Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Sir Galahad explained
Sir Galahad arrives at King Arthur's court, is revealed as the son of Sir Launcelot, and sits in the Siege Perilous, marking him as the knight destined to achieve the Sangreal.
What happens
Sir Galahad arrives at King Arthur's court, is revealed as the son of Sir Launcelot, and sits in the Siege Perilous, marking him as the knight destined to achieve the Sangreal. He participates in a tournament, then embarks on a quest, eventually claiming the adventurous shield of Joseph of Arimathea after King Bagdemagus fails to bear it.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Sir Galahad is introduced as the chosen knight for the Sangreal quest, and the chapter sets the stage for his heroic journey.
Cultural Transmission and Education
The hermit and the white knight convey the history and significance of the shield, passing down the legacy of Joseph of Arimathea to Sir Galahad.
Characters to notice
- Sir Galahad
Introduced as the young knight of kings' lineage, son of Sir Launcelot, who sits in the Siege Perilous and is destined to achieve the Sangreal.
- King Arthur
Welcomes Sir Galahad to court, organizes a tournament, and sorrowfully bids farewell to the knights departing on the Sangreal quest.
- Sir Launcelot
Beholds his son Sir Galahad with great joy and is one of the two knights who surpasses Galahad in the tournament.
- Sir Bohort
Prophesies that Sir Galahad shall come to great worship.
- Queen Guenever
Expresses desire to see Sir Galahad and notes his resemblance to Sir Launcelot.
- Sir Perceval
One of the two knights, along with Sir Launcelot, who surpasses Sir Galahad in the tournament.
Key passages
“Then Sir Launcelot beheld his son, and had great joy of him.”
Sir Launcelot looked upon his son and felt immense happiness.
Highlights the emotional reunion between father and son.
“This is he by whom the Sangreal shall be achieved, for there never sat one before in that seat without being mischieved.”
This is the knight who will accomplish the quest for the Holy Grail, as no one who previously sat in that seat escaped harm.
Establishes Sir Galahad's unique destiny.
“Never shall man bear this shield about his neck but he shall repent it, unto the time that Sir Galahad the good knight bear it, the last of my lineage, the which shall do many marvellous deeds.”
No one will carry this shield without regretting it, until Sir Galahad, the last of my lineage, bears it and performs many wondrous feats.
Prophecy linking the shield to Sir Galahad's destined role.