Queen_Guinevere
When news broke that Guinevere and King Arthur would feature prominently in Once Upon a Time, anticipation sparked among fans of Arthurian legend. The series, known for its fairytale twists, presented an opportunity to explore these iconic figures in a new light. However, for those familiar with the strength and complexities inherent in Arthurian lore, particularly concerning Guinevere, the portrayal in Once Upon a Time raised questions about the show’s direction and its understanding of power dynamics within these classic narratives. Even the depiction of Lancelot, initially introduced in Season 2, felt somewhat underwhelming, lacking the robust character often associated with the legendary knight.
One intriguing aspect of the Arthurian tales is the legendary strength attributed to characters like Lancelot. How Did Lancelot Get So Strong? In traditional stories, Lancelot’s strength is not merely physical; it embodies his knightly virtues, his unwavering loyalty (initially to Arthur), and his prowess in combat. This strength is cultivated through rigorous training, chivalric ideals, and perhaps even a touch of mythical blessing depending on the version of the legend. However, the focus often remains on his character and actions rather than a detailed, almost superhero-like origin story of his strength.
In Once Upon a Time, the exploration of character strength, particularly for Guinevere, takes a different path, and not always for the better. While a powerful quote about Guinevere as the “true power behind Camelot” hinted at a nuanced portrayal, the actual execution proved inconsistent and, at times, frustrating.
Guinevere’s Wavering Strength
Guinevere’s character development in Once Upon a Time is a rollercoaster of potential and disappointment. Initially, she remains passive until Episode 4, where her characterization shifts dramatically within the episode itself. She begins as seemingly docile, but quickly transitions into a woman asserting her agency, driven by Arthur’s obsessive behavior. This assertive Guinevere, taking initiative to solve problems and displaying determination that leaves Lancelot in her wake, is precisely the kind of strong female character many viewers hoped to see. In a moment of action, she even rescues Lancelot, subverting the traditional damsel-in-distress trope and further highlighting her capability.
However, this promising strength is abruptly undermined. When confronted by Rumplestiltskin, Guinevere, in a bafflingly uncharacteristic move, accepts magical sand instead of attempting to outsmart or bargain with him. This pivotal decision mirrors a frustrating trope often seen in adaptations of Arthurian legends – reducing Guinevere to a figure of questionable judgment. The sand, purported to “fix” anything, becomes a tool for Arthur to control Guinevere after he discovers her kiss with Lancelot. Instead of a complex confrontation or a display of Guinevere’s strength in navigating a difficult situation, she is subjected to a “magic sand in the face” trick, transforming her into a docile, Stepford-esque wife.
This reliance on magic to subdue Guinevere’s will is a disservice to her potential and echoes a troubling pattern within the show. Strong female characters, like Snow White, often find their agency diminished by magical interventions. Regina, the Evil Queen, remains a notable exception, consistently retaining her power. The fleeting glimpse of a strong, decisive Guinevere only to have it extinguished by magic feels like a missed opportunity, especially for a show that has, at times, championed empowered female characters.
As Rebecca Jane Stokes points out in her Den of Geek review of “The Broken Kingdom” episode, presenting a powerful Guinevere only to immediately strip her of that power is a significant misstep. The show’s apparent reluctance to explore the complexities of Guinevere’s story, including the possibility of her infidelity with Lancelot, in a nuanced and empowering way, is a disservice to the richness of Arthurian legend.
Merida: A Contrasting Example of Strength
Juxtaposed with Guinevere’s inconsistent portrayal is Merida from Brave, who appears in the same episode. Merida is depicted with remarkable fidelity to her original character: strong, courageous, and unwavering in her convictions. Her consistent agency highlights the perplexing choices made with Guinevere. The contrast begs the question: why was Merida allowed to retain her strength while Guinevere’s was so readily diminished? Perhaps the recency of Brave offered a sense of narrative constraint, preventing significant alterations to Merida’s established character. Regardless, Merida serves as a stark reminder of the kind of empowered female character Guinevere could have been, and hopefully, could still become if her magically induced docility is eventually lifted.
King Arthur and the Shadow of Legend
The portrayal of King Arthur also presents intriguing, albeit uneven, elements. Visually, Camelot’s design, strikingly similar to Neuschwanstein Castle, feels somewhat derivative and lacking in originality, especially given the rich architectural heritage of the British Isles. However, the writers do seem to draw inspiration from older Arthurian legends in Arthur’s characterization. Initially presented as the benevolent king, Arthur’s descent into obsession and a darker side is revealed as the season progresses. This darker interpretation aligns more closely with certain older versions of the Arthurian mythos, where Arthur is not always the idealized, faultless ruler. The online reactions expressing surprise or disbelief at a “dark” Arthur suggest a limited familiarity with the breadth and depth of Arthurian legend beyond the more romanticized medieval versions.
While Once Upon a Time‘s Arthurian storyline has its flaws, particularly in its handling of Guinevere’s strength and agency, it also offers glimpses of the complex and multifaceted nature of Arthurian legends. Hopefully, as the narrative unfolds, characters like Guinevere will be allowed to reclaim their strength and navigate their stories with the agency and complexity they deserve, drawing inspiration from figures like Merida and perhaps even embodying a strength akin to the legendary prowess often associated with figures like Lancelot, albeit in her own distinct and powerful way.
Do you watch Once Upon a Time? What are your thoughts on the portrayal of Guinevere and other strong female characters?
