The first part of the 2001 TNT miniseries , titled " Mistress of Magic ," introduces a feminist retelling of the Arthurian legend. It primarily follows the early life of Morgaine and the rise of her brother Arthur , centered on the clash between the matriarchal old religion of Avalon and the emerging patriarchal influence of Christianity. Narrative Summary

: After an attempt on young Arthur’s life, he is sent away for protection. Simultaneously, Viviane takes Morgaine to the mystical island of Avalon to be trained as a priestess of the Mother Goddess.

: The story begins with Viviane , the High Priestess of Avalon, and the Druid Merlin visiting Igraine , Duchess of Cornwall. They deliver a prophecy that Igraine will bear the High King of Britain, who will unite the land against the Saxons, but the child will not be fathered by her husband, Gorlois.

: Using magic to disguise himself as Gorlois, Uther Pendragon conceives Arthur with Igraine. Following Gorlois's death in battle, Uther and Igraine marry.

: As an adult, Morgaine participates in the fertility ritual of Beltane as the "Virgin Huntress". Unknowingly, she sleeps with her half-brother Arthur, who has just become the "King Stag". The discovery of their kinship and the resulting pregnancy (Mordred) shatters Morgaine's faith in Viviane's machinations. Thematic Elements