Avalon
Avalon: The Enchanted Island of Apples
In Arthurian legend, Avalon, often referred to as the “Island of Apples,” is a mystical and otherworldly realm associated with Elysium, the paradise of the blessed. According to various accounts, Avalon is the place where the legendary King Arthur was taken after his final battle at Camlann. It is said that he was transported to this magical island by Morgan le Fay, a powerful enchantress and his half-sister, who intended to heal him from his mortal wounds.
Avalon is not only the resting place of King Arthur but also a place of great significance in the mythology of other legendary figures. Ogier the Dane, a hero from the chansons de geste, and Oberon, the king of the fairies in later folklore, are also said to have held their courts on Avalon, further enriching the island’s mythical status as a gathering place for the great and the powerful.
Some scholars suggest that Avalon may have its origins in earlier Celtic mythology, deriving its name from *Yns Afallach*, or “Avallon’s Island,” which was believed to be the realm of the Celtic god Avallach. In this context, Avalon was considered the land of the blessed dead, a place where heroes and revered ancestors would dwell in eternal peace.
Avalon’s association with apples, a symbol of immortality and divine knowledge in many cultures, underscores its connection to the themes of eternal life and mystical wisdom. The island remains a powerful symbol in Arthurian legend, representing both the promise of a hero’s return and the enduring mystery of a land beyond the reach of time and mortality.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow
Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante