# The Lady of the Fountain explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ii-the-lady-of-the-fountain
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters