Who was Mordred in love with?

Answered by Tom Adger

In the Arthurian legends, Mordred’s romantic interests vary depending on the version of the story. However, in some versions, Mordred is portrayed as being in love with Guinevere, who is Arthur’s wife. This adds an intricate layer of betrayal and conflict to the already complex relationship between Mordred and Arthur.

One of the most famous versions of the Arthurian legend is the portrayal of Mordred as the result of Arthur’s affair with Morgause, who is later revealed to be Arthur’s half-sister. This version of the story introduces a forbidden love element, as Mordred is not only Arthur’s illegitimate son but also his nephew. This incestuous relationship adds a sense of tragedy and doomed fate to Mordred’s character.

In these versions, Mordred’s love for Guinevere becomes a central driving force for his actions. He desires Guinevere and sees himself as a more suitable partner for her than Arthur. Mordred’s love for Guinevere is often portrayed as obsessive, fueled by his own feelings of inadequacy and desire for power.

The conflict between Mordred and Arthur reaches its climax when Mordred betrays Arthur, leading to the final battle of Camlann. Mordred sees this as an opportunity to not only remove Arthur from power but also to win Guinevere’s love for himself. This intense love triangle adds a tragic element to the story, as Mordred’s actions are driven by his unrequited love and his desperate attempt to possess Guinevere.

It is important to note that there are various versions of the Arthurian legends, and the portrayal of Mordred’s romantic interests may differ. Some versions may not include Mordred’s love for Guinevere at all, focusing instead on his ambitions for power and his role as Arthur’s ultimate betrayer. The complexity of Mordred’s character and his relationships with Arthur and Guinevere make him a fascinating and tragic figure in Arthurian lore.

Mordred’s love interests in the Arthurian legends can vary, but in some versions, he is portrayed as being in love with Guinevere. This unrequited love adds a layer of complexity to Mordred’s character and fuels his actions, ultimately leading to the tragic downfall of both himself and King Arthur.