Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Adventure of the Lion explained
Owain, reminded of his forgotten promise to the Countess of the Fountain, falls into despair and wanders as a wild man until he is revived by a charitable lady.
What happens
Owain, reminded of his forgotten promise to the Countess of the Fountain, falls into despair and wanders as a wild man until he is revived by a charitable lady. He later rescues a lion from a serpent, and the lion becomes his loyal companion. Owain then saves Luned, the Countess's handmaiden, from execution, defeats her accusers with the lion's help, and is reunited with the Countess, whom he brings to Arthur's court.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Owain's journey from despair to redemption, his rescue of the lion, and his defense of Luned exemplify the heroic quest for honor and restoration.
Hospitality and Its Violation
Owain violates the hospitality of the Countess by abandoning her, but later receives hospitality from the charitable lady and repays her with service.
Characters to notice
- Sir Owain
The protagonist who falls into despair after being reminded of his betrayal, later revives, rescues a lion, and saves Luned.
- Luned
The handmaiden of the Countess of the Fountain, imprisoned for defending Owain, and later rescued by him.
- King Arthur
Mentioned as the ruler of Caerleon upon Usk and the court to which Owain returns with the Countess.
Key passages
“And as Owain one day sat at meat, in the city of Caerleon upon Usk, behold a damsel entered the hall, upon a bay horse, with a curling mane, and covered with foam; and the bridle, and as much as was seen of the saddle, were of gold.”
While Owain was dining in Caerleon, a maiden rode into the hall on a foaming bay horse with a golden bridle and saddle.
The damsel's dramatic entrance sets the plot in motion by reminding Owain of his forgotten promise.
“And he went about with the wild beasts, and fed with them, until they became familiar with him.”
Owain lived among wild animals, eating with them until they grew accustomed to his presence.
Owain's descent into a wild state reflects his shame and mental anguish.
“And Owain unsheathed his sword, and drew near to the rock; and as the serpent sprung out he struck him with his sword and cut him in two.”
Owain drew his sword, approached the rock, and sliced the attacking serpent in half.
This act of bravery earns him the lion's lifelong loyalty.
“And the lion brought him fuel enough to last for three nights.”
The lion gathered enough firewood to keep the fire burning for three nights.
The lion's service highlights the deep bond formed between man and beast.
“And they attacked Owain, and he was hard beset by them. And with that, the lion came to Owain’s assistance, and they two got the better of the young men.”
The two pages attacked Owain fiercely, but the lion rushed to help him, and together they defeated the youths.
The lion's intervention is crucial to Owain's victory and Luned's rescue.