Macguffins and Magnetic Plot Devices
Arthurian lore is rife with enchanted artifacts and other objects of desire, whether people ever use them or not. A macguffin is something people just chase after. A magnetic plot device is something people chase after, and actually use to great effect. These things often become the goal of a quest. They may turn the tide of battle, warp minds in political intrigue, force people feel in love, or inspire other types of action.
The sword Excalibur (masculine) was drawn from the stone (feminine) and returned to the lake (feminine). Here it is Caliburn, wielded by Sir Gwanwyn.
The shield Prydwen (feminine) was taken from the flame of Brigid (masculine) and would be returned to the sky (masculine) carried away by birds; but the Ursulan Cycle doesn't end as badly as the Arthurian Cycle. The round shield can also transform into a coracle when placed in a body of water.
Legendary sources mention many objects of power including the Thirteen Treasures of Britain and the Four Treasures of the Tuatha De Danaan. The Twelve Treasures of the Ursulan Cycle are:
Also pertinent, although belonging to a separate set, are Christian relics such as the Holy Grail, the True Cross, the Crown of Thorns, and the Spear of Longinus.
One thread in the series is thus the Quest. Variously this may be for one of the Twelve Treasures, a Christian relic, the Questing Beast, etc. There are also challenges, geasa, curses to be lifted, and other such adventures.
Another thread is sex, romance, courtly love, and the whole drama-llama farm of soap opera antics that comes down from the Arthurian Cycle. Queen Ursula/Prince-Consort Gwynn/Sir Geraldine and Sir Tess/Isolde/King Mark are just two examples.
Political intrigue establishes a third thread. Character relationships create conflicts over inheritance and authority. Jockeying for power starts wars. The prime example here lies between Queen Ursula, who believes she deserves the throne by right of legitimate birth and King's choice; and Morgan Tud, who believes his claim is greater because he is male, despite his illegitimate birth. This is is a common bone of contention in historic and contemporary politics.
Magic and spirituality provide the fourth thread. Note that the leading magical influences here are Sir Kate and Falcon the Conjurer. Morgan Tud is a physician, more interested in science than "superstition" (despite the fact that he is part-fey and magic actually works). Gwynn is interested in Christianity, despite being somewhat of a lecher.
Return to the Ursulan Cycle.
The sword Excalibur (masculine) was drawn from the stone (feminine) and returned to the lake (feminine). Here it is Caliburn, wielded by Sir Gwanwyn.
The shield Prydwen (feminine) was taken from the flame of Brigid (masculine) and would be returned to the sky (masculine) carried away by birds; but the Ursulan Cycle doesn't end as badly as the Arthurian Cycle. The round shield can also transform into a coracle when placed in a body of water.
Legendary sources mention many objects of power including the Thirteen Treasures of Britain and the Four Treasures of the Tuatha De Danaan. The Twelve Treasures of the Ursulan Cycle are:
- the shield Prydwen. Useful both for offense and defense, it blocks any blow and it returns to the wielder's hand if thrown. It can also turn into a coracle if placed upon a body of water.
- the sword Caliburn and its sheath. Inescapable once drawn, its slightest wound would kill. It would serve only its chosen bearer. A powerful artifact in its own right, only this sheath can contain Caliburn's bloodthirst. The sheath is able to heal any wound, even if cursed or poisoned.
- the harp Una. She can make a fine bard out of anyone, but is choosy of her owners. She plays three types of enchanted music: Geantraí (joy), which makes people laugh and dance; Goltraí (sorrow), which makes listeners weep uncontrollably; and Suantraí (sleep), which makes everyone in earshot fall into a deep slumber. If summoned, she will float to her owner's hand.
- the iarann coire or Cauldron of the Dagda. It provides an infinite supply of food. It can also heal the wounded or raise the dead who are placed within it.
- the Spear of Lugh. "I am the spear that roars for blood." It always strikes its target, but is difficult to control.
- the Eye of Balor. This is a stone which, when uncovered, destroys everyone in front of it, even entire armies.
- the Horn of Arawn. When blown, it summons the Wild Hunt for justice. Their rightful prey is traitors.
- the Chariot of Morgan Mwynfawr. It swiftly reaches any destination, no matter how far away. A journey of hours takes moments; of days, hours; and of weeks, only a few days.
- the Halter of Epona. It can master any horse, no matter how wild or vicious. It also grants understanding of equine language.
- the Whetstone of Tudwal Tudglyd. By sharpening his weapon upon it, a brave man could make an edge that would always kill; but a coward's blade so treated would then cut nothing.
- the Chessboard of Gwenddoleu ap Ceidio. With the silver and gold pieces set in place, it would play against whomever made the first move. But if a piece from each side were advanced, it would play both sides against itself so that observers might learn by watching.
- the Mantle of Arthur. This invisibility cloak also kept the wearer warm and dry regardless of the weather.
Also pertinent, although belonging to a separate set, are Christian relics such as the Holy Grail, the True Cross, the Crown of Thorns, and the Spear of Longinus.
One thread in the series is thus the Quest. Variously this may be for one of the Twelve Treasures, a Christian relic, the Questing Beast, etc. There are also challenges, geasa, curses to be lifted, and other such adventures.
Another thread is sex, romance, courtly love, and the whole drama-llama farm of soap opera antics that comes down from the Arthurian Cycle. Queen Ursula/Prince-Consort Gwynn/Sir Geraldine and Sir Tess/Isolde/King Mark are just two examples.
Political intrigue establishes a third thread. Character relationships create conflicts over inheritance and authority. Jockeying for power starts wars. The prime example here lies between Queen Ursula, who believes she deserves the throne by right of legitimate birth and King's choice; and Morgan Tud, who believes his claim is greater because he is male, despite his illegitimate birth. This is is a common bone of contention in historic and contemporary politics.
Magic and spirituality provide the fourth thread. Note that the leading magical influences here are Sir Kate and Falcon the Conjurer. Morgan Tud is a physician, more interested in science than "superstition" (despite the fact that he is part-fey and magic actually works). Gwynn is interested in Christianity, despite being somewhat of a lecher.
Return to the Ursulan Cycle.