SIR LANCELOT

 

Lancelot du Lac was the flower of chivalry, a role model to many knights and the passion of many women.

King Pelles had a beautiful daughter, known as Elaine of Corbenic, who was desperately in love with Lancelot. Unlike the other women of the court, Elaine was not deterred by Lancelot's love for the queen. Any chance that they could be together lay with the magical arts of Elaine's lady-in-waiting. Brisen was an enchantress who foresaw that the child of Lancelot's and Elaine's union, Galahad, could benefit the land. And so Brisen led Lancelot to Elaine's chamber and there made him believe that Guenevere awaited him inside.

As Lancelot lay with Elaine, Guenevere sent her lady-in-waiting to fetch him. While the maid reported that she found his bed cold, Guenevere flew into a rage. Suspecting Elaine, she raced to her chamber where the two were found sleeping. In her fury, Guenevere banished both from the court. It was only then that Lancelot realized he had been deceived (or so he said). Lancelot was so grieved by Guenevere's words, that he fell to the floor in a swoon. On awakening he was quite out of his wits. Wearing only a shirt, he leapt out of the window and ran to the protection of the forest.

For two years Lancelot remained in the sanctuary of the woods, running with the animals and feeding on berries. The Knight of the Round Table searched for their friend to no avail. Though there were sightings, no one recognized the wildman as Lancelot du Lac until Elaine came upon him sleeping by a well. She immediately sent news of her find to King Pelles--guardian of the Grail. And so, by the virrtue of the Grail, Lancelot was healed.



From Ferguson, Anna-Marie. Keeper of Words. 1995 Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, Minnesota. (66)

 

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