Morgan Le Fay

The scent for this candle is inspired by British forests and the medieval use of frankincense in churches. Frankincese also adds an element of magic and mystery, perfect for Merlin's nemisis.

Morgan first emerges in the earliest Arthurian traditions not as an enemy of King Arthur, but as a figure closely associated with healing and the mystical island of Avalon. In Geoffrey of Monmouth's Vita Merlini, written during the twelfth century, she is described as a gifted healer who possesses extraordinary knowledge of medicine and the natural world. Rather than practising dark magic, this early Morgan reflects older Celtic traditions in which powerful women were guardians of sacred knowledge, capable of restoring both body and spirit.

As Arthurian legends spread throughout medieval Europe, Morgan's character became increasingly complex. French romances transformed her into Arthur's half sister, daughter of Igraine and Gorlois, placing her at the very heart of Britain's greatest legendary dynasty. Educated in the arts of healing, astrology, and enchantment, she became one of the most learned women in the Arthurian world. Her wisdom, however, was often portrayed as unsettling within a society that viewed female authority with suspicion, and later writers gradually recast her supernatural gifts as dangerous sorcery.

The medieval period witnessed a growing fascination with magic, prophecy, and the unseen world. Morgan became a reflection of these beliefs, inhabiting forests, lakes, and enchanted castles where the boundaries between the natural and supernatural dissolved. She wielded neither brute force nor military power, but knowledge. Her strength lay in intellect, illusion, and an understanding of mysteries beyond ordinary human reach. Whether crafting magical objects, changing her appearance, or guiding heroes through perilous landscapes, Morgan represented a form of influence rarely granted to women within medieval literature.

Her relationship with King Arthur likewise shifted over time. Some stories present her as a bitter rival seeking revenge for perceived wrongs, while others portray moments of reconciliation and reluctant loyalty. This tension reflects the richness of Arthurian legend itself, where characters are seldom defined by simple morality. Morgan's motivations vary from tale to tale, revealing grief, ambition, compassion, jealousy, and wisdom in equal measure.

Perhaps the most enduring image of Morgan appears at the close of Arthur's life. After the Battle of Camlann, when the mortally wounded king is carried across the waters to Avalon, Morgan is among the women who receive him. In many versions of the legend, she is not his destroyer but his final guardian, preparing to heal him or accompany him into the mysterious realm where Britain believes its once and future king awaits. This powerful conclusion restores Morgan to her earliest role as healer, bringing her story full circle.

Beyond medieval literature, Morgan le Fay has remained one of the most influential women in British folklore. Victorian artists, Pre Raphaelite painters, novelists, and modern filmmakers have continually reimagined her, each generation discovering new dimensions within her character. Some celebrate her independence and intelligence, while others emphasise her magical abilities or tragic complexity. Her enduring appeal lies in the fact that she cannot easily be confined to a single interpretation.

cedarwood, frankincense and lavender

Cedar:
Cedar boasts a rich history spanning millennia, utilized by ancient civilizations like the Sumerians and Egyptians for construction and even embalming due to its durability and natural resistance to decay. It held biblical significance in the construction of Jerusalem's Temples, symbolizing strength and longevity. Native American tribes, especially in the Pacific Northwest, valued cedar for crafting canoes, totem poles, and longhouses. Cedar chests gained popularity in the 20th century for their ability to repel insects. Today, cedar remains cherished for its aroma, durability, and resistance to decay, serving as a valuable resource in construction, furniture, and woodworking, while its historical importance endures worldwide.

Frankincense:
Frankincense, a resin known for its rich fragrance and historical significance, has an ancient history. It originates from the resin of Boswellia trees, primarily found in regions like the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, and India. Frankincense was highly prized in antiquity for its use in religious rituals, perfumes, and traditional medicine. In ancient times, it was a valuable trade commodity along the famous Incense Route, connecting the Mediterranean with these source regions. Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and various cultures used frankincense in their religious ceremonies and believed in its purifying properties. Frankincense was one of the gifts presented to the infant Jesus in the Christian nativity story, underscoring its cultural and religious significance. Today, frankincense continues to be used in perfumes, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine. Its history reflects its enduring appeal and enduring role in cultural and spiritual practices worldwide.

Lavender:
Lavender, prized for its soothing scent and versatility, has a history reaching back millennia, likely originating in the Mediterranean. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks appreciated its worth, with its name stemming from the Latin "lavare," meaning "to wash." Romans, in particular, cherished lavender, using it in their baths for relaxation. They introduced lavender to Great Britain during their occupation, sowing the seeds of its popularity. Over time, it spread across Europe, becoming a garden favorite and finding use in perfumes, potpourri, and remedies. In England, lavender's presence grew, adorning gardens and serving culinary and medicinal purposes. Today, English lavender fields, like those in the Cotswolds and Norfolk, are beloved for their beauty and fragrant allure, symbolizing history and aromatic appeal.

Contains alpha-Pinene, beta-Caryophyllene. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. May produce an allergic reaction.