# VII: Caradoc Briefbras; or, Caradoc with the Shrunken Arm explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## What happens

Caradoc, son of Ysenne and the enchanter Eliaures, proves his courage by accepting a beheading challenge from his unknown father. Later, a wicked woman causes Eliaures to afflict Caradoc with a serpent that drains his arm. His betrothed Guimier and friend Cador seek him out, and Guimier sacrifices herself to lure the serpent away, allowing Cador to slay it. Caradoc's arm heals but remains shrunken, earning him the name Briefbras. The chapter concludes with the ballad of the Boy and the Mantle, which tests the fidelity of Arthur's court ladies.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroism and the Quest

Caradoc's acceptance of the beheading challenge and Cador's quest to find and rescue Caradoc exemplify heroic deeds and the chivalric quest.

### Love and Transformation

Guimier's self-sacrificing love for Caradoc leads to his physical and emotional transformation, while the ballad tests the transformative power of fidelity in love.

### Hospitality and Its Violation

The ballad's mantle test reveals violations of marital fidelity within Arthur's court, challenging the ideal of hospitality and trust.

## Character check-ins

### Caradoc

Son of Ysenne and the enchanter Eliaures; proves his valor by accepting the beheading challenge; later afflicted by a serpent on his arm, which is removed through Guimier's sacrifice, leaving his arm shrunken.

### Guimier

Betrothed to Caradoc; sister to Cador; willingly exposes herself to the serpent to save Caradoc, demonstrating her love and courage.

### Cador

Caradoc's bosom friend and brother of Guimier; searches for Caradoc and slays the serpent with a lucky blow.

### Eliaures

Enchanter and father of Caradoc; initially tests Caradoc's courage, but later, under the influence of a wicked woman, afflicts Caradoc with a serpent.

### King Arthur

Presides over the court where Caradoc is knighted and where the beheading challenge occurs; also appears in the ballad of the Boy and the Mantle.

### Sir Kay

Initially refuses the beheading challenge; later in the ballad, his lady fails the mantle test.

### Queen Guenever

In the ballad, she fails the mantle test, causing the mantle to shrink and reveal her infidelity.

### Sir Cradock

In the ballad, his lady successfully passes the mantle test after confessing a single kiss before marriage.

## Key lines

> Do you do this as one of the best knights? No, he replied, but as one of the most foolish.

When asked if he acts as one of the finest knights, Caradoc humbly says he does so as one of the most foolish.

_Caradoc's modesty and willingness to risk himself for the honor of the Round Table._

> Lie still, she cried, O mantle! And shame me not for naught; I’ll freely own whate’er amiss Or blameful I have wrought.

She commands the mantle to be still and not shame her without cause, promising to confess any wrongdoing she has committed.

_The lady's honest confession in the ballad, which ultimately allows the mantle to fit perfectly._

## Links

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- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters