Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
XI: Queen Guenever's Peril explained
Queen Guenever is accused of poisoning a Scottish knight after a squire's plot to kill Sir Gawain goes awry.
What happens
Queen Guenever is accused of poisoning a Scottish knight after a squire's plot to kill Sir Gawain goes awry. Sir Mador demands her punishment unless a champion defends her. With Sir Launcelot absent after a quarrel, she pleads with other knights in vain until Sir Bohort agrees conditionally. Launcelot, learning of her danger, returns in disguise as a black knight, defeats Sir Mador in combat, and proves her innocence. The true culprit confesses, and Arthur rewards Launcelot with the castle 'La Joyeuse Garde.'
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Launcelot's return as a mysterious black knight to defend the queen's honor exemplifies the heroic quest to restore justice.
Jealousy and Revenge
The squire's jealousy of Sir Gawain leads to a poison plot; Sir Mador seeks revenge for his brother's death.
Hospitality and Its Violation
The poisoning at a public feast violates the sacred bond of hospitality, causing chaos and accusation.
Characters to notice
- Queen Guenever
Accused of poisoning a knight; pleads for a champion and is saved by Launcelot's intervention.
- Sir Launcelot
Returns in disguise as a black knight to defend Guenever, defeats Sir Mador, and reconciles with the queen.
- Sir Gawain
Target of the squire's poison plot; refuses to champion the queen despite her pleas.
- Sir Bohort
Initially reluctant, agrees to defend Guenever if no other champion appears; later supports Launcelot's plan.
- King Arthur
Compelled to accept Sir Mador's challenge; rejoices when Launcelot wins and grants him La Joyeuse Garde.
Key passages
“A certain squire who was in her immediate service, having some cause of animosity to Sir Gawain, determined to destroy him by poison, at a public entertainment.”
A squire serving the queen, bearing a grudge against Sir Gawain, plotted to kill him by poisoning an apple at a feast.
The squire's motive and method are introduced, setting the tragic chain of events in motion.
“Sir Mador, brother of the murdered knight, arrived at Arthur’s court in quest of him. While hunting in the forest he by chance came to the spot where the monument was erected, read the inscription, and returned to court determined on immediate and signal vengeance.”
Sir Mador, seeking his missing brother, discovered the monument in the forest, learned of the death, and resolved to exact revenge.
Mador's discovery fuels the central conflict, demanding a champion for the queen.
“The victor, whose arm was already raised to terminate the life of his opponent, instantly dropped his sword, courteously lifted up the fainting Sir Mador, frankly confessing that he had never before encountered so formidable an enemy.”
Launcelot, about to kill Sir Mador, instead lowered his sword, helped him up, and praised his skill as a worthy opponent.
Launcelot's mercy and courtesy transform the combat into a reconciliation, highlighting chivalric ideals.