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The Welsh Triads speak of "Arthur's Three Great Queens," all named
Gwenhwyfar. As the word guinevere is translated as "white owl" or
"white phantom" and Guenivere has traditionally been associated with the
"Old Religion" some suspect that Guinevere was more a title than a personal
name especially when we find references to Queens of Arthur with very different
names and temperaments.
The Guinevere of Camelot is said to be the
daughter of Leodegrance of Cameliard. She marries Arthur in what most presume
is a military alliance between kingdoms as she's very young and he is,
by then, an older warrior. Her love affair with Lancelot spurs the
downfall of Camelot and her purported marriage to Mordred when both believe
Arthur is dead adds another layer of "shame" to her.
Legend holds that Guenivere made her way to
Scotland after Arthur's death and changed her name to Vanora or Ganore
(meaning wanderer). Even though she changed her name and environment, she
did not change her lustful ways. The townsfolk became intolerant of her
lifestyle and killed her. Another legend, related by Boece, has her abducted
(not unwillingly) by Mordred, who takes her to Barry Hill near the town
of Alyth. Arthur takes his wife back and has her torn apart by wild horses
as punishment for her adultery. This account provides an alternative
to other stories of Guinevere's last days. Some have her becoming a nun
at either Amesbury or Caerleon while still others maintain that she was
buried with her husband at Glastonbury.
Also See: Arthur's
Burial At Glastonbury Burial
At Slaughter Bridge
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