As one of the many fictitious utopian lands charted in contemporary literature, Avalon is a place that is only predominantly acknowledged in the context of Anglo-Celtic society. Compared to other mythical paradises of mankind (e.g. Zion, Shangri-La, and Atlantis), Avalon proves to be among the less popular in comparison. It is important to take note, however, that this Celtic utopia is just as fascinating as it is mysterious.
The Myth
Avalon is commonly understood as a spiritual world where otherworldly beings dwelled. This Celtic utopia was first mentioned in the early narratives of the Arthurian legend. According to the legends, Avalon is the ethereal home of the enchantresses who coexisted with King Arthur and his knights - including namely Morgan le Fay, the mother of his illegitimate son.
Avalon is also where King Arthur's sword (the Excalibur) is believed to be originated. When King Arthur died from a duel with his bastard child Mordred, the enchantresses took his corpse to Avalon.
These tales were recorded in Geoffrey Monmouth's pseudo-historical codex called "The History of the Kings of Britain." This tome was first published during the early 1100's. In the book, Avalon is also called as the "isle of fruit trees" in Latin (Insula Pomorum).
The Facts
There are only a handful of places that is closely associated with Avalon. The most well-known charted territory is Glastonbury, England. Contrary to the myth of King Arthur's paranormal internment, scholars are convinced that the namesake of the Arthurian legend is a real warlord who was buried right under Glastonbury Abbey.
Apart from its connection with the Arthurian legend, some people believe that this Celtic paradise is actually located in Sicily, Italy. Another alternative location also points to Burgundy in France, where the real King Arthur sought refuge following his last doomed skirmish.
In Popular Media
Today, Avalon is rarely circulated outside Celtic pop culture. This Celtic utopia is often mentioned in related fantasy video games and is even used as a reference to some songs of relatively well-known cross-over rock bands (e.g. Flogging Molly). Contemporary pagan practices in Ireland seek to expand knowledge about Avalon through their growing new age counter-culture movement.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
