The Vales of Avalon

The magical, mystical land of Avalon so oft mentioned in Arthurian legends and Celtic faery lore has many peaks and vales as to its existence and indeed many veils of concealment as well. Hundreds of manuscripts crossing many centuries enumerate upon this fabulous place, filled with descriptions of magic, romance and nether world intrigue. This wondrous place has been called by many names: Avallonis, Insula Pomorum (Isle of Apples), Fortunate Isle, Ynys Avallach, Isle of the Blest, Isle of Women, Isle of the Wise and Avalonia amongst others. Like the names there are also many locations where Avalon was thought to be: beyond the Irish Sea, India, the Antipodes, an elysian otherworld isle, Burgundy, Fortunate Islands and so on. After years of research I have settled on the theory that Avalon was located in Glastonbury, Mid-Somerset, England. 

The comprehensive studies by Geoffrey Ashe in his fine books "The Discovery of King Arthur" and "The Quest for Arthur's Britain" presents convincing archeological evidence to support this theory. The low lands surrounding Glastonbury Tor was a shallow, inland sea at the time of Arthur, leaving the highlands and the Tor as islands in the middle. Ashe presents his material with topo maps, numerous linking legends as well as the supportive evidence of archeological finds. 

Avalon represents the starting point of many Celtic, faery tale and Arthurian romantic adventures. It is reported as having been the place where Excalibur was forged, the domain of the Lady of the Lake, birthplace of Lancelot and later Mordred, the kingdom ruled by Morgan Le Fey and the final resting-place of King Arthur. Avalon has its place in stories of Druids and Wise Women in Welsh, Irish, Scottish and English tradition as well. It is related that the population consisted entirely of women dedicated to learning and healing. To support themselves they raised apples in the orchards of the Isle and bartered themselves as midwives, healers, seers and councilors to the mainland folk. They were revered and respected as well as feared for their skills and knowledge by the local tribes and clans. 

The governing of the isle community consisted of a council of nine sisters led by a wise matron, Morgana Le Fey being the last to rule. The sisterhood called themselves "Daughters of the Moon" and was steeped in the lore of earth magicks, cast sending and prophecy. Avalon, known as the "Isle of Women" is mentioned in Roman records and listed as: "a seething nest of most vile women, using powers of sooth saying to co-rule with the druids over the ignorant clans against Rome." 

The beginnings of occupation on the Isle of Avalon reaches far back into the misty beginnings of England in Paleolithic times, but usage by a cult of wise women began around third or fourth Century bc. he water levels fluctuated in the protective inland sea or lake over the passing of time, receding to leave the isle surrounded only by marsh and swamps. In these times shortly after Arthur's death, the site was evacuated having lost its protective water barrier completely around 550 ad. This leaves another question for us to ask ourselves. Legend says that Avalon, threatened by the world of man, separated itself from the world at large, drifting into a world of dream across the veils of mist and time. In this doing they succeeded in saving the world of magic and the land of faery. Question is, does this mean they relocated across the mist-shrouded seas to the west? Possibly Ireland, Iceland or Greenland? Is it possible that New Avalon may have even reached the coasts of the New World, say primitive America? Well.. perhaps that is another veil we need to be peer behind.