Embracing the dark lady within: a phenomenological study on how women experience Morgan Le Fay
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Authors
Sparks-Buckley, Kimberli
Issue Date
2005
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Consciousness
Alternative Title
Abstract
This phenomenological study on how women experience Morgan le Fay is a journey through time. A journey that begins in the fairy realm and still today does not end. In earlier times, Morgan was a compassionate healer, and in later times she is a truly evil witch. I feel what is best to do is blend all of the representations of Morgan together and then she encompasses within her the light and the dark, a symbol of true integration.
Following an introduction and history of Arthurian Legend, I discuss the qualities that Morgan le Fay holds. She is described as a woman who has fairy powers as well as the ability to shape shift. Her basic makeup seems quite primal, which really speaks to all women. Morgan's roots are clearly tied to the great Celtic Goddess The Morrighan, as well as to the fairies. Fairies to some are thought to be the Gods & Goddesses of the Tuatha De Danaan who became mortal and lived underground. Fairies also became popular in the twelfth century and are synonymous with Goddesses, and are women who divide their time between the human world and the Otherworld.
I examine the changes of Morgan le Fay through time and literature, as she begins as a fairy healer in Geoffrey of Monmouth's Vita Merlini dated 1148. About fifty years later Morgan suffers many changes when The French Vulgate Cycle portrays her as a mortal woman who is a malicious master of the black arts, who uses her magic to harm others. Of course the most infamous portrayal of Morgan is that of Sir Thomas Maloiy who wrote Le Morte D 'Arthur in the late fifteenth century. In Le Morte D 'Arthur, Malory casts Morgan as a seductress and a purely evil woman who is out to destroy her brother King Arthur, as well as to undermine the virtue of the collective population in general.
The period of time in which Maloiy wrote Le Morte D 'Arthur brings on my feminist critique of the Inquisition in Europe and the Catholic authorities in particular were demonizing the Goddess. This critique provides a framework for understanding the dimensions that women experienced during the Inquisition. Contemporary research by feminist writers such as Carol Christ and Starhawk provide clear examples of how women have been deprived by patriarchy. Another important aspect of this study is the idea of women's power and how reinventing the Goddess Religion can help women regain their inner strength and power. This is a tribute to the magic and power that Morgan holds within her.
The focus in this study wass to discover what women can learn from the dark and light qualities of Morgan le Fay. Through a focus group and film and literature, I was able to conduct a study that relates valuable material for women. I explore and consider that Morgan le Fay is a symbol of what it means to be whole and how women experience her as a woman. Women are looking for that balance in their lives, that fulfillment that comes from being an authentic woman
who can transmit her sexuality and confidence and not be chastised for it. Also, women are in deep need of connection with other women. This type of group women gathering is the key to the success of women moving on and busting out of that old patriarchal view of women being second best.