Hawk of May summary

The Early Life of Gwalchmai

In Hawk of May by Gillian Bradshaw, we are introduced to Gwalchmai, the middle son of Morgawse, a beautiful but evil sorceress, and King Lot of Orkney. Gwalchmai is a boy who is not quite like his brothers, Agravain and Gawain. He is a sensitive and introspective child, who is troubled by his mother's dark powers and his father's indifference towards him. Gwalchmai is also deeply affected by the death of his younger brother, Gareth, who was killed by a wolf, an event that leaves him feeling guilty and helpless.

The story unfolds in the backdrop of King Arthur's court, where Gwalchmai's older brother, Gawain, is a celebrated knight. Gwalchmai, however, is drawn towards the world of magic and sorcery, a path that his mother encourages him to pursue. He becomes an apprentice to his mother, learning the dark arts, and starts to develop his own powers.

The Quest for Redemption

As Gwalchmai grows older, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with his mother's cruelty and the dark path she has set him upon. He starts to yearn for a different life, one that is free from the shadows of sorcery and evil. His quest for redemption begins when he saves a young woman named Rhian from his mother's spell, and they fall in love.

Guided by the advice of his dying father, Gwalchmai sets off on a journey to find his own destiny. He is accompanied by a hawk, a symbol of his inner self, and a reminder of his connection to the natural world. Along the way, Gwalchmai faces numerous challenges and temptations, including the seductive Lady of the Lake, who offers him power and immortality in exchange for his loyalty.

The Battle of Light and Darkness

As Gwalchmai continues his journey, he learns to harness his magical abilities for good, using them to heal, protect, and fight against evil. He becomes a champion of the weak and oppressed, earning a reputation as a noble and compassionate knight. Gwalchmai's transformation from a troubled young man to a revered hero is a testament to his inner strength and his ability to resist the lure of darkness.

However, Gwalchmai's battle against darkness is far from over. He is confronted by his mother, Morgawse, who has become an even more powerful and malevolent sorceress. In a climactic battle, Gwalchmai faces his greatest challenge yet, as he must fight not only his physical enemies but also his own inner demons.

The Hawk's Triumph

In the final chapters of Hawk of May, Gwalchmai emerges victorious, having defeated his mother and her dark forces. He also reconciles with his brother, Gawain, and earns his respect as a worthy knight. Gwalchmai's love for Rhian remains unwavering, and they are united in a joyous reunion.

The story ends with Gwalchmai, now known as Sir Gawain, the Hawk of May, embracing his new role as a noble and honorable knight. He leaves his past behind, but he carries with him the lessons he has learned from his journey. Gwalchmai's story is a powerful exploration of the struggle between light and darkness, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.