Fate
Mordred tries to strengthen his relationship with King Arthur in an attempt to avoid the prophecy proclaimed at his conception. He becomes a trusted member of King Arthur’s court. Even though he loves King Arthur and admires him as a King, he cannot stop the prophecy from being fulfilled. The two are swept along by fateful events that to other look treasonous, but to Mordred he is following his father’s instructions. Arthur know this to be true, but is easily swayed by others opinions.
When father and son meet face to face, they are able to work out a truce. Fate leads a snake to strike one of the soldiers setting the battle into motion. No one can stop the inevitable and the battle leads to the death of King Arthur and Mordred.
Treason
In terms of treason, Gaheris and Agravain become part of a group called the Young Celts, who do not like Bedwyr’s relationship with the Queen Guinevere. They see Bedwyr as an obstruction to their obtaining higher positions in the court. They do not like the power he holds with the King. They wish to oust Bedwyr from the King’s affections by showing that he has a sexual relationship with the Queen. If shown explicit evidence, the King must banish Bedwyr from the Kingdom.
Their attempt to catch Bedwyr in the Queen’s bedchamber results in the death of several men including Agravain and Gareth. Gaheris and Mordred are injured. Gaheris uses Mordred to escape the castle so that he is not captured and punished for his treason. Treason is mentioned when Mordred takes over as King thinking that the King is dead. He follows the plan he and Arthur discussed if something should happen to him. Steps that need to be taken to protect the Kingdom and the Queen. To others, these actions are treacherous and they are able to sway the King to their way of thinking. This doubt leads to the death of Arthur and Mordred.
Politics
Politics is a theme of the novel. As King Arthur grows older and peace prevails in the Kingdom, the young companions and knights are restless and want to see battle and have adventures. They see the King as content to stay with his Queen and talk of past battles with his older companions. These young men seek power and change and a way to obtain them.
These men are young and do not understand the responsibilities of the King and how he fought hard to obtain peace and comfort for his people. They want to prove their worthiness to the King and believe battle is the only way. A peaceful Kingdom makes them restless and question the King’s actions toward the Saxons who they see as a threat and wish to fight, while King Arthur seeks a truce. Their rebellious thoughts lead to the death of many of the young men as they attempt to catch Bedwyr with the Queen so that they can become higher in the King’s favor. Their political ambitions sully the name of Bedwyr and kill innocent young men with bright futures.
Youth
Morgause’s young sons are hot blooded young men who seek adventure. They allow their tempers to get the best of them and this leads to many troubles for the young men. They seek power and are ready to inform everyone that they are kin to the King. They use this to try to do whatever they wish. Gaheris is the most temperamental of the brothers. He rushes head long into situations without thinking. This leads him to kill his mother in a fit of anger and also to urge the storming of the Queen’s bedchamber to catch she and Bedwyr in a compromising position. Both of these actions are disastrous for him.
They see the King and his companions as old and want to infuse more youth within his court. They do not feel that they are represented and respected within the Kingdom. This leads to rebellious thoughts and actions. They do not know of the great actions that took place to make the Kingdom peaceful and see these as only stories. They are young and irresponsible yet feel they are ready to help lead a Kingdom.
Temptation
Mordred is tempted by the power of being King. He takes on the duties of King’s regent readily as he sees this as a step to being King. He loves his father, but power can be all consuming. Arthur knows this and this is why others are able to sway him about Mordred’s actions during his absence.
Temptation is also seen in Mordred’s thoughts toward Queen Guinevere when he thinks the King is dead. Their relationship becomes closer because they must rely on one another to keep the Kingdom going. Mordred seeks her advice and begins to see her as more than a loving mother figure. This temptation is not something the King would readily dismiss.
