"The Mists of Avalon" is a retelling of the Arthurian legends from the perspectives of female characters, focusing particularly on the lives of Morgaine (Morgan le Fay), her family, and the women who shape the destiny of Camelot. The story delves into themes of femininity, spirituality, and the conflict between paganism and Christianity as Morgaine navigates her identity and relationships within a patriarchal society.
The narrative unfolds with Morgaine's upbringing in Avalon, a mystical realm where she is trained in the old ways of magic and the goddess. As she grows, she becomes entangled in the political machinations of Camelot, as well as her complex connection with King Arthur, her half-brother. Her loyalty is tested as she battles to uphold her heritage while confronting the encroaching forces of Christianity, which threaten her beliefs and way of life.