Sir Launcelot du Lac
Launcelot is perhaps the best known of all the knights of King Arthur's Round Table. He was renowned for his chivalry, daring and especially for the affair between him and Queen Guinevere. His name is spelt many ways - Launcelot du Lac and Lancelot of the Lake are just a few, but for the sake of old tradition, I shall call him Launcelot du Lac.
Launcelot was born to King Ban of Banoic (or, in some versions, Benwick) and Helen (Helaine or Elaine, sometimes). When he was stil young, though, King Ban died of sorrow after being betrayed by his seneschal who had led the enemy to capture his last castle in the war against Claudas. And then when Launcelot's uncle, King Bors of Gaunes, heard of the death of his brother, he died of sorrow, too, so Launcelot's childhood was not a happy one. Now because Helen was so upset over the death of her husband, she was too busy grieving to look after the infant Launcelot. Thus Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, stole him away to her domain, the Lake. She took care of Launcelot fully - bringing him up and looking after his education. As the story goes, she gave him lessons in courtly love and manner, and Launcelot repaid her by excelling in his training. However, all through this, Nimue never revealed Launcelot's true background, instructing everyone to call him King's Son, but never to tell him of his parentage, background or even name.
Nimue was sad when Launcelot wanted to leave for King Arthur's Court, but she knew he had to go and made preparations for the journey. In the meantime, Nimue has sent for Launcelot's cousins, King Claudas, Lionel and Bors to come and live in the Lake until they were ready for knighthood. All of Launcelot's entourage to King Arthur's court was white - the horses, the clothes, even Launcelot's armour. As they travelled towards the court, Nimue cautioned Launcelot not to stay with the king, or in the king's court for long periods of time after he was knighted. This order was to stand until Launcelot's status and name were revealed to him or until he could establish a reputation for himself as the best knight. When they got to the court, Nimue begged King Arthur for a boon - that Launcelot be knighted and be one of the King's court. This Arthur granted as he wished Nimue to stay longer and enjoy his hospitality. However, she left immediately she had the king's promise, leaving four squires in Launcelot's service. Everyone was curious and interested in the new arrival who had been brought by the lady of the lake and Arthur left Sir Yvain in charge of Launcelot's training. Launcelot was soon captivated by Queen Guinevere's beauty and fell into love with her, and Guinevere became even more curious about this mysterious, handsome young knight. She asked him his name, but when he replied that he didn't know, Guinevere was angry as she though Launcelot was lying. This was until Yvain pointed out that Launcelot had been commanded not to reveal his name, not realising that Launcelot was, in fact, telling the truth.
That night Launcelot requested, much to the surprise of everyone, that he wanted to be knighted the following morning. So, after a night of fasting, praying and lonely vigil, Launcelot was knighted, and remembering Nimue's caution he desired to immediately set off for adventure. Before he could go anywhere, a messenger from Lady Nohaut arrived. Aparently the King of Northumbria, whom she was currently at war with, wanted Lady Nohaut's hand in marriage. She wanted one of King Arthur's knights to fight as her champion and ward off the unwelcome suitor. Launcelot immediately jumped at the oppurtunity and King Arthur reluctantly gave Launcelot permission to go upon the quest. Before he left, however, Launcelot asked Queen Guinevere whether he could be her knight and champion, which she agreed to. As he was setting off, he learned that Arthur had forgotton to finish the knighting ceremony by belting him with a sword. Launcelot put it off, saying that he would return, although he had no intention of doing so.
On his way to Nohaut, Launcelot encountered many minor adventures that would test his bravery and courage as a knight. He arrived at Nohaut and defeated the King of Northumbria's champion easily, so the King made peace with Lady Nohaut. Rather than stay to enjoy the Lady of Nohaut's hospitality, Launcelot left to seek more adventure. By the afternoon, Launcelot came upon a formidable castle known as Dolorous Guard. The Dolorous Guard practised a custom of challenging all knights who come upon the castle. Brandin of the Isles was the lord of the castle. He was known as the Copper Knight. In order to gain entry to the central keep, a knight-errant must defeat ten knights from the first wall, and another ten at the second wall, before the knight could face the Copper Knight in single combat. Even the people of the castle loathed his custom, which they considered it to be a curse. The knight, who conquered Dolorous Guard, would be able to lift the curse and put an end to the unfair custom. Yet, it seemed impossible for a single knight to conquer Dolorous Guard. Other knights have tried, and they were either killed or captured in combat. Launcelot arrived to find that a damsel weeping over the death of her knight. When he learned of the custom, he aspired to capture the castle. He was immediately challenged by knight who through the gate. Though he easily defeated the first knight, before he could make him a prisoner, the horn blew; another knight immediately challenged him. He defeated six knights; five were prisoners, while one escaped through the gate.
Though Launcelot was ready to face another knight, the gate remained closed, for night had fallen. A veiled damsel arrived, offering Launcelot lodging. When they arrive at her apartment, Launcelot recognised her as one of damsel who served the Lady of the Lake. From the damsel, he realised that he would have to face, in the following morning, ten knights again from the first wall, despite capturing five knights today. He was also informed that the Lady of the Lake had sent her to aid him. She had brought three white shields. One shield had one diagonal red band, the second with two bands and the third had three. The shield with one band would double his strength, while the second would triple his strength. The third shield would give him the strength of four men. The next day, he fought until he began to tire and his plain white shield was in tatter. Taking the shield with one red band, he felt refresh and his strength returned. The battle at the first wall was taking him too long. Sometimes he fought one opponent, sometimes he fought many at the same time. By Soon Launcelot was feeling frustrated since he had not past the first gate yet. The damsel brought the second shield with two red bands, replacing the shield with one band. Launcelot, feeling refreshed, attacked the knights with such ferocity and skill, that they felt awe and fear. The lord of the castle was dismayed that the White Knight (Launcelot, as he was in white armour) seemed as fresh as when he started the combat.
Soon the knights of the first wall surrendered to him as prisoners. By midday, the first gate had opened to him. Just outside the second gate, ten knights awaited him. The damsel came to Launcelot and replaced his helmet and the shield with two bands with those of three bands. He also received a new strong lance and the lord of Dolorous Guard (Brandin) watched Launcelot with astonishment. Launcelot, however saw Brandin, leaning too far out over the wall. Brandin fell off, killing one of his own knights in his fall. Launcelot immediately attacked the other nine mounted knights all at once. Launcelot killed another knight in the joust and, surprised at this outcome, the eight remaining mounted knights tried to flee from the White Knight. Launcelot forced three knights, who could not escape, to surrender as his prisoners.
Arthur decided to return to Camelot, but not before he had taken his knights to a tournament against Galehaut, Lord of the Sorelois and the Distant Isles. Gawaine decided to try and find the identity of the White Knight (Launcelot), and left on his quest. Launcelot decided to attend the tournament, but was wounded before he arrived, in some minor adventures. Even though he had not fully recovered, he fought impressively on King Arthur's side. Gawaine, who watched the battle, was impressed with the White Knight, but did not recognise him because he wore a different shield. Malaguin, better known as the King of Hundred Knights, was cousin of Galehaut, and decided to face the White Knight. In the joust, Launcelot received a serious wound, but still fought very well until his wound finally overcame him. Both Arthur and Galehaut admired the White Knight's prowess in combat. Arthur and Galehaut decided to meet in another battle at a later date. Launcelot asked the doctor if he could be treated at another place, because he did not wish to be recognised by anyone. As he travelled in a litter, the Lady of Nohaut found him and took Launcelot back to her castle, refusing to let him leave until he had recovered. Launcelot decided to leave the Lady of Nohaut when one of the damsel of the Lady of the Lake arrived with Gawaine. She bore a message from another damsel, who given him the three shields. She could not leave Dolorous Guard until she had permission to leave. Launcelot sent the damsel back to Dolorous Guard, with his ring, giving the damsel of the three shields permission to leave anytime she wish. Gawaine followed the damsel back to Dolorous Guard, hoping to know the White Knight's identity. However Gawaine was unsuccessful in discovering Launcelot's name, because he could not lift the metal slab from tomb.
Launcelot, hoping to attend the second battle between Arthur and Galehaut, was distracted from his quest when a squire brought news that Queen Guinevere was imprisoned in Dolorous Guard. To release her from prison, he had to return to Dolorous Guard. It was, however, a trap. Launcelot became a prisoner instead and the townspeople were upset with him for secretly leaving without lifting the curse from the castle. Launcelot agreed to lift the enchantment from castle and they took him to the cemetery where lied an ancient chapel. The chapel had an entrance to an underground vault, so Launcelot, with his weapon, entered a tunnel and found the door guarded by two copper knights. Though he fought and won the right to pass through the door, he received a wound to his shoulder. Launcelot found himself in a chamber with a Well of Blackness and on the other side of well was an axe-wielding black knight, who had flames coming out his mouth. Launcelot charged towards the well and threw his shield at the black knight before leaping across the well. The shield shattered on impact, before he crashed into the knight. With his hands he strangled the black knight to death. Then Launcelot threw the black knight into the well and then entered another chamber with copper pillars, to find a copper woman holding a set of keys. The White Knight took the keys and went to the centre of chamber and unlocked the largest pillar. One pillar contained a chest, and the other, the Perilous Chest. Once the chest was opened, demons or the enchantment was broken. As Launcelot left the chamber with the keys, the copper women and the copper knights were destroyed, while the Well of Blackness had vanished. He left the chapel to find the people of the castle ready to greet him. They informed Launcelot that Queen Guinevere was never imprisoned here; it was just a ruse to bring him back to remove the enchantment on the castle. Launcelot was now their new lord, and Dolorous Guard was renamed to Joyous Guard. Launcelot left the next morning to participate the next encounter between Arthur and Galehaut.
Galehaut, lord of the Distant Isles and the Uncrowned King, had conquered thirty kingdoms. Galehaut was determined to add Logres to his empire before he decided to wear a crown. Galehaut send a message to Arthur, saying that he would like him (Arthur) to surrender to him as a vassal, in return that Galehaut would not invade Logres. Arthur refused to submit to Galehaut. Meanwhile, the two damsels of the Lady of the Lake aided Gawaine, who continued to search for identity of the White Knight and the conqueror Dolorous Guard. One damsel promised to tell Gawaine of hero's name if the knight himself refused to tell him. When they found the White Knight, Launcelot stubbornly refused to reveal his name. Since Gawaine had done so much for the damsel (rescuing her from the treacherous knight named Brehu the Pitiless), she owed Gawaine the truth. She revealed Launcelot's name and lineage to Gawaine. Launcelot was upset with the damsel, though he allowed her to journey with him. The other damsel (the one who gave him three shields) returned to the Lady of the Lake.
Gawaine had now completed his quest. He returned to Camelot and told everyone interested in the name of the White Knight. After various minor adventures, such as been prisoner of Daguenet, King Arthur's Fool, and killing two giants, Launcelot was captured by the Lady of Malohaut. Launcelot was imprisoned for killing the Lady's seneschal. The damsel, who had followed Launcelot, was locked on the other side of the castle gate when Launcelot was attacked. She thought Launcelot had died fighting and so went to a nearby abbey and took the nun's vow. The Lady, however, allowed Launcelot to attend the first battle between Arthur and Galehaut, on the condition that he return to her prison. Launcelot was the best in the field, inspiring other knights of Arthur, to holding back Galehaut's assaults. Gawaine, who led Arthur's first battalion, also proved a great knight, but was seriously wounded. Galehaut, seeing that he outnumbered Arthur's forces, knew that he would not gain any honour in this battle. Galehaut called for a truce to meet one year from now, asking Arthur to bring a larger army to face him. Both armies withdrew from the battlefield. After the battle, Launcelot returned to Malohaut Prison. The Lady of Malohaut was curious of who this White Knight was. The lady and her cousin, saw that he armour and weapon showed great sign of wearing, while he had returned with different horse to the one he left with. As Launcelot slept naked in the prison cell, the lady and her cousin saw that his body showed recent signs of cuts and bruises, further proving that he was not idle in the battle. While he slept unnoticed of the attention around him, the Lady of Malohaut would have kissed Launcelot had her cousin stopped her. It was clear that the Lady of Malohaut had fallen in love with Launcelot. The next day, the Lady of Malohaut was determined to find out the name of her handsome prisoner, but Launcelot refused to reveal his name to the lady. She pretended to be angry with him, even threatening the hero with death or a longer and harder prison sentence. Launcelot defiantly refused to budge in this issue, and meekly returned to his cell.
The Lady of Malohaut went to Camelot on her quest to find the identity of her unnamed prisoner. Though she did not find out his name, she was satisfied in knowing that he was not the member of the Round Table. She returned to her castle, asking for Launcelot's attendance. The Lady threatened that he would never leave his prison cell, unless he answers one of her questions: What was his name? Which lady did he love? If he would perform better than the last battle? Launcelot did not want to answer any of the questions, but he also did not want to miss the coming battle. Launcelot answered the last question. Satisfied, the Lady of Malohaut told Launcelot could leave, but she asked him to stay until the battle took place. She promised him new armour and weapons and a couple months after the battle, Gawaine had fully recovered from his wounds. He set out on the new quest with forty other knights, to find Launcelot and bring him to help them in the next battle. None of the knights returned with any success by the time of the next battle. Gawaine again led the first battalion of Arthur's army against Galehaut's forces. Arthur's army was still greatly outnumbered by Galehaut, though he brought more men into the battle. The first day of fighting was fierce; Gawaine's prowess in battle helped his battalion to withstand Galehaut's attack. However, his smaller force was nearly overwhelmed, before the battle was called for the day. Gawaine dropped down unconscious from exhaustion and even more serious wounds than last year. Arthur and men feared that Gawaine might have been mortally wounded; they were greatly demoralised with Gawaine out of action for weeks. Launcelot was distressed when he heard that the battle had taken place, and that Gawaine was probably mortally wounded. The Lady of Malohaut assured Launcelot that the fighting would not resume for another three days.
The Lady of Malohaut joined Queen Guinevere and the other ladies to watch the battle while Launcelot made preparation for what was to come. Launcelot received the new armour from the Lady, and this time he rode into battle with black horse, wearing black armour and with a black shield. No one would be able to recognise him. When Launcelot arrived in the battle, the Lady of Malohaut suspected that Launcelot must love one of the ladies whom watches the battle. Seeing the knight in black armour, she asked many of the ladies to request the Black Knight to fight the battle in their honour. Gawaine, watching the Black Knight, suspected this new knight was Launcelot. Gawaine sent his own squire to give Launcelot three lances. Launcelot went on to unhorse many enemy knights, thus wearing down the three lances, before returning to the hill to watch the battle. Then the Lady of Malohaut and Gawaine persuaded Guinevere to ask the Black Knight to perform deeds of arms in her honour. Gawaine sent ten lances this time, along three of his own horses, with the queen's message. When Launcelot rejoined the battle, the Lady of Malohaut firmly believed that Launcelot was in love with the queen. In the fighting, he unhorsed the First Conquered King and man of his knights. Some of King Arthur's knights, watching such great deeds of arms, joined the Black Knight, thus providing Launcelot with support.
Even though Galehaut's army was larger, the Black Knight helped inspired Arthur's men to drive their enemies back. Both sides admired the Black Knight's prowess. Galehaut suspected that he was the same knight who attended the other encounters. Galehaut admired the Black Knight so much that he would do anything to win his friendship. Before the end of the day, Galehaut met the Black Knight and persuaded him to lodge with him. Galehaut tried to convince Launcelot there was no treachery involved - he was trying to become the hero's friend. When Galehaut promised anything to the Black Knight, Launcelot told him to surrender when Arthur thought he was facing a humiliating defeat. When Galehaut promised to do all that he said, he won Launcelot's friendship. The next day Launcelot was fighting on Galehaut's side, though he was wearing Galehaut's own armour. Gawaine, however recognised him as the same person as the Black Knight. Everyone, including Arthur and Guinevere became distressed that the Black Knight had changed side. Arthur's army was facing a crushing and humiliating defeat, when Launcelot asked Galehaut to fulfil his promise. Out of his love for his new friend, Galehaut came before Arthur to surrender to Arthur and asked the King of Logres for his forgiveness.
Arthur was surprised and delighted by this change of events. He graciously accepted the surrender and asked Galehaut to dine with him. Launcelot made Galehaut ask for his name until he chose to name him or someone else named him. Galehaut had dined with Arthur and his queen for several nights. When Arthur's court learned that Galehaut had surrendered due to a knight, they suspected it was the Black Knight's doing. Gawaine and the king and queen wanted to know the identity of the Black Knight, but Galehaut did not know his friend's name. Galehaut returned to his own camp in the morning to find that his companion had been weeping. Galehaut unsuccessfully tried to comfort Launcelot, for his heart was breaking because he believed that could not have Guinevere's love, because she was married. Yet everything he had accomplished was due to his love for the beautiful queen. Launcelot was not even a British subject; he was a foreign prince from across the English Channel. Yet Launcelot wanted Galehaut to comply with every wish that Arthur had. Galehaut began to suspect that his friend was in love with Guinevere, because whenever one of them mentioned the queen, Launcelot's mood became pensive and distressed. Guinevere wanted to meet with the knight who saved her husband's kingdom, and insistently persuaded Galehaut in arranging a meeting between her and the unknown Black Knight. Several days later, Launcelot agreed to a private meeting with the queen, but he did not wish to meet anyone who would recognise him. Galehaut arranged for them to meet one late afternoon and he left them alone so that they could talk and joined a group of ladies that Guinevere had brought along. One of the ladies was the Lady of Malohaut, who had imprisoned Launcelot. She easily recognised her former prisoner. Launcelot was overwhelmed and embarrassed in her presence. Guinevere discovered that he was the same knight who, through various disguises and his own prowess, achieved great deeds of arms. As one secret after another was revealed, Guinevere recognised that he was Launcelot of the Lake. More questioning revealed that the young hero was in love with her, and that all he had done was for her sake, not Arthur. During the talk, when Launcelot recognised the Lady of Malohaut, he became upset because he knew she had recognised him. At first, Guinevere thought Launcelot was in love with one of the ladies and when Guinevere told him this, Launcelot was so upset that the queen thought he was going to faint.
Guinevere revealed to all what they had talked about, including Launcelot's name, and why he was upset. When Galehaut found that his suspicion proved to be true, far from been offended by his friend's desire and going against the Christian teaching that adultery was a mortal sin, Galehaut set about helping Launcelot to win Guinevere's love. Galehaut asked the queen to return her friend's love, which she readily agreed to. She even agreed to kiss Launcelot, as a token of her love for the hero. Galehaut arranged that they would kiss one another, while Galehaut blocked the view from the ladies. However, the Lady of Malohaut knew something was going on, and she wanted to become part of it. She knew now that Launcelot was in love with the queen and she confronted the queen, saying that she would her help with Launcelot. Guinevere and the Lady of Malohaut became good friends, and the queen arranged Galehaut and her new companion to become lovers. Everyday they secretly made arrangement where Launcelot and Guinevere could kiss. Both Galehaut and Arthur decided to return to their respective kingdoms. Launcelot was to go with Galehaut, while Guinevere returned to Camelot with her husband.
Launcelot and Galehaut departed for Galehaut's kingdom, Sorelois. The Lady of the Lake had sent Launcelot's cousin, Lionel, to become his squire, until he was ready to become a knight. The Lady of the Lake also sent a shield to Guinevere. The magic shield depicted a knight and a lady kissing, but the shield was split down the middle, preventing the knight and lady from actually touching one another. The Queen was told that only once she consummates her relationship with her lover, would the split shield become whole.
Once Gawaine had fully recovered from his wounds, he set out on the same quest he had postponed (because of the war against Galehaut) - to find the White or Red Knight (Launcelot) who was at the two previous encounters. Guinevere told Gawaine that he might find him with Galehaut. Launcelot's separation from Guinevere had made Launcelot even more depressed and pensive. Not even Galehaut could comfort him. After some weeks, Galehaut sent Lionel as a messenger to Guinevere, with the some news that might comfort or cheer up Launcelot. Guinevere sent Lionel back to Launcelot with the message to do everything in Gawaine's wishes.
Gawaine went through various adventures, where he met a young knight named Hector and later Lionel. Gawaine and Hector arrived at Sorelois where they were challenged to fight several times, including against Launcelot at Galehaut's castle. Lionel's arrival prevented bloodshed between Launcelot and Gawaine. Launcelot was upset that he had fought with Gawaine. Though he still wanted to keep his name a secret, the Queen's message told him to do whatever Gawaine asked of him. Gawaine knew that he was the knight he had been looking for. Reluctantly, Launcelot told Gawaine his name. At this time news arrived that the Saxons and Irishmen had invaded Scotland. Arthur had sent his army to Scotland to defend his empire.
Launcelot and his companions secretly join Arthur's army. On the day of their arrival, they found Arthur's army besieging Saxon Rock, a castle built at the time of Vortigern. Arthur was in love with the Saxon witch, and met her in her chamber of the castle. Arthur was then captured by the Saxon knights and imprisoned.
During Arthur's absence, Launcelot made love to Guinevere. The shield given to the queen was made whole, which made Guinevere very happy. But news arrived that the Saxons were holding Arthur as prisoner. A damsel arrived before the presence of the four companions, telling them she knew how to help them free Arthur. However, she brought them into a trap where Launcelot, Gawaine, Galehaut and Hector were thrown into prison. Only Launcelot was released from prison when he lost his mind, as he hurt friends and enemies alike. Only Guinevere could calmed Launcelot's raving. His sanity only returned when he put on the magic shield given to Guinevere. But the moment he took off the shield his madness returned. Only the arrival of the Lady of the Lake cured his madness. By this time, Arthur's men were losing the fierce battle against the Saxons and Irishmen. When Launcelot returned to the battle, the tide of the battle returned to Briton forces. Launcelot managed to return to the castle, and released Arthur and his companions from prison. Launcelot captured the Saxon witch and forced her to make her army surrender.
After the battle, Gawaine informed Arthur that he had completed his quest, and had found the White or Red Knight. Gawaine told the king that he was one who released him from prison and his name was Launcelot. Overcome with joy, Arthur unsuccessfully tried to persuade Launcelot to become member of his household and join the Round Table. So Arthur asked his wife to beg him to stay with them. Launcelot decided to stay because Guinevere asked him to. Galehaut was upset, but decided to stay with Arthur and become member of the Round Table. However, Galehaut could not stay at Camelot indefinitely, since he had an empire to rule.
Some authors say that Queen Guinevere had half sister, who was also called Guinevere. They were born on the same day and looked exactly the same, though they had different mother. King Leodegan of Camelide had slept with his seneschal's wife. I shall call the second Guinevere, False Guinevere.
While Launcelot was staying with his friend Galehaut in Sorelois, the second Guinevere plotted with Bertholai, a knight of Camelide, to convince Arthur that she was his real wife. The False Guinevere said in her letter that if the king would not take her back as hiswife, Arthur must return the Round Table to her. The ring that the False Guinevere had was identical to that of the Queen. Arthur set a date (Boxing Day) on which to prove which was his real wife and which was the imposter. Twenty barons from Camelide were part of the conspiracy.
One day, Bertholai captured Arthur in the forest. They gave Arthur love potion so that he would fall in love with the False Guinevere. Arthur did whatever Bertholai and the False Guinevere told him to. Arthur declared his real wife as an imposter, and wanted to have her executed. Arthur with the barons of Camelide found Guinevere guilty of treason and since she had worn the crown she needed to die by fire. Guinevere was stripped of her title and power as queen, while he set the False Guinevere in her place. The knights of the Round Table, particularly Gawaine, were shocked at the accusation and verdict. Gawaine and the knights opposed Arthur and the conspirators; they rather preferred that they banish the queen than allow her to be put to death. News arrived about Guinevere's imprisonment where Launcelot was staying, and he immediately set out to rescue the queen, accompanied by Galehaut and his army.
When the day arrived that Guinevere was to be executed, Launcelot challenged the barons of Camelide by force of arms. Bertholai had it set that Launcelot would have to fight three opponents instead of one and this was good for the evil baron, as he had the three strongest knights in Camelide. Arthur and Galehaut were opposed to this arrangement, but Launcelot refused to back down from combat. Launcelot renounced his allegiance to Arthur and his seat at the Round Table. So Launcelot fought the three knights, killing two and wounding the third knight. Though Launcelot had won the combat, Arthur refused to take Guinevere back, as he was still under the spell of the False Guinevere. To solve this crisis and to protect the queen, Galehaut offered his kingdom as a safe haven for Guinevere. So Launcelot and Guinevere stayed in Sorelois, where they could continue their relation with one another, without Arthur knowing about it.
When the Pope heard of Guinevere's plight, he warned Arthur to take back his real wife or face Interdictment placed on his kingdom for 21 months (which was sort of suspension from sacrament or mass to a person or the entire district). Arthur refused to give up the False Guinevere. The interdict was immediately effective. Ten months later, the False Guinevere and Bertholai fell mysteriously ill, robbing them of the ability to move. The two main conspirators realised that God was punishing them for the plot to remove the real queen. To save their souls, they repented of their sins and told their crime to Arthur's chaplain, Amustans. They also confessed to Arthur of their deception. Arthur either had the pair executed or that they died from their illness.
When news arrived of the conspirators' deaths, they also found that Arthur wished to take his wife back. Launcelot and Guinevere were happy of this outcome with conspirators but were saddened that the lovers would have to part company. At first Guinevere pretended that she would not return to Arthur since he was ready to execute her. Arthur had to reconcile with Guinevere, Launcelot and Galehaut. Arthur had to plea with Launcelot to retake his seat at the Round Table. Once Arthur and Guinevere were reconciled, the queen gave a full kiss to Launcelot in public for his service to her. She considered Launcelot as her personal champion, of which Arthur whole-heartedly approved. Lionel, Launcelot's cousin, was dubbed as knight.
One night, while they were celebrating, Launcelot was enjoying a night stroll in the forest outside of London, along with the three nephews of Arthur: Gawaine, Yvain and Galeshin. A large knight burst into clearing and plucked Gawaine off the ground and on to his large horse. All four knights were unarmed at the time. Though Gawaine put up a struggle he was helpless against the giant knight. Launcelot wanted to immediately pursue Gawaine's abductor, but his other friends warned them they did not have any armour or weapons to confront the giant knight.
They learned that Gawaine's abductor was called Caradoc (Carados), the Lord of Dolorous Tower. Gawaine had received many wounds when he was beaten by Caradoc's guard and Caradoc's mother accused Gawaine of treacherously killing her brother - Gadras the Black. Caradoc's mother was also a witch, and applied poisonous ointment to his wounds, causing Gawaine great agony. Gawaine was then imprisoned in the vermin-infested dungeon of Dolorous Tower. His wounds became festered and Gawaine's health deteriorated after a few days. To add to his torment, the vermin would bite him in his dark cell. There was a damsel who lived in Dolorous Tower and was cousin to the Lady of White Castle and Galeshin (nephew of Arthur), and decided to help Gawaine. Caradoc had also abducted her, because of her great beauty and wanted to force her to marry him. Though she could not release Gawaine, she threw a poisoned mixture into Gawaine's prison cell to kill all the vermin. The damsel also gave medicine to Gawine to heal his wounds. Then each night she would secretly send food and clean water to Gawaine.
The three knights immediately set out on a quest to rescue Gawaine. The Lady of White Castle directed Galeshin to Dolorous Tower, who happened to be his cousin. Before any knight can proceed to Dolorous Tower, the knight must walk through a church and open the door on the other side, while staffs wielded by invisible hands beat him. Whoever succeeded this test, would be the hero who would save Gawaine. Galeshin failed the test. Launcelot and Yvain arrived a day later, and was similarly tested in the church. Yvain failed, but Launcelot succeeded in opening the door.
To reach Dolorous Tower, the knights must pass through Le Val Sans Retour, which means the "Valley of No Return". The valley belonged to Morgan le Fay, half-sister of King Arthur. Morgan was once in love with cousin of Queen Guinevere, while she was the Queen's lady-in-waiting. Guinevere banished her cousin to prevent a scandal. This seemed to be source of Morgan's enmity towards Guinevere. Morgan left her brother's court and came to this valley. The valley was enchanted so that any knight, who had been faithless to his true love, could not leave Morgan's domain. Only a knight who had been faithful to his true love could end the enchantment on the valley and release the knights trapped knights.
Galeshin was the first to enter the valley and was captured. Yvain also entered the valley and he was also trapped. Launcelot entered the valley, where he killed four dragons. Launcelot then crossed the narrow plank that was defended by two knights. He pursued another knight, who fled into Morgan's pavilion. Morgan was rudely wakened, when she fell of her bedto the sound of Launcelot chopped off the knight's head. Launcelot apologised for having waking the angry Morgan. Morgan became even more upset to learn that Launcelot had broken the enchantment on her valley. She had no choice but to release all the prisoners, including her faithless lover. Galeshin and Yvain were set free.
Morgan le Fay persuaded Launcelot to stay for one night, to rest. While Launcelot slept, she used a drug on the sleeping hero, and spirited Launcelot to her castle. Launcelot woke and found himself in prison. Morgan told the hero she would only release him if he gave her ransom. Morgan wanted the ring on Launcelot's finger. Launcelot refused, because it was gift from Guinevere. Morgan also had a ring almost identical to the one Launcelot wore. The only differences between the two rings were the engravings. Morgan told the hero he would die in prison. Launcelot told her he didn't care. Morgan reminded the hero that he had yet to save Gawaine from Caradoc. Morgan told the hero she would allow him to rescue Gawaine, but only if he promised to return to her as prisoner. Launcelot agreed. Launcelot continued on his journey and found two bodies floating in the river. Launcelot was told that the hero, who removed the bodies from the water, would achieve the Dolorous Tower. Launcelot immediately jumped into the water and lifted the bodies out of the water.
Galeshin and Yvain had arrived at Dolorous Tower before Launcelot. Yvain entered the front gate and was captured by ten knights. Galeshin used the other gate, deafeating one knight at the first gate, two at the second gate. However three knights overcame him at the third gate. Yvain and Galeshin were held in prison. Meanwhile, Caradoc heard that Arthur was leading his knights to take Dolorous Tower. Caradoc sent his own men to confront Arthur, and prevent them entering his domain. Launcelot then arrived at Dolorous Tower and fought against Caradoc. Though they fought long and hard, Launcelot proved to be too strong and skilled for Caradoc. Caradoc realising he was about to lose, broke off the fighting, and ran towards his tower. Caradoc hoped to kill Gawaine before Launcelot could release his friend.
However, the damsel who helped Gawaine, now helped Launcelot, by closing and locking the gate. Launcelot killed Caradoc and then released Gawaine and the other prisoners.
Launcelot then left his friends, returning to Morgan as prisoner. Once again, Launcelot refused to give his ring to her. As Launcelot slept in his cell, Morgan slipped Launcelot's ring off his finger, replacing it with her own ring. Morgan then sent one of her damsels with the ring and message to Arthur and Guinevere. This damsel told everyone in Arthur's court that Launcelot was dying from his wound, and was returning the ring to Guinevere, saying that he had sinned against God and his king (Arthur) for loving the Queen. Guinevere replied that she had loved Launcelot only because the hero had saved her and her husband, and because Launcelot had also helped Arthur to win two wars. Arthur believed his wife's statement. Galehaut who was staying with Arthur decided to find Launcelot along with Gawaine, Yvain and Lionel. After staying with her for a while, Morgan became attracted to Launcelot, and wanted to marry the knight. Launcelot rejected her advances; declaring that he would rather died than becomes Morgan's lover. Realising that Launcelot was still faithful to Guinevere, she released Launcelot.
Launcelot returned to Sorelois, hoping to find Galehaut. He was more than disappointed when he found that his friend was absent and became very depressed. After a few nights, Launcelot fled into the wood, without his armour and weapon; apparently driven into insanity, because he missed Guinevere. Galehaut had found Launcelot's shield, carried by a vavasour. The vavasour gave the shield to Galehaut, after Galehaut was wounded in the fighting. Galehaut return to his kingdom with Lionel, only to find that his friend had lost his mind and left his kingdom. Thinking that Launcelot had killed himself, Galehaut became inconsolable and fell ill during fasting and died ten days later. Galehaut's kingdom was given to his nephew and godson, Galehodin. Lionel returned to Camelot with news of Launcelot's disappearance and Galehaut's death. More bad news followed when the court of King Arthur learned of the death of the Lady of Malohaut, Guinevere's companion.
Launcelot wandered throughout the kingdom, dwelling in the wild forest for a whole year. On Candlemas Eve, Lady of the Lake found Launcelot in Cornwall. She took him home and restored his sanity and by Easter, Launcelot had regained his health and strength. Niniane sent Launcelot back to Logres and she advised her protegee to be in the forest of Camelot at a certain date. On Acension Day, Melegant arrived, boasting of capturing a lot of people from Logres and would not release them until a knight could safely escort Guinevere through the forest outside of Camelot. Sir Kay, Arthur's seneschal, tricked Arthur into offering him a boon. Kay wished to be the Queen's escort and protector. Kay had a delusion that he could defeat Meleagant and Arthur had little choice but to let Kay escort his wife through the forest as he could not refuse without breaking his words. Kay escorted the queen through the forest, and was attacked and captured by Meleagant. Guinevere became Meleagant's prisoner and they set out for the kingdom of Gorre.
Gawaine berated his uncle for letting his wife go with Sir Kay. He persuaded Arthur and the other knights around the Round Table to rescue Guinevere. Gawaine and many knights set out at once, Gawaine going off by himself to rescue the queen.
Launcelot then arrived at the scene and attacked Meleagant and his knights and though Launcelot managed to unhorse Meleagant, the villain's knights killed Launcelot's horse. Meleagant fled with his prisoners and Gawaine arrived and he saw Launcelot, though he could not recognise his friend because of Launcelot's new armour. Gawaine had found Sir Kay's horse on the way, and, taking the animal, Launcelot set out in pursuit after Meleagant. Launcelot again caught up with the rogue knight and again Meleagant's men killed Launcelot's horse and rode away with the prisoners. Launcelot decided to follow Meleagant on foot this time, although according to to some texts, Launcelot had rode both horses to death when pursuing his enemies.
Launcelot then encountered a dwarf driving his cart. The dwarf would only agree to lead the hero to Meleagant if the knight rode in the cart with him. Launcelot hesitated before getting in the cart, but finally conceded. Gawaine had caught up with Launcelot and was surprised to see the knight get on the cart, because during those days the cart was normally used as a pillory for a criminal. Only a disgraced knight would be forced to ride in a cart; a knight that has been found guilty of treason, murder or other felony. There was no honour in riding a cart when you not seriously wounded and a knight who committed no crime would be subjected to mockery and held in contempt by a crowd. When Gawaine asked the dwarf if he had seen the queen, he was also asked to get in the cart with the other knight if he wanted to find the lady. Gawaine refused, but said he would follow the cart on his own warhorse. They arrived in town and the townspeople mocked the knight in the cart. Though both knights received lodging in a hostel from a damsel and her sister, she treated Gawaine with great respect but the other knight she held in contempt, since Launcelot had arrived in such a disgraceful fashion.
In the morning they found that the queen passed through the town with her abductor. It was only then that Gawaine recognised his friend as Launcelot and the damsel gave the unnamed knight a horse to compensate for her rudeness to the knight. The two knights immediately set out after the queen. They met another damsel in the woods who knew where Meleagant was taking the queen. The damsel promised to guide them provided that they do something for her in the future. They agreed so she told them the identity of abductor and that he was taking the queen to kingdom of Gorre, that belong to Meleagant's father, King Bagdemagus. Bagdemagus had been one of Galehaut's vassals in the war against Arthur. Two possible paths could be chosen to enter Gorre. She led them to a fork on the road - one road led to the Underwater Bridge and the other, more perilous path, led to the Sword Bridge. Gawaine chose the Underwater Bridge, while Launcelot took off for the Sword Bridge. As Launcelot entered a forest, a damsel came out to greet him, but he did not recognise the damsel as the other damsel's sister when she offered Launcelot accommodation in the forest. The damsel tested Launcelot's bravery and chivalry by trying to seduce the hero.
Launcelot promised to escort the damsel, where upon he found Guinevere's comb. Launcelot gave the comb to the damsel but kept the single strand of hair found on the comb under his shirt.
Launcelot also defended the girl against an unwanted suitor, after which he arrived at a monastery. Launcelot learned that only a pure knight could lift up the stone slab from the tomb and read the inscription within. Launcelot tried and easily lifted the slab and read the inscription. The tomb belonged to Galahad, the first Christian king of Hoselice and the son of Joseph of Arimathea. The monks were surprised at Launcelot's strength and took the hero to the cave of Simeon's tomb. Simeon was the cousin of Galahad of Hoselice. Launcelot entered the cave and saw a tomb surrounded by ring of fire. As the hero approach the tomb, Launcelot heard a voice that warned him to stay away from the fire, because he was not the hero destined to win in this adventure. The spirit of Simeon foretold that only the Good Knight (Galahad) would succeed and walk through this fire and release his (Simeon's) torment. Simeon also informed Launcelot that the hero's real name was Galahad, and that it would be his son (Galahad) who would sit on the Siege Perilous and win the quest of the Holy Grail. Simeon also told Launcelot that his mother (Helen or Elaine) was alive and living as a nun in the Royal Minister.
The hero continued his journey until he arrived at the Sword Bridge. His two new companions did not want the hero to sacrifice his life in attempting to cross the bridge, for the bridge was like a sharp sword. Below the bridge was black swirling water; while on the other side of the bridge were two huge lions. Further beyond the structure, he could see the castle where the queen had been imprisoned. The hero was determined to cross the bridge, but he decided to not wear his gauntlets or iron shoes to protect his hands and feet. He did this so he could better grip the sword, and so he would not fall into the water (wherein he would surely drown). The hero safely crossed to the other side, suffering deep cuts to his hands, feet and knees. Instead of being immediately attacked by lions, he found that the awesome beasts had vanished. He realised the lions were only illusions.
At the tower, King Bagdemagus and his son Meleagant watched the knight crossing the Sword Bridge. The father admired the knight's courage and determination to rescue the queen, while the son held nothing but contempt for the hero. Bagdemagus unsuccessfully tried to persuade his son to return the queen to the hero without a fight. Meleagant, however, was determined to kill the new arrival, so as to prove that no knight was better than he. His father was equally determined to welcome the hero and offer him counsel. We learn that the King of Gorre had protected the queen from his son's lust. The king had being against the abduction of the queen and many people of Logres, but was powerless to help them leave his country. Bagdemagus welcomed the new knight, trying to make peace between the hero and his son, but without success. He only managed to postpone the combat for only one day, because of the hero's injured hands and feet. At the duel, the hero was serious weakened at first, because of his injured hands and feet, but because the queen was watching the combat from the tower with Bagdemagus, it gave the knight extra strength. It was only then that the name of the knight of the cart was revealed; he was called Launcelot of the Lake. With renewed strength from glancing at the queen, Launcelot overcome Meleagant.
Launcelot overheard the king asking Guinevere to spare his son's life. The queen agreed to do so, since Bagdemagus had protected her from his own son. Launcelot immediately stopped fighting and Meleagant was ashamed that his father would plead for his life. He refused to admit defeat. They agreed to continue the fight one year from now, to be held at Arthur's court. The queen and her people were allowed to leave. At first the queen refused to talk to her lover. Launcelot was distressed, and went to find Gawaine. Launcelot encountered some knights of Gorre, who did not hear of Meleagant's defeat, and were going to arrest him. Bagdemagus and Guinevere somehow heard that Launcelot had died. Both were upset with the news. Guinevere blamed herself for her lover's death. Launcelot, however, heard news that the queen had died. He tried to hang himself, but the people prevented him. A few days later, much to his relief, he found the news was false. Launcelot returned to Bagdemagus' castle and Guinever and the knight were reconciled. That night, Launcelot went to her chamber. To enter through the window, Launcelot had to pull the bars away, but he had cut his finger. Launcelot and the queen spent the night making love. When he left, the queen discovered that Launcelot's finger had bled on the sheets.
Meleagant found the bloody sheet, and blamed the queen for spending the night with Sir Kay. Kay, whose wounds had not healed, was sleeping in the next room. Meleagant thus accused the queen of committing adultery. Kay was wounded and too weakened to defend himself in combat, so she secretly sent a message to Launcelot about her plight. Launcelot challenged Meleagant's accusations against the queen and Sir Kay. They were to fight once again, but Bagdemagus managed to persuade the queen to end the fight. Launcelot was determined to leave once more to find Sir Gawaine at the Underwater Bridge. But before he and his companions could reach the bridge he met a dwarf. The dwarf convinced him to follow him, leaving his companions behind. Launcelot's companions were distressed when they learned that Launcelot had been ambushed and held in captivity. The companions continued their way to the bridge and arrived just in time to rescue Gawaine from drowning. They told Gawaine that Launcelot had already freed the queen, but a dwarf had abducted Launcelot. They brought Gawaine to the castle and meanwhile, Guinevere was upset that her lover had been captured, but she had no choice but to leave Gorre with her people and returned to her husband in Logres. Bagdemagus promised to try find and rescue Launcelot. However, a letter arrived from Launcelot saying that he had returned to Camelot.
Upon returning to afore mentioned location, Gawaine realised that Launcelot had not returned to Camelot at all, and the letter was false. Weeks later a tournament was to be held, where Queen Guinevere would attend. Launcelot heard of the tournament and was rather depressed because he was held in prison by the seneschal of Meleagant and he wished to attend the encounter. The wife of seneschal tried to comfort Launcelot, to the extreme of giving him permission to attend the tournament on the condition that he return to prison afterwards. Launcelot happily promised to do all that she asked ad he was was given the seneschal's red armour, weapons and warhorse. On the first day of the tournament, he did so well that Guinevere thought it might be her lover who had come in disguise. She sent a message to Launcelot, ordering her champion to do worse. Launcelot immediately performed badly at the tournament. The queen realised that it was her lover in the red armour. The next day she ordered Launcelot to perform badly again, before she ordered him to perform at his best. That day, he overcame all his adversaries.
Afterwards he returned to his prison, whereupon Meleagant was angry when he heard that Launcelot was allowed to leave the prison, despite that the hero had promised to return. Meleagant was determined that Launcelot would never be able to leave his prison again. He had a new tower built at a remote island on the inlet. It was a rare occasion that any person would travel to this remote part of Gorre. The tower was built within two months and Launcelot was imprisoned in the new dungeon. This time, Meleagant had door walled in, so that Launcelot could never leave. There was only a small window, to allow Launcelot to receive his meagre amount of stale bread and stagnated water. As the time approached for the appointed time of the combat between Launcelot and Meleagant, the wicked knight arrived at Camelot. Meleagant told the court that he did not see Launcelot and therefore challenged the king's court that Launcelot must meet him at the next appointed time, a year from now to face him. Gawaine promised to face Meleagant, as Launcelot's second, if Launcelot did not meet at the next appointment. Meleagant returned home, and told his father that Launcelot was not at Camelot to face him, boasting that Launcelot would not fight as the knight was coward. Bagdemagus rebuked his son, saying that only a fool would boast of his superiority. This only angered Meleagant more. One of Bagdemagus' daughters, overhearing the conversation, realised that Launcelot must be detained somewhere in Gorre. She immediately set out to find the hero. For a few months she traversed through Gorre, without finding anyone that knew the whereabouts of the hero. Finally, the lady came upon a tower she had never seen before. She was surprised to find no door and was convinced that Meleagant had Launcelot locked away at this tower. Bagdemagus' daughter found Launcelot was seriously weakened and his health had deteriorated due to lack of food and drinking tainted water. Bagdemagus' daughter revealed her identity to Launcelot. She told him she was the damsel who told Launcelot and Gawaine about the two perilous bridges, as well as the damsel who requested Launcelot to cut off the arrogant knight who had insulted the hero about riding the cart. She had come to rescue Launcelot. She found a pickaxe, which gave to Launcelot to break out of his dungeon. Bagdemagus' daughter brought the hero to her castle, where she nursed Launcelot to health. When he had grown healthy and strong after months of rest and exercises, it was time for Launcelot to leave. In gratitude Launcelot promised to defend her rights and her life if she ever required his assistance. By a stroke of luck, Launcelot arrived about the same time as Meleagant. Meleagant was saying that since Launcelot had not arrived at the appointed time and so he challenged Gawaine to fight with him. Gawaine was already fully armed and mounted when Launcelot arrived.
Launcelot insisted that he would fight with Meleagant, because the villain had mistreated him while in prison. Launcelot warned Meleagant that this time he would not spare his life. Reluctantly, Gawaine gave all his armour and weapons to his friend. Mounted upon the strong and swift horse of Gawaine, Launcelot jousted with his mortal enemy. Though they were even matched with the lances, they had unhorsed one another. They sprang to their feet and attacked each other with the swords. The two knights fought long and with great ferocity, but Launcelot gained the upper hand in the combat. Launcelot first severed Meleagant's right hand, before opening his enemy's belly with a deep slash. Then Launcelot smashed in Meleagant's helmet, so that his enemy could not even plead for mercy. Then Launcelot ripped the helmet off his Meleagant's head before he lopped it off. The story ended with Launcelot having fully avenged himself for his ill treatment at Meleagant's hand.
Arthur and his court celebrated Launcelot's victory over Meleagant with a feast. They were, however, afraid to tell Launcelot of the death of Galehaut. Launcelot was aware of his friend's death in any case. Despite having fairly defeated Meleagant, he was further troubled by a red knight, who was Meleagant's cousin. The red knight accused Launcelot of treacherously killing Meleagant, when the hero refused to spare his enemy. Launcelot denied the charge and agreed to a duel at Bagdemagus' court on the feast of Mary Magadelene. During his journey to Bagdemagus' kingdom, he found four guards around a casket. To his grief, Launcelot discovered it to be the casket of Galehaut. Launcelot would have probably killed himself in grief, but one of the damsels of the Lady of the Lake, arrived and instructed the hero to take the body to Dolorous Guard, where his friend can be buried. Why Dolorous Guard? So that Launcelot can be buried with his friend at his own death. The knights guarding the casket refused to let anyone move the casket from the church. So Launcelot fought and killed three knights. Launcelot spared the fourth knight on the condition that he should take Galehaut's body to the tomb at Dolorous Guard.
So Launcelot travelled with the casket, heading first towards the kingdom of Bagdemagus. At Floego Castle, he saw the people were about to burn Meleagant's sister for treason. A knight accused her of freeing Launcelot from Meleagant's prison and the court had found her guilty. Launcelot, recognising the damsel, decided to defend the lady. The accuser was no match against Launcelot. Launcelot unhorsed the other knight, knocked him senseless with his sword, and then threw the knight into the fire that was meant for the Meleagant's sister. The people released Meleagant's sister to Launcelot, who escorted her back to her residence at Galefort Castle. Here, Launcelot discovered that her accuser was the brother of the red knight, who had challenged him. The red knight was named Sir Argodras. Launcelot also learnt that Bagdemagus doesn't know yet that of his son's death. Launcelot stayed at Galefort for the night, before he continued on his journey, where he had some small adventures. Launcelot enjoyed the hospitality in the tent of another knight, but had been disarmed when he entered in the tent. Another knight in red armour went into the tent, and abducted the host's squire. This was because the two knights were enemies. The red knight also stole Launcelot's armour and horse.
Launcelot was pursuing the red knight on foot when he encountered a black knight. Launcelot asked the black knight if he could borrow his armour. The black knight agreed on the condition that Launcelot would give him the armour when the black knight asked for it in the future. So Launcelot donned the black knight's armour and took the horse, and continued on his pursuit of the red knight. Launcelot defeated the red knight and his companions, but befriended the red knight, who was named Arramant, whom he did not recognise when they were fighting. (Launcelot would later meet the Black Knight in the Gawaine at Corbenic.) Launcelot then went to Windesant, where Bagdemagus was currently holding court. Bagdemagus didn't recognise Launcelot, because the hero was wearing a different coloured armour and shield. Nor does the hero want to be recognised and be the one to tell the king, whom he likes, that he had killed Meleagant in combat. Launcelot confronted his accuser, ready to defend himself against the charges that Argodras had lain on him. Both knights proved they were excellent jousters, but as the fighting continued, Launcelot showed himself to be superior. Launcelot killed Argodras, giving him no time to plead for mercy.
Though Launcelot refused to give his name, Bagdemagus had already suspected who he was, and that his son was dead. Bagdemagus asked the hero to remove his helmet and immediately recognised Launcelot. He went to embrace the hero, like he would a friend or a son. Launcelot was reluctant to tell the king that he had killed his son, and Bagdemagus did not want to hear the news from Launcelot's lips, or else he may hate Launcelot. So Bagdemagus asked him the favour that he should send someone else to bring the news to him from 3 days after Launcelot departed. Launcelot stayed with Bagdemagus overnight, before beginning his journey to Dolorous Guard. One maiden asked the hero if he could accompanied him to Dolorous Guard as an escort and protector, and Launcelot agreed. At noon, a disreputable knight tried to forcibly kiss the maiden who was under Launcelot's protection. After taunting Launcelot, they fought and the hero overcame the knight. Launcelot spared the knight, in return that Patrides of Golden Circle informed Bagdemagus that Launcelot had killed Meleagant in combat. Launcelot heard of his cousin's adventure (Sir Bors) from Patrides. Launcelot and the maiden continued on the journey, while Patrides performed his task that he was given. A couple days later, Patrides told King Bagdemagus of his son's death at Launcelot's hand. Bagdemagus mourned for Meleagant and discovered that his son was buried at the Castle of the Four Stones. Launcelot arrived at Dolorous Guard, where he had had Galehaut's body buried in a tomb beneath the altar of a former mosque, but it is now a church.
The reason for this current quest of Launcelotis is that the knight had been injuried in the joust against his cousin Bors, whom he hadn't recognised, and because Bors had tried to abduct Guinevere. Launcelot was following an old woman, when he met Griffon of the Treacherous Pass, who asked for Launcelot's armour, because of the hero had previously taken Griffon's armour and horse, as he was the black knight. Because of his pledge, Launcelot had to give his armour to Griffon, who needed it. So while Launcelot travelled without his armour, Griffon rode away wearing Launcelot's armour. When Guinevere saw Griffon, she recognised her lover's armour, but not his horse. Griffon also rode with a head tied to his saddle. Guinevere assumed that this knight, wearing Launcelot's armour, had killed her lover and kept the head as trophy. As a result, she fainted and when she recovered from her swoon she sent Kay to pursue and capture the knight, but Griffon instead captured Kay. Guinevere returned to Camelot thinking that her lover must have been killed since she last saw him.
Arthur set his nephew Gawaine and nine other knights out on a quest to find if Launcelot had died or not. Later after several adventures, Launcelot would meet his cousin Lionel, but for now I will talk of Gawaine. During this new quest to find Launcelot, Gawaine and nine companions encountered another knight who carry two swords, who was named Eliezer or Elyezer, the son of King Pelles, the Fisher King. In of his sheath was a broken sword. They witnessed a miracle: the sword that bleeds. The blade had broken in the middle. The knight asked if Gawaine could rejoin the sword into a complete blade, just by joining the two halves together. Gawaine, Yvain and the other knights couldn't fix the sword no matter how hard they tried.
Eliezer explained why the sword was broken, and why the blade bled. He tells of how a Saracen lord's seneschal wounded Joseph of Arimathea in the thighs with his sword and the sword had broken in two. Joseph healed the Saracen lord and his brother and though Joseph's own wound healed, he foretold that the sword would remain broken until the greatest knight in the world arrived, at the time of the quest of the Grail.
Eliezer was disappointed that Gawaine could not mend the sword. Gawaine hearing that only the greatest knight could achieve this task, thought that Launcelot was that knight. Eliezer asked Gawaine to tell Launcelot that if he wish to perform this task, he must come to castle of the Fisher King (Corbenic). When Eliezer departed from the knights, Gawaine and his companions decided to separate in their search for Launcelot. Gawaine would later encountered Hector and the tournament; they did not recognise one another so they took different sides. Then Hector joined Gawaine on their continued quest to find Launcelot. Gawaine underwent several adventures where his worthiness was called into question over the quest of Grail. They arrived at a cemetery where a sign said that no one had entered the adventure of the burning tomb without leaving in shame. Despite the warning, Gawaine entered twice, and both times an invisible wielding sword beat him until he was unconscious. Hector entered the tomb where he was also beaten badly. They had both failed badly and were ashamed of their failure. They discovered that only the son of the Sorrowful Queen (Helen) would put out the fire, meaning Launcelot.
Leaving the tomb, they came across another sign at the fork of the road. The sign warned that no knight but the greatest should take the left road, otherwise they will leave in great shame. Again Hector and Gawaine decided to separate, with Gawaine taking the left road. Gawaine arrived at Corbenic, when he heard a damsel crying in distress. He found a damsel in a tub of boiling water that she couldn't get out of. Gawaine tried to lift the damsel out of the tub with all his strength, but he failed to do so. The damsel knew that Gawaine was not the knight who would free her from her suffering - only the best knight in the world (again, Launcelot) could do that. After several adventures to find Launcelot, Gawaine was the first knight to witness the Grail at Corbenic Castle. Fisher King, the king of Listenois and the lord of Corbenic, invited Gawaine to a feast. During the feast, Elaine, the beautiful daughter of Pelles, walked through the hall, carrying the Grail in her hands. The king and other members waited expectantly for Gawaine to ask about the Grail. They were bitterly disappointed with their guest. Gawaine witnessed the procession, but the hero was more interested in the beauty of the maiden than in the Grail. When Elaine left the hall through one of the door, everyone's plate were filled with abundant of food that came from the Grail, while Gawaine had none. Gawaine had realised he did something wrong. After the meal, everyone left him alone in the hall. Gawaine found that he could not leave the hall, so he entered the room where he found a beautiful bed Feeling tired from the journey, Gawaine wanted to settle down on the bed and sleep. However a female voice warned him that this was the Adventurous Bed and that he would die if he slept in it without armour for protection. Gawaine saw a superb set of armour. Gawaine donned the helmet and hauberk while carrying the shield in his arm. The moment he sat on the bed, a lance ablaze with fire entered the room from one of its door. The lance pierced his shoulder through the shield and hauberk. Then the lance vanished, leaving the hero in agony.
That night, Gawaine had a vision of a large serpent or a dragon. From the serpent's mouth, countless smaller serpents emerged. Then he saw the larger serpent and a leopard fighting, but the serpent could not win. After long battle, the serpent withdrew from the battle it couldn't win against the leopard, but the numerous smaller serpents immediately attacked the larger serpent. The larger and the smaller serpents were all killed. Then his vision vanished. Then wind blew through the windows, and twelve maidens wailed if they would ever be free from suffering. They kneeled down and prayed when they saw a dove fly into the room, afterwards the girls left. Then a knight entered the room, telling Gawaine that he was not worthy to sleep in this Bed of Adventures. Gawaine refused to leave, so the strange knight attacked him. Though he managed to defend himself well, he was still suffering from the wound to his shoulder. They fought until they were both suffering from exhaustion and numerous wounds. Then Gawaine witnessed a great storm outside, with roaring thunders and great flashes of lightning. Then he felt gentle breeze through the window, before he heard singing of chorus from countless voices of heaven. Gawaine saw the beautiful maiden again, carrying the Grail into the bedchamber, with two candles and two burning incenses. Elaine placed the Grail on a silver table. The singing continued for a while before abating. Then Elaine took the Grail with her and left the chamber.
Then suddenly, all the music stopped and the windows closed on their own accord. Gawaine found himself in the dark. As he got up, he found that he was completely healed by the Grail. The severe wound to his shoulder was gone. Gawaine was amazed. He looked around for the knight whom he had fought, but the knight had also vanished. Though others had died when they had slept in the Bed of Adventures, Gawaine was the first to survive. The people in the town came into the palace, grabbed Gawaine and bundled onto a cart, where he was tied like a common criminal. Gawaine felt great shame to be treated in this way. In the morning, Gawaine saw that the armour and weapons were in the cart, as well as his horse to the end. Gawaine saw an old nag was hitched to the cart. Then an old man got into the cart and drove through the town. The angry people of Corbenic hurled abuses and pelting mud, manure and shoes at Gawaine. Gawaine left Corbenic in disgrace and so much shame that he wished he could die. The cart halted at the other side of the drawbridge and freed Gawaine. Dejected, Gawaine wandered the forest and came upon a hermitage. Seeking guidance and wisdom, Gawaine sought the hermit's counsel. Gawaine told the hermit of his stay in Corbenic, including the about the Grail and his vision.
The hermit told Gawaine had sinned for been more interested in the beautiful Grail maiden (Elaine) than in the Grail itself. He had been lucky to be healed and leave Corbenic alive. As for the dream, the hermit warned Gawaine to avoid the war between Arthur and one of the best knights, because the war would cause his own death and the destruction of Arthur's kingdom.
Launcelot had sent a maiden he had rescued to Camelot with news that he was alive and well, since everyone was distressed in Arthur's court, because they thought he had died. Though everyone realised that Launcelot was alive, those who were seeking him were unaware of the news. Lionel had found his cousin Launcelot, so they travelled together. At noon, Launcelot was feeling tired, so decided to sleep under the shade of the apple tree. While Launcelot slept, Lionel saw two knights riding with their sister, when a huge black knight on a black horse approached them. The large knight attacked and killed the brothers, and took the maiden. Rather than wake his cousin, Lionel went alone to pursue and confront the abductor. As good as Lionel was, he was no match for the giant knight. Lionel's lance managed to pierce the shield and hauberk, but the giant was unharmed. The black knight swung his sword overhead, knocking Lionel senseless and off his horse. The giant then easily picked up Lionel on to his horse, riding away to his castle with the damsel in tow. When the knight found out that his prisoner was cousin of Launcelot, he had Lionel stripped of his armour and beaten by thorny branch. Hector, half brother of Launcelot had entered the forest of Terique when he saw a maiden weeping. Hector discovered that she was weeping over Lionel, who was captured by a giant knight named Tericam of the Impentrable Forest (or Sir Tarquin, as he is sometimes called).
Hector rode towards castle on top of the hill, with the intention of rescuing his cousin. As he neared the spring, Hector saw a tree on which he found sixty shields, suits of armour, helmets and swords, all hanging on the branches. Hector recognised only some of these shields, as there was a sign listing 24 of the knights come from the Arthur's Round Table. Hector was amazed at this feat. Letting his horse drink from the spring, he heard the gate open and a black knight ride out to challenge him for drinking from his spring. The two knights charged at each other with their lances levelled. Hector's skill proved superior as he unhorsed, the black knight, whose name was Tericam. However, before he could ride past the fallen knight, Tericam leaped to his feet, and plucked Hector off the horse. Hector was helpless as Lionel when the black knight placed him on his horse and rode towards his castle. Tericam's men disarmed and stripped off Hector's armour, though Tericam was impressed with Hector, because no other knight had ever unhorsed him. Tericam would have given Hector better treatment, if Hector promised not to leave his castle. Hector refused such pledge, so Hector was thrown into the dungeon with his other companions. There Hector not only met his cousin Lionel, but other prisoners such as Sagremor, Kay, Agloval and other knights who were in the quest to find Launcelot.
One of the reasons why Tericam liked attacking Arthur's knights of the Round Table and his special enmity towards Launcelot, was because the Black Knight was the brother of Caradoc, the Lord of Dolorous Tower. So Tericam wanted to avenge his brother upon Launcelot.
While Launcelot slept underneath the apple tree, three queens came to the sleeping hero with their retinues. All three were attracted to Launcelot's beauty. Using their magic, they took Launcelot with them to a castle, belonging to the Queen of Sorestan.
The three queens/sorceresses were the Queen of Sorestan, Morgan le Fay and Sebile. Launcelot woke and found himself as prisoner. The three queens demanded that he take one of them as his mistress or else he would die in prison. Launcelot refused to choose any of them. One damsel in the castle heard of Launcelot's capture. The damsel was the daughter of the Duke of Rocedon (some say the damsel who freed Launcelot was Bagdemagus' daughter). The damsel was due to marry against her will to the brother of the Queen of Sorestan. She promised to help Launcelot escape if he would prevent her marriage taking place on Sunday. Launcelot swore that he would aid her. The damsel freed Launcelot, providing the hero with new armour, weapons and a horse. Launcelot had also learned King Bagdemagus was holding a tournament against the King of Northgales on Thursday. Launcelot decided to aid Bagdemagus, where he defeated Mador, Galehodin and Mordred, brother of Gawaine, who had fought on the King of North Wales' side.
Elaine was the beautiful daughter of King Pelles of Listenois, the Fisher King, or as he titled himself, as the King of the Land Beyond. She resided with her family in the palace that was known as Palace of Adventure at Corbenic, the Grail Castle.
Launcelot arrived at Corbenic, where he rescued a damsel in tub of boiling water. Gawaine was the first knight to visit Corbenic before Launcelot, but he failed to lift the maiden out of the tub, because Gawaine was not the best knight in the world. When Launcelot had saved the women, the people warmly greeted the knight. The people of Corbenic urged him to the cemetery, where there was another prophetic sign. The inscriptions say that only the greatest knight in the world could lift the tombstone, who will beget a great lion (Galahad) from the daughter of the King of the Land Beyond. Launcelot didn't understand the meaning of the prophecy. Anyhow, Launcelot easily lifted the tombstone, finding a great dragon underneath. The dragon flew out of its confinement, hurling flame from its mouth. The townspeople fled in fear, but Launcelot was undaunted, confronting the dragon. Using the shield to protect himself against the dragon's fire, Launcelot ran his lance through the monster's chest. Then with his sword, he attacked the serpent, until he severed the dragon's head.
The hero arrived at the palace where King Pelles welcomed him as his guest. Launcelot joined the feast and saw the same procession that Gawaine had witnessed, as well as the Grail Maiden, Elaine. Though he admired Elaine's beauty, he was still faithful to his queen. And though Launcelot saw the Grail, he did not understand its importance, any more than Gawaine did.
Elaine fell in love with Sir Launcelot of the Lake, the greatest knight in the world. With the help of her governess, Brisane (Brisen), they tricked Launcelot into thinking that Guinevere was at Case Castle, the castle that was a few leagues away from Corbenic. Through Brisane's powerful enchantment, Launcelot arrived in Elaine's chamber, thinking he was making passionate love to his queen. Instead he made love to Elaine. That night, a child was conceived. In the morning, Launcelot was upset and angry for their deception as he felt ashamed. Yet, through their union a child would be born who would be destined to win the Holy Grail, because of virginity and the purity of his soul. Launcelot's son would be name after Launcelot's own baptismal name - Galahad. It was shortly after leaving Elaine that he stayed with a lord and his sister in a manor, where he learned that the woman was the mother of Hector. Launcelot found out that he had a half-brother, fathered by King Ban. Launcelot also learned that his father was buried in Royal Minister in Gaul, and his mother had become a nun.
Launcelot and other knights went through many adventures. Launcelot and only a few other knights on the quest (Gawaine, Bors and Gaheriet) had heard of the news of a tournament to be held in Camelot and had arrived in time to participate. Other knights were detained because they had become prisoners. King Bagdemagus had also come to the tournament. After the tournament, each knight recounted his adventures since Launcelot's mysterious disappearance. The next day, as favoured to Bagdemagus, Launcelot asked Arthur to make the king part of the fellowship. Since only a couple of knights had returned from the quest for Launcelot, they had decided to find the whereabouts of the other knights with the exception of Gawaine, who was wounded by Launcelot in the tournament. Bademagus joined Launcelot in this quest. They had rescued Yvain who was held in the dungeon in a castle. Bors fought the giant Malduit. Now that they had found a knight, their number was raised to five. On Launcelot's advice, they decided to separate, mainly so they were not seen as cowards for travelling in group.
Launcelot encountered no adventures until he reached the spot where he had last seen his cousin Lionel, in the forest of Terique. There he met a maiden, who informed Launcelot that Lionel and other knights of the Round Table had being captured by the knight Tericam of the Impentrable Forest. Launcelot learnt that Tericam was the brother of Caradoc of the Dolorous Tower, a knight that Launcelot had killed. The damsel promised to lead Launcelot to Tericam, but only if the hero promised to follow her in her own quest. Launcelot agreed. In the woods, Launcelot saw Tericam carrying off another knight. The hero immediately challenged the giant knight. They both were unhorsed and injured in the joust, but they drew their swords and fought furiously. Their shields were hacked to pieces, their hauberks torn with numerous wounds. When Tericam discovered that his enemy was his brother's killer, he was determined to avenge Caradoc. However, as the fighting continued, Launcelot had actually grown stronger and faster, while Tericam began to feel fatigue from exhaustion and blood loss. Tericam began retreating; some of his blows were missing their targets. Launcelot had forced Tericam back till they reached the moat of Tericam's castle where upon Tericam fell into the moat. The rogue knight could no longer defend himself, so Launcelot discarded his shield to rip off his enemy's helmet. Launcelot then split Tericam's head to his teeth with his sword.
Launcelot returned to the damsel and the wounded knight, and discovered that the knight was Gaheriet, the brother of Gawaine. Launcelot sent Gaheriet to free Lionel and the other knights, while Launcelot followed the damsel as he had promised.
The maiden told Launcelot that a villanous knight had robbed her of her favourite palfrey. She directed Launcelot to where the robber usually attacks traveller. Launcelot easily dispatched the villain. According to Malory's version, this rogue knight was known as Sir Peris de Forest Savage. Launcelot departed from the damsel the next day, in his search for his brother; not realising Hector was one of Tericam's prisoners.
After his adventure against Tericam, Launcelot met another damsel in the Lost Forest. When the damsel mentioned there was a great adventure in this forest, Launcelot decided to set out for this adventure. Since it was late, she told the hero that they should lodge in a beautiful manor. Not suspecting treachery, Launcelot agreed to her advice. The maiden was, however, one of Morgan le Fay's damsels and since Morgan was attracted to Launcelot's good looks, she decided to confine the hero. As Launcelot dined, he fell into a stupor from the drugged wine. Morgan le Fay held Launcelot in prison for a third time, where he stayed for two winters and a summer. During that time, Launcelot painted the stories of his life, all depicting his adventures and his love for Guinevere. Launcelot not only painted images of himself and Guinevere, but also wrote of their secret relationship. One day, Launcelot looked out the window, and saw a beautiful rose garden. The beauty of the flowers reminded him of the beauty of his queen. Launcelot want to pick the rose, but couldn't reach it and so he finally decided to leave. With his bare hands, the hero broke the bars on the window from the stonework, making his escape. Launcelot left a message with Morgan's porter, informing her that she would regret it if they were ever to meet again. Morgan went to Launcelot's cell, and was astonished. She believed that Launcelot's strength could only come from the Devil.
Launcelot had many adventures after his escape. Once he came upon the tomb of his grandfather, who was also named Launcelot (King Launcelot of the White Land), the father of King Ban and King Bors. The tomb was situated in the Perilous Forest, and guarded by two lions. Launcelot easily dispatched the lions and inside the tomb he found the headless body of his grandfather. Only the best knight in the world could move the stone where the body rested. The hermit who lived in a chapel near the tomb told Launcelot to bring the body into the chapel where they would bury the body near his wife, Queen Marche, the grandmother of Launcelot. Launcelot brought his grandfather's body to the chapel and buried it beside his grandmother. The hermit then told him how his grandfather had being murdered by his cousin, the Duke of White Fortress. The Duke had come up behind his cousin, while the king drank wine. The Duke's sword struck him on the neck, so that the King's head flew into a nearby spring. The Duke tried to retrieve the head from the water, but the spring grew so hot, it burned off the Duke's hands for his treacherous murder. The Duke had buried King Launcelot's headless body in the tomb. God further punished the Duke, by shrouding his White Fortress in a black cloud. When the Duke went to investigate these phenomena, he and his companions were crushed to death from the stone that fell on them, below the castle's entrance. The king's wife (Marche) tried to move her husband's body, but the stone was too heavy.
The spring continued to boil and the darkness around the White Fortress until the true Grail hero (Galahad) arrived, and only he could lift the curse on the castle. The next day, Launcelot left the hermit, and continued his journey through the forest until he rescued a youth and killed a bear. With no lodging to be found, the youth suggested the two pavilions he passed by. However, the pavilion belonged to a knight, who challenged any knight-errant who wanted to lodge in his pavilion. Launcelot killed the knight in a joust. Launcelot then met another knight, Sir Sarras, where the hero learned of the birth of his son, Galahad. Sarras was on his way to meet the Sir Beylas, the Knight of the Spring. Beylas had previously defeated Gawaine and other knights of the Round Table in jousting matches. Sarras had also informed Launcelot that a son was born to the best knight in the world and the daughter of Pelles. Launcelot's son by Elaine was named Galahad. Galahad was the name that Launcelot had received from his parents. Sarras went to challenge Beylas but lost the duel and his horse. Launcelot avenged Sarras, by wounding Beylas in the shoulder with his lance. Launcelot compensated Sarras by giving him Beylas' horse. Launcelot revealed his identity and told him that he, Gawaine and the other knights would return to Camelot on Pentecost.
War was brewing across the Channel. Launcelot's father, King Ban of Banoic, had died in of heartbreak when he lost his kingdom to Claudas, while Launcelot's uncle, King Bors of Gaunes died from grief over his brother's death. Claudas took both kingdoms as his own, and became one of the most powerful lords in France. Claudas had also become ally with Rome, particularly with Frollo, Rome's representative in Gaul. Launcelot's reason for going to war against his father's former enemy, was more personal. Recently, a young lady, who was a cousin of Guinevere, learned of news that Launcelot was alive. She was journeying through France, to bring message to the Lady of the Lake, when she came upon the city of Gaunes. King Claudas, wanting news about Arthur and Launcelot in Logres, held her against her will. Thinking that Bors and Lionel had sent her to spy on him, Claudas' seneschal advised to have the lady and her retinues searched, for any letter that she may have. The lady, suspecting treachery from Claudas, was about to sent out her dwarf as a messenger to the queen about her mistreatment by Claudas. But before the dwarf could leave, he threw the letter into the river. The Queen's lady and her retinue were held in prison. Claudas decided to sent his two cousins as spies to Logres and investigate the situation in Arthur's court. Both youths were amazed that King Arthur was so generous in his gifts during the festivities. They found that Launcelot and many other knights were absent, because they were on a quest.
One spy decided to stay in Camelot and enjoy the festivals that Arthur would hold in the future, while the other youth decided to return home with his findings. The youth, named Tarquin, who stayed in Camelot, soon became squire to Guinevere. The Queen discovered of Claudas' treachery in holding one of her ladies in prison. She sent Tarquin to Claudas, with a letter, commanding Claudas for the lady's release or else face her wrath. The letter angered Claudas that he sent Tarquin back, with a message to Guinevere that he will not release the prisoner. He also threatened to dishonour the lady and Guinevere was upset with Claudas' arrogant reply. After Launcelot's escape from Morgan and some other adventures, he returned to Camelot on Pentecost Day.
On that very day, a new knight, named Brumand, would die as was inscribed on the Perilous Seat. Brumand was the nephew of Claudas and arrived at Camelot to prove that Launcelot was not the boldest knight in the world, since the hero had never dared to sit on the Perilous Seat. But Brumand to be the most foolish knight, not the boldest. Brumand was blasted into ashes, not long after he sat on the seat. As they watched jousting matches, Launcelot sat with the queen, whom he related his adventure to, before Guinevere told him of the message from Claudas. Launcelot was upset with the news and insult that Claudas had delivered to his love. Guinevere persuaded Launcelot to ask for help from Arthur.
That night Launcelot asked his kinsmen and followers for support in the coming war. None refused. Other knights also voiced their support for Launcelot, and Arthur declared war on Claudas. Arthur send his army to Gaul as he had an obligation to restore the kingdoms to Ban's kinsmen (Launcelot, Bors and Lionel), since he failed to come to King Ban and King Bors' aid, because Arthur was fighting his own wars against rebel lords. Arthur faced Claudas of the Waste Land and Frollo of Gaul. Claudas' spies brought news of the coming war. The ursurper was dismayed that Launcelot was alive, but the spies told the king that Arthur and Launcelot would not be joining the army. The seneschal advised that Claudas asked for aid from Rome (ruled by Emperor Tiberius Caesar). Claudas also found out about his nephew's death when he sat on the Perilous Seat. Claudas began his own preparation for war. Arthur had only sent the first element of his army to Gaul, led by Gawaine and King Bagdemagus of Gorre. The men from Logres had early successes, winning battles and capturing castles. However they lost many men in a night ambush. Several hundred knights were killed and several hundred were captured by the knights from Gaunes, led by Claudin, Claudas' son. Among the prisoners were Lionel, Bors' brother and King Yon; they were sent to Gaunes as prisoners.
A fierce battle was fought the next day. Both sides enjoyed successes and failures, but the men of Logres proved themselves better knights, since they were heavily outnumbered, causing the men of Gaunes to retreat several times. They fought until nightfall, when the men of Gaunes were forced to retreat behind the city walls. Claudas was advised to exchange prisoners with the men of Logres. Claudas found out that Lionel was one of his prisoners. While Lionel was Claudas' hostage, Lionel had killed his son, Dorin. Nevertheless, Claudas was forced to free Lionel with the other prisoners. However, he refused to free the maiden, Guinevere's cousin. Then, the Britons laid siege to the city of Gaunes. When nuns arrived, Helen (Elaine), Launcelot's mother, recognised her nephews, Bors and Lionel. They were also visited by the Lady of the Lake. The army of Logres managed to capture all the surrounding castles, except Gaunes, when news arrived that Romans were marching to reinforce Claudas' army. Frollo, the governor of Gaul sent by Rome, led the Roman army. The Britons were warned by the Lady of the Lake of the arrival of the Romans. Yvain sent a messenger to Logres for reinforcement. In the battle that followed the enemies managed to capture Bagdemagus, but Bors had captured Claudas' son (Claudin) and nephew (Canart). Claudas agreed to release Bagdemagus for his son and nephew.
Arthur and Launcelot arrived in Gaunes with fresh reinforcement. They met Frollo's army, and fought until nightfall. Frollo lost many Romans to Launcelot and decided to challenge Arthur in single combat rather than risk more causalities. Frollo would have being defeated had the fighting continued a little longer. Arthur accepted the challenge, and refused to let Launcelot fight in his place. The single combat took place on the little island called Roland's Island. The two unhorsed one another and then they fought against each other. Despite being older of the two, Arthur proved himself a better warrior. Though Arthur offered Frollo's mercy if he admitted defeat, the Roman leader was too arrogant. So Arthur severed Frollo's head and the Roman army was forced to leave the war and abandoned Claudas to his fate. When news reached Gaunes of Frollo's death and the Roman retreat, Claudas decided to secretly flee with some of his treasure. When Claudin heard of his father's cowardly escape, he decided to return the kingdom of Gaunes to Bors and Lionel. Instead of keeping the land he had won, Arthur gave Gaul and the kingdoms of Banoic and Gaunes to Launcelot for his services and friendship. Launcelot was finally reunited with his mother Helen (Elaine), the former queen of Banoic. Helen had become a nun at the Royal Minister, after the death of her husband, and Launcelot's disappearance with the Lady of the Lake. Launcelot stayed with his mother, hearing of her son's great deeds and exploits. Helen was finally happily reunited with her son and died a week later.
After the war, news spreaded to Logres of Arthur's victory. In the kingdom of Listenois, they also heard of Launcelot's prowess in battle. Guinevere found out that Launcelot had been with another woman. The Queen forgave Launcelot when he told her how he was tricked into sleeping with Elaine, daughter of King Pelles of Listenois. One day, King Pelles visited King Arthur. Pelles brought his daughter along. Guinevere became jealous when she saw Elaine, because she was very beautiful and was determined to keep Launcelot away from her rival. When Arthur was absence, Guinevere invited Launcelot to her room that night. Brisane, Elaine's governess, again used her potion and tricked Launcelot in thinking that he was making love to the Queen, instead the hero was making love to Elaine. Suspecting that something was wrong, Guinevere burst into Elaine's room and found her lover sleeping with her rival. Launcelot was upset that he had been tricked again, but in a jealous rage, Guinevere told Launcelot to leave the castle and that she didn't want him to be in her presence ever again. Launcelot became so unbearably distressed at Guinevere's words that he lost his wits. Launcelot was still naked when he jumped out of the window and ran into the wood. Elaine rebuked Guinevere for being unfaithful to her husband (Arthur) and told her that Launcelot should be finding a wife of his own, instead of living in mortal sin with the queen. Guinevere soon regreted her words to her lover. Hector, along with Launcelot's cousins and friends, went out in search of the knight.
For two years, cursed by madness, Launcelot roamed through Logres, until he came to Corbenic. No one recognised Launcelot, since he had become scrawny and unshaven. In Corbenic, he became the "Fool" in King Pelles' court, until Elaine found him sleeping in the garden. Elaine used the Grail to heal Launcelot's madness. Launcelot stayed with Elaine in one of King Pelles' island castles, known as the Isle of Joy. After several years, Hector, Percivale and Agloval (Percivale's brother) found him on the island. They told him that the queen was finally reconciled with him, so he returned to Camelot. Not long after this, the quest for the Grail began, when Launcelot's son, Galahad arrived and sat on the Sieges Perilous at the Round Table.
After many adventures in his quest for the Grail, Launcelot finally discovered this most holy of objects. He was denied the pleasure of seeing the actual cup, however, because of his impurity that resulted from his affair with Guinevere. Around this time, the last battle at Camlann was being fought. Launcelot heard of this and recieved a message from Arthur begging him to aid the king in the battle. Launcelot, however, arriveed too late - just as the battle was finished. After discovering that Arthur had gone on to Avalon, that the Round Table had been dispersed and that Guinevere had joined a convent, the most famous knight decided to join an order of God as well. It is said that Launcelot repented all his sins and eventually died a peaceful death in an abbey as a monk.
Copyright © The Arthurian Kingdom
