciferian antihero and to be very very morally grey, there's multiple depictions of him that depict him as nuanced and idealistic and burdened by fate. his name is synonymous to rebellion. that is serving cunt. being against the status quo is cunt. see henry newbolt's mordred a tragedy where he says i quote "what then? to tyrant's ears, truth may be treason."

see mordred's song by blind guardian as well for themes dealing with being burdened by fate and destiny, he did not ask to carry his father's sins, he did not ask to be born. yet he carries them anyway.

"i never wanted what they told me to be, fulfill my fate and then i'll be free, god knows how long i tried to change my fate."

++++ norris j. lacy's mordred manuscript where he says "they made me what i am and blamed me."

sorry this is super long but mordred is the guy who serves THE most cunt of all arthuriana its not even a question its a no brainer.

Long live King Mordred!

mordred from mordred, a tragedy by henry newbolt

SAY IT LOUDER.

WHAT IS TREASON MUTTERED MY ONE MOUTH, EARNS ANOTHER NAME WHEN MANY SHOUT IT.

tis called rebellion.

I CARE NOT IF IT WERE. SINCE TIME BEGAN FREEDOM HATH BEEN REBELLION.

imagine your name being synonymous with rebellion and treason. THAT is the epitome of serving cunt. MORDRED'S MESSAGE IS SOMETHING WE NEED MORE THAN EVER. FUCK THE STATUS QUO.

KILLING THE KING LITERALLY APOINTED BY GOD, THE VERY IMAGE OF AUTHORITY <- SERVING CUNT

mordred being likened to lucifer, referencing his war in heaven against god, in mary stewart's the wicked day

vulgate lancelot, part vi

https://www.youtube( . )com/watch?v=7ZEqMqBLOOI&pp=ygUXZXhjYWxpYnVyIG1vcmRyZWQgZGVhdGg%3D (remove the spaces parentheses)

mordred in excalibur 1981, his iconic death "Come father, let us embrace at last"

the ever iconic image of mordred, illustrated by h.j ford for the book of romance by andrew lang

mordred and arthur killing each other in vulgate death of arthur

++++

the ray of sunlight in the wound is also mentioned in dante's inferno in canto XXXII, where mordred is in the 9th circle of hell. he's submerged in a frozen lake in caina, for treachery towards kin.

also just want to say that may day massacre in post vulgate is a direct parallel/reference to king herod's slaughter of the innocents wherein he tries to kill the infant jesus.

^ screenshot from wikipedia.

mordred having direct parallels with not only lucifer for his rebellion and war in heaven, but also jesus? as some fucked up antichrist? THAT is serving cunt.

BONUS:

mordred in the russian connecticut yankee film

The OTHER Kay-

1- Probably lives in a swamp with Dodinel the Wildman. Was the best knight in his fathers kingdom at only 14 and decided to sneak out of the kingdom with Dodinel to go and fight for king Arthur in the start of his reign. Supposedly helped ywain during said battle when an enemy shot an arrow into his leg. Once went in a battle with sir Kay and Tristan won cause Tristan is like that.

[dormiloncito]

Tagged by: @tigirl-and-co! Thanks Dragon 😄🥰

Rules: Tag 10 or more people you want to get to know better

Fave ships:

Ok, if I'm honest, I don't really ship things. The closest thing could be two main pairings from old movies. I like them ☺️.

Fuse/Kei from "Jin-roh: The Wolf Brigade" and Jim/Selena from "28 days later." Yeah 😅

Favorite color: Lately, olive green and brown!

Song stuck in my head: Invisible — Duran Duran

Favourite food: Several. Shout-out to sweet and sour pork.

Last song listened to: Superfast Jellyfish — Gorillaz

Last TV show/Movie: Excalibur (1981)

Spicy/Sweet/Savory?: Savory sweep! Followed closely by spicy. I'm the opposite of a sweet tooth 😆

Currently reading: The house of leaves

Last thing I googled: My college login page XD

Tagging: @plague-of-nice @fujimen @pupuseriazag @piratebay @lavenderr-daydrreams @alfajorsin @bonyato aaand @corvos-lover 😇