Lady of the Lake

Niniane O'Faolain, more commonly known as the Lady of the Lake, was a powerful witch that lived during the 5th and 6th century. The exact time and location of her birth and death are unknown.

Niniane O'Faolain

Personality

Niniane had a fierce and independent spirit, and she refused to be bound by any man or any group, which is the reason why she refused Myrrdin's proposal to become a teacher at Anlárdraíochta. She also refused to get involved with any form of politics, considering such trifles to be beneath her. Despite her formidable reputation, Niniane had a kind heart and was always willing to help those in need.

Apperance

Niniane was a striking figure of unparalleled beauty, with long flowing hair as black as night and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see straight into a person's soul. She carried herself with an air of confidence and authority, and her powerful magic was evident in every movement. It is sometimes believed that her beauty was either enhanced by magic or created by illusion, or possibly the result of some otherworldly influence, but there is no real evidence for this.

Life

Many aspects of Niniane's life remain a mystery, but it is believed that she was already old when Myrrdin first met her, despite her youthful looks, as she already had a legendary, even mythical status by then. It is also believed that she lived for an unusually long time, possibly due to an influence of Fir Bolg blood, or some other long-lived species.

According to some accounts, Niniane was at some point a member of the Misty Hills Coven which resided in the Wicklow Mountains where she soon displayed exceptional talent and quickly rose through the ranks of the coven. However, when offered to lead the coven she refused and instead went her own way.

She eventually settled at the shores of a lake which would remain her home for possibly centuries. Which lake that was is unknown, but it is presumed to be a lake in Connemara, perhaps even the lake at whose shore Anlárdraíochta, and later Greannmhar, was built.

Despite her many accomplishments and her status as one of the most powerful witches of her time, Niniane was often misunderstood and feared by those who did not understand her ways. Nevertheless, she remained a force to be reckoned with, and her legacy lived on long after she was gone.

The time and circumstances of her death remain unknown, some believe she did not actually die, but simply moved on.

Merlin

Niniane was one of the Magi who mentored Myrrdin Wynn Emrys, more commonly known as Merlin. She saw in him the potential for greatness and took him under her wing, teaching him many secrets of magic and the ways of the world. As Merlin grew in power, she continued guiding and advising him on his journey. Despite her refusal to join his school as a teacher, Niniane remained one of his most trusted friends.

The Lady of the Lake

Niniane had always had a special connection with water. She was able to communicate with its spirit, similar to what a Visvalker may be capable of, although this is attributed more to her likely possessing non-human blood. Because of this, she was exectional at using water- and ice-based spells. After she moved to live at the shores of a lake, she often spent time meditating in a shrine on a small island at the lake's center. It was said that she could see into the lake's depths and receive visions from its spirit. Some accounts claim that she was even able to control the movements of the lakes' water through her magic. This deep connection with water, and the lake in particular, was what earned her the moniker "Lady of the Lake".

 
Niniane's magic wand

Wand

It is unclear which materials Niniane's wand was made from. However, it is described as having a decorated black and silver handle with a shaft that looked like it was carved from an icicle.