Mordred

Mordred is a prominent figure in Arthurian legend, often depicted as King Arthur's illegitimate son or nephew, and one of his most trusted knights. The precise nature of his parentage and relationship to Arthur varies across different versions of the legend. In some tales, Mordred is conceived through incestuous relations between Arthur and his half-sister Morgause, making him Arthur's son. In other accounts, he is the son of Arthur's sister, Lot, and Morgause, thus Arthur's nephew.

Mordred initially serves Arthur faithfully, often as a counselor or a knight of the Round Table. However, his loyalty is frequently tested, and he is often portrayed as a figure of ambition and betrayal. The climax of Mordred's story typically involves his rebellion against Arthur. This conflict culminates in the Battle of Camlann, where both Arthur and Mordred are mortally wounded. In many versions, Mordred is the one who strikes the fatal blow to Arthur, though he is subsequently killed by Arthur in return.

The character of Mordred serves as a foil to Arthur, embodying the darker aspects of power, ambition, and the potential for corruption within the seemingly ideal world of Camelot. His story contributes to the tragic downfall of Arthur and the end of the Golden Age of Britain. The interpretation of Mordred's motivations and character has evolved over centuries of Arthurian literature, ranging from a purely villainous traitor to a more complex figure driven by perceived injustice or fate.