The phrase “Mordred, Bastard Son” does not correspond to a distinct, widely recognized entry in reputable encyclopedic references. It is a descriptive construction that combines the name of the legendary figure Mordred with the epithet “bastard son,” referencing his commonly reported status as an illegitimate offspring in Arthurian tradition.
Mordred in Arthurian Legend
Mordred is a prominent character in the matter of King Arthur, appearing in medieval sources such as Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae (c. 1136), the Vulgate Cycle (13th century), and Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d'Arthur (1485). He is frequently portrayed as a treacherous challenger who ultimately confronts Arthur at the Battle of Camlann, leading to the death of both.
Parentage and the “Bastard” Characterization
Medieval texts vary on Mordred’s parentage:
- In Geoffrey of Monmouth, Mordred is the son of King Arthur and an unnamed woman, implying legitimacy.
- In later French and English romances, Mordred is commonly described as the illegitimate son of Arthur by his half‑sister (or half‑aunt) Morgause (or Anna), making him a “bastard” in the sense of being born out of wedlock and of incestuous lineage.
The description “bastard son” therefore reflects the tradition that Mordred was born of an extramarital, often incestuous, union, which contributed to his vilified role in the narratives.
Usage of the Phrase
The specific wording “Mordred, Bastard Son” is not an established title in scholarly works or reference publications. It may appear informally in discussions, literary analyses, or popular media to emphasize Mordred’s illegitimacy and its thematic significance within Arthurian stories.
Conclusion
While Mordred himself is a well‑documented figure in Arthurian legend, the exact term “Mordred, Bastard Son” lacks independent encyclopedic acknowledgment and should be understood as a descriptive phrase rather than a formally recognized entry.
