Beginnings

The Lady of the Lake appears to have been known by different names: Niniane, Nimue, and the most commonly used Viviane. Others think that the Lady of the Lake were many people composed of the same person. Though she is known for presenting Arthur with Excalibur, in Suite du Merlin, it was another Lady of the Lake(no name) who gave Arthur Excalibur; but was later killed by Balin le Savage. Then later Viviane became owner of the sword. Some also believe that Morgan Le Fay could have been another Lady of the Lake, though she is one of the nine scorceress of Avalon. Depending on the author, it seems the story is spun in many ways to compliment their story.

Viviane, the apparent Lady of the Lake, is a mysterious woman who’s origins can only be guessed at. Though she is not based on a real person, some scholars believe that she was based on a goddess. She could have come from a Celtic water Goddess. In celtic culture, water deities were wide-spread. At rivers or lakes, people would worship them by throwing weapons or other treasures. Her names seems to reveal that she may be based on the Celtic water goddess, Conventina. She was worshipped troughout Europe, and known to the romans as Mnemosyne.



“Authurian Women”. Authurian Legends. Ed. Jimmy Joe. 2006. Timeless Myths. 24 Nov2010.< http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/legacylib/mlahcc.html#internet >.

“The Lady of the Lake”. Britannia. 2001. 24 Nov. 2010. .

“The Lady of the Lake”. King Author and Knights of the Round Table. 2001. 24 Nov. 2010. < http://www.kingarthursknights.com/others/ladylake.asp >.