Modred Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Modred
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name MODRED. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Modred
Gender
Male
Origin
Arthurian
Lucky Number
5
Meaning of the Name
Modred is the legendary Arthurian figure known as the nephew or son of King Arthur whose betrayal leads to the downfall of Camelot. The name represents tragic ambition and familial conflict within the Arthurian mythological cycle.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Mercury
Positive Nature
Adventurous, dynamic, curious, and social.
Negative Traits
Restless, impatient, inconsistent, prone to indulgence.
Lucky Colours
Green, white.
Lucky Days
Wednesday.
Lucky Stones
Emerald.
Harmony Numbers
1, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Sales, marketing, travel, entertainment.
What People Like About You
Versatility, charisma, adventurous spirit.
Famous People Named Modred
Mordred Pendragon
Legendary Knight
Central antagonist in Arthurian legend who mortally wounds King Arthur at the Battle of Camlann
Mordred Le Fay
Literary Character
Modern reinterpretation in various novels as a complex anti-hero rather than pure villain
Modred the Usurper
Mythological Figure
Symbol of betrayal and political ambition in Arthurian romances
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
The character evolved through French romances and Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur' into the archetypal traitor whose actions precipitate the final battle at Camlann, where both he and Arthur suffer mortal wounds. Modred's story serves as a cautionary tale about ambition, the consequences of broken oaths, and the inevitable decay of even the most perfect kingdoms. His relationship to Arthur—variously portrayed as nephew, illegitimate son, or both—adds layers of psychological complexity to the betrayal, making him more than just a villain but a product of Arthur's own flawed decisions and the corrupting influence of power.
Extended Personality Analysis
Modred is typically characterized by intense ambition, cunning intelligence, and a profound sense of resentment that drives his treacherous actions. Medieval portrayals emphasize his political acumen and strategic mind, capable of exploiting Camelot's weaknesses and turning allies against Arthur. He possesses a charismatic yet manipulative nature, able to gather supporters through persuasion and promises of power.
Modern interpretations often explore his psychological complexity, suggesting he may be driven by feelings of illegitimacy, neglect, or a desire for recognition from the father/uncle who either rejected him or failed to acknowledge him properly. This creates a figure torn between familial loyalty and personal ambition, whose betrayal stems from deep-seated emotional wounds as much as political aspiration. His actions demonstrate both courage and ruthlessness—he faces Arthur in direct combat yet shows no hesitation in seizing power through deception. The character embodies the tragic paradox of someone who destroys what he might have inherited, making him a compelling study in wasted potential and the corrosive effects of envy.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, Modred remains primarily a literary and historical name rather than a common given name, though it sees occasional use among enthusiasts of Arthurian legend and medieval history. The name's strong association with betrayal and tragedy limits its popularity as a first name, but it appears frequently in fantasy literature, role-playing games, and historical fiction. Recent decades have seen a slight resurgence in interest as modern retellings of Arthurian stories attempt to rehabilitate Modred's character, portraying him with more nuance and sympathy. The name is more commonly used in its 'Mordred' spelling variation and appears in various media adaptations, from novels to video games, where writers explore alternative interpretations of his character. Despite this cultural presence, it remains an unconventional choice for actual naming, typically selected by parents with strong interests in medieval literature or those seeking a name with dramatic mythological weight.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Modred symbolizes the ultimate betrayal of trust, particularly within familial and political contexts, representing how internal corruption can destroy even the most idealized societies. He embodies the concept of the 'shadow heir'—the illegitimate or overlooked successor whose ambition threatens established order. Metaphorically, Modred represents the consequences of neglected responsibilities and unacknowledged relationships, serving as a warning about the dangers of ignoring or marginalizing potential rivals. His story illustrates the classical tragic flaw where Arthur's own actions contribute to his downfall. Modred also symbolizes the inevitable cycle of rise and fall in civilizations, acting as the agent of destiny that brings about the end of Arthur's golden age. In psychological terms, he can be seen as representing the repressed aspects of Arthur's kingdom—the ambition, resentment, and moral complexity that the idealized Camelot attempts to suppress but ultimately cannot contain.