Mordred

By Crusader1307

The primary Antagonist featured in the End Cycle of The Arthurian Legend, Mordred was Arthur's  “illegitimate” Son (born of mysticism created by Arthur's Sister, Morgan Le Fey). Arthur never “recognized officially” Mordred's linage (although he tried to instill The Code of The Round Table in him). Mordred grew up with his Mother – who had seen the Boy as a way of claiming Arthur's Title after his death (which she would orchestrate). Having him trained in the “Warrior Arts”, she also gave him magic to use against his Enemies. Mordred hated his Mother and later in The Legend, orchestrates her demise as well. When Mordred first appears before his Father, most of Arthur's Knights warned The King of probable treachery by Mordred. Arthur's initial thought was that the Boy had been poisoned by his Mother, and wished his to serve The People and The Kingdom. Perhaps Arthur envisioned a position as a low-grade Noble. He never truly saw the Boy as his Successor. It was Mordred who tried to influence many of Arthur's Knights against The King. Sowing discord (no doubt brought about by his magic), Mordred accomplished this. He would raise a mighty Army against Arthur and his Knights (many of whom were off on The Grail Quest). The resulting discord would lead to The Battle of Cammlann, in which the two Armies met. After much bloodshed, Arthur and Mordred met in single combat. Mordred had stolen Arthur's Bearing Sword, Clarent and used it to deliver Arthur's fatal wound – but not before Arthur was forced to kill his own Son.