# III: The Lady of the Fountain (Continued) explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## What happens

Owain sets out to find the knight who guards the fountain, following Kynon's directions. He encounters the yellow man, the black man, and the fountain, where he defeats the black knight in combat. Trapped between gates after the portcullis falls, Owain is aided by a maiden who gives him a ring of invisibility. He hides and later learns of the black knight's death. Meanwhile, Luned, the countess's maiden, pretends to seek a champion from Arthur's court but returns with Owain, who marries the countess and defends the fountain for three years.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroism and the Quest

Owain's journey to the fountain and his defeat of the black knight exemplify the chivalric quest for glory and adventure.

### Love and Transformation

Owain's marriage to the countess transforms his status from a wandering knight to a ruler and defender of the land.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Owain

The protagonist who undertakes the quest to the fountain, defeats the black knight, and later marries the countess.

### Sir Kay

Mocks Owain's intentions at Arthur's court, but is rebuked by Guenever.

### Queen Guenever

Defends Owain against Kay's taunts, showing her support for the knight.

### King Arthur

Present at court, awakens from a nap and asks about mealtime.

### Luned

The countess's maiden who aids Owain by pretending to seek a champion and later arranges his marriage to the countess.

## Key lines

> By the hand of my friend, said Kay, often dost thou utter that with thy tongue which thou wouldest not make good with thy deeds.

Kay accuses Owain of making boasts he cannot fulfill.

_Kay's taunt spurs Owain to prove himself._

> Take this ring and put it on thy finger, with the stone inside thy hand, and close thy hand upon the stone. And as long as thou concealest it, it will conceal thee.

The maiden gives Owain a ring that makes him invisible when he hides the stone in his palm.

_Magical aid helps Owain escape capture._

> I am certain, said the Countess, that no other man than this chased the soul from the body of my lord.

The countess recognizes Owain as the knight who killed her husband.

_Tension arises as the countess identifies Owain as her husband's slayer._

## Links

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