Finding Avalon, King Arthur and Camelot

Kings and sorcerers, castles and swords, faeries and caves -- these are what populate the legends and folklore surrounding King Arthur, Camelot and Avalon. Is he real? What of the legends and stories?

Following the assignment from RocketMoms to write a personal lens MissMerFaery recalls her travel to Tintagel -- a life long dream come true -- and explores the island and castle ruins in her lens titled Finding Avalon - Legends of Camelot in Tintagel, Cornwall.

I know very little of the history and legends surrounding King Arthur. But, from the first words, I know I am in good hands for this trip:

I stand stock still, my feet upon the ground where legends once walked... where an ancient Cornish duchess succumbed to magic and enchantment, to conceive a child who would one day become the most legendary king of all...

How could I not read on?

She tells of a facsination with King Arthur and Merlin since she can remember. She would like to credit her mother visiting Tintagel when she was six months pregnant with Louise as the reason for her enchantment with Avalon. She says:

And now, as I finally stand in this ancient place for the first time, my heart soars. This is more than just a special visit - this is spiritual.
I feel like I have come home.

A shiver runs through me. I continue on my guided tour of Tintagel Island. The photos from her trip are showcased in galleries with captions descibing the scenery and feelings they evoked. The history, legends and folklore attached to this place are phenomenal. Visiting through Louise's eyes is a gift. Her words, eloquent yet full of information, guide the reader in her quest of spirituality.

Though believing or not believing in King Arthur and the legends is a personal choice, Louise's lens is written with such passion and feeling that it gives you cause to wonder. The reader polls/questions throughout make you an interactive participant on her trip. She quotes history and fairytales and leaves you questioning what you once believed to be true.

Louise knows the legends and shares them with us as she travels along King Arthur's Trail. Characters and places like Morgan Le Fay -- Queen of Avalon, King Arthur's Stone and Nimue - The Lady of the Lake. The trip is filled with breathtaking views, historical tidbits and feelings of awe at visiting a place where perhaps sorcerers and faeries did walk. Do you believe in Avalon?

I saw Camelot with Richard Harris at the Starlight Musicals Theatre at the Butler University campus years ago, and one line has stuck with me and seems appropriate to Louise's lens:

"Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot,
For one brief, shining moment
That was known as Camelot."

Image Credit: Tintagel Castle, Cornwall Postcard by SabineSt