Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
Book XVII explained
The knights of the Round Table embark on the quest for the Holy Grail, with Sir Galahad emerging as the chosen knight.
What happens
The knights of the Round Table embark on the quest for the Holy Grail, with Sir Galahad emerging as the chosen knight. He proves his worth through a series of miraculous adventures, including the Siege Perilous, the shield of Joseph of Aramathie, and the healing of King Evelake. Sir Percivale and Sir Bors also have significant spiritual encounters, while Sir Launcelot is humbled by his sins and unable to achieve the Grail.
Themes in this chapter
Religious Quest and Redemption
The entire chapter is centered on the spiritual journey for the Holy Grail, with Galahad's purity and Launcelot's repentance highlighting the theme of redemption through faith.
Fate and Tragedy
Launcelot's tragic inability to achieve the Grail due to his past sins underscores the inescapable consequences of moral failings.
Characters to notice
- Sir Galahad
The pure knight who achieves the Holy Grail; he sits in the Siege Perilous, receives the shield of Joseph of Aramathie, and heals King Evelake.
- Sir Percivale de Galis
A knight on the Grail quest who has spiritual visions and encounters, including a meeting with a veiled lady who reveals holy mysteries.
- Sir Bors de Ganis
A worthy knight who resists temptation and is granted visions of the Grail's mysteries.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Humbled by his sins, he is unable to enter the Grail chamber and is warned by a holy voice that his pride and adultery have made him unworthy.
- King Evelake
An ancient king healed by Sir Galahad, having waited for the pure knight to cure his wounds.
Key passages
“Then the king and all the knights went to the jousts, and there they saw Sir Galahad sitting in the Siege Perilous, and all the knights marvelled.”
During the tournament, everyone was astonished to see Galahad seated in the forbidden Siege Perilous, proving his divine destiny.
Galahad's occupation of the Siege Perilous confirms his role as the chosen Grail knight.
“And then there came a voice that said, 'Thou art not worthy to see the Holy Grail, for thou hast been a sinful knight.'”
A heavenly voice declared Launcelot unworthy of the Grail because of his sinful life.
Launcelot's exclusion from the Grail vision emphasizes the theme of sin and redemption.