Nimue (Priestess)


Nimue is one of several women to hold the title Chief Damsel of the lake. This can lead to some confusion, as the name Lady of the Lake may refer to Morgan, or the water spirit who fosters lancelot and rises from the waters to give and later receive Excalibur.

 

Nimue is most often remembered as Merlins undoing. The sage first happened upon her while she was dancing in the woods. As he watched her graceful movements he felt his heart twist and recognized the danger, but was powerless to stop the emotion that overcame him and clouded his mind. From that day on Merlin followed her everywhere. Though he was always at her heels, Nimue dared not rebuke the great Merlin for fear of his wrath and magickal powers. The indignant court marvelled at t he sight of their wisest counsellor acting the fool, and the gossip began. Arthur was this relieved when Merlin announced that they would be leaingf the court to travel through Brittany and Cornwall. Nimue had agreed to accompany Merlin on t he condition that he promise not to use his powers to overcome her. Nimue, meanwhile, had promised herself that she would learn all she could of Merlin's magick arts so that one day she might be rid of him.

 

Nimue is most often remembered as Merlins undoing. The sage first happened upon her while she was dancing in the woods. As he watched her graceful movements he felt his heart twist and recognized the danger, but was powerless to stop the emotion that overcame him and clouded his mind. From that day on Merlin followed her everywhere. Though he was always at her heels, Nimue dared not rebuke the great Merlin for fear of his wrath and magickal powers. The indignant court marvelled at t he sight of theirlp him on his journey to the twilight realm. wisest counsellor acting the fool, and the gossip began. Arthur was this relieved when Merlin announced that they would be leaingf the court to travel through Brittany and Cornwall. Ntimue had agreed to accompany Merlin on t he condition that he promise not to use his powers to overcome her. Nimue, meanwhile, had promised herself that she would learn all she could of Merlin's magick arts so that one day she might be rid of him.

 

Merlin's obsession deepened with time, and his relentless advances took a sinister turn. Nimue had waited as long as she dared. Aided by teh enchantment he h ad taught her, Nimue trapped Merlin in a cave where he would remain for all eternity. Some say he languishes in a tower of air or under a great stone. Others believe he was not trapped at all, but merely chose to retire to the Islae of the Otherworld. In this interpretation of their relationship, Nimue was trusted escort and nurse, a companion to help him on his journey to the twilight realm.

 

Whether Merlin had simply withdrawn, become dangerous or gone mad (a common fate of his kind), it seems whatever action Nimue ahd taken was considered justified, as there were no serious repercussions byond gossip when she returned to the court. Nimue became an important advisor and friend to the king, saving his life and guarding him from the tretachery of his sister. Nimue was also a great source of comfort to the knight Pellas, when the lady he ahd been courting slept with Gawain. The Lady Ertard had not take the affections of Pellas seriously, as she ahd led him to believe. Rather she thought herself capable of securing a husband of higher standing. Nimue cast a spell on Ertard which induced her to love Pellas. By this time, however, it was too late. Pellas had not only recovered from his despair, but also had come to trust and love Nimue. In time, Pellas and the honoured Damsel fo the Lake were married.

 

From Ferguson, Anna-Marie. Keeper of Words. 1995 Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, Minnesota. (38-39)

 

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