Igrayne

Igrayne is a figure from Welsh mythology, prominently featured in the Arthurian legends as the mother of King Arthur. Her name appears in various medieval Welsh texts, most notably in the "Mabinogion" and associated Welsh poetry and prose.

According to traditional stories, Igrayne was a noblewoman of high status. Her union with Uther Pendragon, the high king of Britain, resulted in the conception of Arthur. The circumstances surrounding Arthur’s birth are often depicted as involving enchantment and deception; Uther, aided by the sorcerer Merlin, impersonated Igrayne’s husband, thereby gaining access to her. This clandestine union underscores the importance of divine and mystical elements characteristic of Arthurian origins.

Details about Igrayne’s life outside her role as Arthur’s mother are scarce, and her character is primarily defined through her relationship with her son and her involvement in the legendary narrative of Arthur’s conception. She is sometimes portrayed as a noble and virtuous woman caught in the machinations of larger mystical and political events.

Throughout Arthurian literature, Igrayne’s role symbolizes themes of legitimacy, fate, and the mystical nature of royal lineage. While her prominence varies across different versions of the legends, her status as Arthur’s mother makes her a significant figure in the mythos surrounding Britain’s legendary king. Her story reflects broader motifs of secrecy, magic, and noble heritage central to the mythic tradition of King Arthur.