Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Lady of the Fountain explained
King Arthur holds court at Caerleon upon Usk.
What happens
King Arthur holds court at Caerleon upon Usk. While Arthur sleeps, Kynon tells a tale of his past adventure: he journeyed to a magnificent castle, was well entertained, and was directed by a black woodward to a magical fountain. Upon pouring water from a silver bowl onto a marble slab, he triggered a thunderstorm and a shower, then was challenged and defeated by a black knight. Kynon returns home in shame, having failed the adventure.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Kynon's journey to the fountain is a classic quest for adventure and self-proof, though he fails the test.
Hospitality and Its Violation
Kynon receives lavish hospitality at the castle, but his actions at the fountain provoke a hostile response from the black knight, violating the peace.
Characters to notice
- King Arthur
Holds court at Caerleon upon Usk; sleeps while his knights tell tales.
- Sir Owain
Present in Arthur's chamber; asks Kynon to tell his tale to Kay.
- Sir Kay
Seneschal who provides mead and meat; requests a story from Kynon.
- Queen Guenever
Sewing with her handmaidens by the window in Arthur's chamber.
- Kynon
Son of Clydno; narrates his failed adventure to the fountain and the black knight.
Key passages
“I was the only son of my mother and father, and I was exceedingly aspiring, and my daring was very great.”
Kynon describes himself as an ambitious and bold young man, the sole child of his parents.
Kynon introduces his character and motivation for seeking adventure.
“Then I took the bowl, and cast a bowlful of water upon the slab, and immediately I heard a mighty peal of thunder, so that heaven and earth seemed to tremble with its fury.”
Kynon pours water onto the marble slab, triggering a thunderous noise that shakes the sky and ground.
The magical effect of the fountain is activated, leading to the storm and the knight's challenge.