Portraits of Magical Women

The May Queen

When Beltane arrives each spring, the May Queen wakes from her winter's sleep, and wards off the Queen of Winter, banishing her away for another six months so that the lands can flourish and be green once more.

The Lady of Shalott

"And as the boat-head wound along

The willowy hills and fields among,

They heard her singing her last song,      

The Lady of Shalott."

Morgana

Morgan le Fay, or Morgana in Arthurian legend, is a powerful witch and also the half-sister of Arthur. In early writings, she is depicted as a shapeshifting enchantress with a talent for herb lore. Morgana features in many tales, however my favourite is where she guides Arthur's body into Avalon, where it's said she'll heal him to become the Once and Future King.

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