The Witch in the Wood

The Witch and the Wood is the second book in the Arthurian series by T.H. White. It was released in 1939.

"Here are many parallel stories, that of Arthur, now King, learning the answer to the question of Might versus Right, and forming his Round Table; that of the Witch in the Wood, Morgause, whose husband, King Lot, is away fighting Arthur and whose four sons are brought up to hate Arthur; that of Sir Grummore Grummursum and King Pellinore, in love with the daughter of the King of Flanders, etc. There is less natural history than in the first book, and very little magicking, but it is equally delightful."

"The Witch in the Wood splits its focus between the newly coronated King Arthur, with Merlyn as his advisor, and Queen Morgause of Orkney and her sons.

King Arthur consolidates his power by defeating a revolt of lesser lords, which had been led by Queen Morgause’s husband, King Lot. He also continues his training with Merlyn on how to be a just king and when is the use of force justified.

In Orkney, Morgause rules the kingdom while her husband is away at war, and practices sorcery. The Orkney brothers grow up hating Arthur.

Near the conclusion of the book, Morgause travels to Camelot and uses a spell to seduce Arthur. He has no idea who she is or that they are related, but Morgause is well-aware that she is his aunt. She gives birth to Mordred as a result of the affair."