Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Sir Launcelot explained
Sir Launcelot, the greatest knight of the Round Table, undertakes a series of adventures after King Arthur's return from Rome.
What happens
Sir Launcelot, the greatest knight of the Round Table, undertakes a series of adventures after King Arthur's return from Rome. He is captured by four queens but refuses their advances, is rescued by a damsel in exchange for aiding her father King Bagdemagus in a tournament, and then sets out to find his lost brother Sir Lionel, eventually seeking the formidable knight Sir Turquine.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Sir Launcelot's journey to prove himself in strange adventures, rescue his brother, and confront Sir Turquine exemplifies the heroic quest.
Love and Transformation
Launcelot's unwavering love for Queen Guenever drives his actions and his refusal of the four queens, highlighting love as a transformative force.
Hospitality and Its Violation
The betrayal by the lady and Sir Phelot, who lure Launcelot into a trap under the guise of help, violates the code of hospitality.
Characters to notice
- Sir Launcelot
The protagonist of the chapter, the noblest knight living, who proves his prowess in tournaments and adventures, refuses the enchantress queens, and aids King Bagdemagus.
- Queen Guenever
The queen whom Sir Launcelot loves above all other ladies, and for whom he performs many deeds of arms.
- Sir Lionel
Sir Launcelot's nephew who accompanies him on the quest but is captured and imprisoned by a strong knight while Launcelot sleeps.
- Sir Gawain
One of the four knights who joust with Sir Launcelot while he is disguised in Sir Kay's armor; he is unhorsed by Launcelot.
- Sir Kay
The seneschal whose armor Sir Launcelot borrows, leading other knights to mistake him for Sir Kay.
Key passages
“And in especial Sir Launcelot of the Lake in all tournaments and justs and deeds of arms, both for life and death, passed all other knights, and was never overcome, except it were by treason or enchantment;”
Sir Launcelot excelled in every tournament and combat, never being defeated unless through betrayal or magic.
Establishes Launcelot's unmatched reputation as a knight.
“Then they began to strive for that knight, and each one said she would have him for her love.”
The four queens argued over who would claim Sir Launcelot as her lover.
Illustrates the queens' desire and the enchantment plot.
“This is a hard case, said Sir Launcelot, that either I must die, or else choose one of you; yet had I liever to die in this prison with worship, than to have one of you for my paramour, for ye be false enchantresses.”
Launcelot declares he would rather die honorably in prison than take any of the deceitful queens as his lover.
Shows Launcelot's loyalty and moral integrity.