Kudos to any white writer who riffs of white legends instead of appropriating Samurai, Dreaming and other minority mythology. Nimue as the central character and hero is refreshing although claims to a feminist portrayal are significantly undermined during the climax and denouement. Women play minor roles including Nimue betraying Merlin, Guinevere “betraying” Arthur after failing to produce an heir, and Morgan, Arthur’s half-sister, seducing him to produce the villainous Mordred who ultimately defeats Arthur. The vast majority of stories based on these legends are unashamedly misogynistic. It centers on Nimue, with Arthur assuming the role of a side-character and aid. Cursed falls in the middle of a large field of stories. I’ve been a fan of Merlin and King Arthur stories since I was in primary school so I compare every “Merlin” tale to those that came before and the legends themselves. Thus begins this Merlin and King Arthur retelling. She returns home to find Red Paladins – think the corrupt Knights Templar – attacking her village and murdering her family. However, her plan is foiled when she learns that the ship she planned to catch left days early. Nimue runs away from home because most people in her village despise her, calling her cursed.
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