The Mists of Avalon

Circles frequently appear within The Mists of Avalon as a physical reminder of the cyclical nature of life. Like the natural cycles within Druidic tradition, circles have no beginning and no end. They also signify the equalizing nature of life cycles: If time and life repeat, then every being has the chance to continually strive to be better. Circles often emerge in the text to signal pivotal changes to a character’s arc or the overall plot. A key example of this is when Morgaine sees the Wheel of Life, a Druid symbol, while Arthur hunts King Stag: “Higher in the sky the sun rose, the great Wheel of Life spinning in the heavens, fruitlessly speeding after her divine consort” (175). After Morgaine sees the Wheel, she completes the fertility ritual. The Wheel precedes Morgaine moving forward in her own life cycle by becoming a mother. It also represents the constant battle between the Horned One and King Stag. After killing King Stag, Arthur becomes King Stag in his place. By conceiving Mordred, he also inadvertently leads to the creation of the Horned One who will kill him.

Circles also appear when Morgaine is in North Wales seeking to recapture her priestesshood. Morgaine reflects, “Once in the far hills I found a ring of stones, not a great one like that which stood on the Tor at Avalon, nor the greater one which had once been Temple of the Sun on the great chalk plains” (590). Morgaine leaves offerings to this circle and in return receives mushrooms that help her re-harness the Sight. By comparing this circle to sites of religious importance, Morgaine recalls the Druidic cycles and realizes that her life in Avalon can never truly disappear. The sight of a circle prompts Morgaine to begin a personal journey that will see her return to a past self.

Circles also symbolize the pursuit of equality and balance. Arthur swears to create a tolerant Britain where the Christianity and Druidism are equal. As a commitment to this, Arthur receives tattoos of blue snakes encircling his wrist. When he marries Gwenhwyfar, she presents him with a round table from her father, saying that it will allow him to “seat his well-born Companions without preferring one above the other” (267). In Arthur’s case, circles symbolize the equality he seeks to bring to his court and his kingdom.