ARTHURIAN LEGEND, AS RETOLD BY WRY WOODLAND SPIRITS.

Byline: Deborah G. Guadan Daily News Staff Writer

Title: ``Merlin's Harp''

Author: Anne Eliot Crompton

Data: 200 pages, Donald I. Fine Inc.; $20.50

Our rating: Three Stars

In the forests of the Fey, magic rules.

Known to humans as the mysterious and enchanting Little People, the Fey are free spirits that toy with humans who dare wander near. Through their pranks, the Fey feed fear and suspicion among humans.

But no matter how hard they try, the human and fairy worlds collide in ``Merlin's Harp,'' as author Anne Eliot Crompton weaves the elements of Arthurian legend into a well-blended tapestry from a distinctly feminine perspective. Lovingly crafted, Crompton's tale binds the reader to the frolicking Fey and the folly of humans. It is this duality that creates balance and beauty in a tale about flaws and fate.

Crompton's cast includes the usual figures: King Arthur, Merlin, Morgan, Mordred, Lancelot and Gwenevere. Stealing the story, though, are the fairy people, guided by the Lady of the Lake.

For Arthur devotees, this tale may prove frustrating. The book dances around the character of Arthur and his kingdom, focusing instead on the nature element as told through the eyes of Niviene, the Lady's daughter. But as a tale all its own, ``Merlin's Harp'' captures the fairy spirit with ease.

Niviene, curious and stubborn, has been brought up with the closest thing to a human family. She lives at a villa built by the Romans and long enclosed by the forest. She knows her brother, Lugh, unlike most Fey. Yet like most Fey, she does not know who her father is. Merlin, however, appears at their abode often to confer with the Lady and to sing tales with Enchanter, his harp. And so, there is a strong nuclear-type family and link to the outside world.

``Merlin's Harp'' shimmers through the eyes of Niviene. Being the Lady's daughter, Niviene's magic is strong. She sees the auras of animals and ghosts of the villa. She communicates with the animals, shielding them when she can from danger. With this basic link to nature and honor of the Goddess comes disdain for humans and their weaknesses. In fact, one might even call it pride, if Niviene were human, that is.

The appearance of Gwenevere in the Fey forest sets the adventure into action. She must be sent back to Arthur's kingdom in a manner befitting a queen and so Lugh, Merlin and Otter Mellias, also Fey, enter out into the world. As they leave, the Lady knows Lugh will not return, for he will become the knight known as Lancelot.

Niviene's next encounter with an anonymous human is more passionate. As the Fey say, she ``becomes one with the Goddess'' and gives birth to a son called Bran, the name of a Celtic mythological king. But Bran's quick disappearance into the forest before age 5 devastates Niviene. She resolves never to hurt again:

``I said quietly to the Lady, `From tonight I sacrifice no more. I live for myself alone. In the morning I will take my heart down to the lake and drown it, like a deformed child.'

``And so, in truth, I did. ...

``After that my life was easy. Following Merlin's counsel I lay alone and reaped great power. Heartless, one does not suffer.

``But neither does one enjoy. Life can become almost a burden. But Merlin cured that.''

Niviene's vow not to sacrifice to the Goddess, or give birth again, becomes all but forgotten when Arthur's reign weakens. Merlin requests Niviene's aid and for 15 years she sneaks between the two worlds.

For the most part, Arthur's enemies are subdued, but his family ties prove most damaging. When Morgan le Fay steals Arthur's Caliburn the sword, Merlin brings her son Mordred into Arthur's home, perhaps thinking he can neutralize her. True folly, indeed. But Merlin is, after all, part human.

While the stubborn humans Gwenevere and Lancelot refuse to deny their passion, Mordred undermines his uncle by stirring up the people. Arthur's love for Lancelot and Gwenevere then is pitted against his pride and love of his country. It is fitting that the end of Arthur's patience also means the end of his kingdom.

But the true visionary element of ``Merlin's Harp'' is the female perspective. Because Niviene and the Lady dominate much of the book with their nature-based wisdom, Gwenevere's selfishness and Morgan's vengefulness are balanced out. Thus, women are shown in many forms, and that is a pleasure.

If nothing else, even the most discerning Arthur fan will find that Crompton shines at re-creating a majesty surrounding the era.

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Photo: (1--2) Anne Eliot Crompton lends a feminine persp ective to Arthurian legend in ``Merlin's Harp.''