User blog comment:Chawk1993/Queens of Albion/@comment-5191335-20120724033127

Ygraine - Personally, I have always loved the Ygraine of the legends. However, the Ygraine of the show may be vastly different than her legendary version, as most Merlin characters are. Maybe she was truly a wonderful person, kind-hearted and gentle, or maybe she was very good at acting that way. If she was anything like Agravaine, then she could have been a vile person who only seemed sweet and loving. If it was truly her spirit that Arthur met, we can know that she does love her son but holds animosity towards Uther. While 20 years is a long time to hold a grudge, I can't say I blame her for it. It would take me a while to forgive the man responsible for my death as well! I like to think, however, that Ygraine was pure of heart when she was alive. Uther certianly loved her very much and thought the world of her. Also, the whole "a life for a life" thing is all about balance. So, what if it has to be specific? Maybe the lives have to be equal or connected in some way. For instance, Hunith's life was exchanged for Arthur (two of the people most important to Merlin), then Merlin's for Hunith (mother and son), then Gaius' for Merlin's (both sorcerers), then Nimueh's for Gaius' (both magic users). So, maybe Ygraine's life was exchanged for Arthur's because she was intimately connected to him. However, I would imagine creating a new life would be more specific than saving a life. So, in my headcanon, only a pure soul can be exchanged for an innocent life (aka: a baby).

Catrina - I love troll!Catrina! She is one of my favorite characters! I don't even care what the real Catrina was like. The fake one is far too entertaining!

Morgana - Well, we do know she spend 2 out of 3 years as a kidnapped prisoner. I'll bet she used that time to plot a truly fantastic revenge on all of her enemies!

Lady Godwyn - I have wondered if the Sidhe killed her to make it easier to creat and maintain a changeling. Ever notice that the mothers of babies who are connected to magic always seem to get a bad deal out of life? Ygraine dies, Lady Godwyn dies, Hunith spends her life as a lonely single mother worried about her son, Vivienne disappears (or something), Mary Collins watches her son be executed, etc.

Annis - I think Annis is the perfect Queen! She is passionate and wise. Her subjects seem to adore her, respect her, and be abunantly loyal to her. She doesn't flinch from violence. She can navigate diplomatic terrain. She makes wise choices for her people (like agreeing to fight champions instead of whole armies). She has loved deeply and despised whole-heartedly. She has forgiven. She had the wisdom to see the good in Arthur. And, she stood up to Morgana. I love Annis! She is a strong female rolemodel and I'm glad the Merlin creators wrote her!

Guinevere - I think Gwen will be a great Queen. She has always had Camelot's best interests at heart and has always thought first of the common citizens. She already has a good influence on Arthur and a good repor with a lot of the knights (she has fought side-by side with them 1, 2, etc.], freed at least one from the dungeons, and Sir Elyan is her brother). Also, she helped Morgana with Mordred when he was trapped in Camelot as a child. So, unless Morgana's hatred for her has infected him, I think he'll get along fine with Queen Gwen. She, certainly, is too kind to not get along with him unless he shows animosity or does something suspicious and she notices. But, yes, I think she'll be good queen!