The Winter Prince
| Industry | Literature |
|---|---|
| Founder | Elizabeth Wein |
The Winter Prince presents Elizabeth Wein's reinterpretation of the Arthurian legend centered on Medraut, emphasizing his intricate bond with his legitimate half-brother, Lleu.
Plot summary
Medraut, the illegitimate offspring of King Artos, comes back from his journeys overseas to supervise his younger half-sibling Lleu. Although Medraut, born from incest, is barred from becoming High King, Artos acknowledges his superior talents as both a statesman and warrior, assigning him the responsibility of preparing Lleu for the throne and promising him the position of Regent.
Medraut experiences mixed emotions toward Lleu—combining jealousy and resentment with a sense of obligation—as he disapproves of Lleu’s naïve approach to power and effortless access to their father’s favor. Their relationship grows more intense as Lleu develops under Medraut’s mentorship. The situation becomes complicated when Medraut’s mother, Morgause, attempts to poison Lleu. Expecting Medraut’s support, she is taken aback when he reveals her plot and defends Lleu. Morgause is expelled but swears to destabilize Medraut’s allegiance.
At first, Morgause’s menace appears ineffective. However, after an accident weakens Medraut’s influence and diminishes his standing in Artos’ eyes, bitterness increases. Upon Morgause’s return, Medraut abducts Lleu with the intention of exchanging him for political advantage. During an escape attempt, both become lost in the forest—Medraut weakened and without weapons, while Lleu is confused. Medraut offers a severe ultimatum: if Lleu remains awake for five days, he will betray Morgause and ensure Lleu’s safe return. As Lleu suffers hallucinations from exhaustion, Medraut comes to understand that his drastic measures were unjustified.
The story ends with Medraut carrying Lleu back to Camlan, where Lleu uses his authority as High King to shield Medraut from accusations of treason.
Major themes
The Winter Prince delves into themes such as envy and the aspiration for increased responsibility, which motivate Medraut’s decision to kidnap Lleu.
Jealousy
Medraut’s rivalry with his half-brother arises from jealousy rather than ambition or greed; it reflects a profound yearning for parental affection. This personal envy escalates into political strife, demonstrating how minor grievances can evolve into deep-seated bitterness. Jealousy also influences the relationship between Morgause, Queen of the Orcades, and her brother Artos, the High King.
Responsibility
In Wein’s depiction of Camlan, leadership is distinguished by a variety of skills beyond warfare—such as hunting, diplomacy, engineering—which are all esteemed qualities. The Winter Prince highlights non-military competencies like engineering and cartography as essential elements of effective governance. Medraut’s sincere wish to assume responsibility is evident through his accomplishments as a botanist, healer, and miner.
King Arthur’s court is portrayed as culturally diverse for its era, familiar with Africa, Roman technological achievements like aqueducts and arches, Greek mythology, Christianity alongside indigenous British faiths. Medraut’s extensive travels and service as an ambassador to Africa underscore his expansive perspective and contrast with the limited confidence he receives in Camlan due to his illegitimate birthright and position as a potential heir.