Sir lancelot lake legend. The meaning of lancelot, or lancelot in the encyclopedia of Celtic mythology. Storyline analysis

Mastering the Grail, repentance and death of Lancelot.

biography

Birth and upbringing

Lancelot's parents were King Ban and Queen Elaine in the country of Benwick (Beaufort en Vallee).

At baptism he was given the name Galahad; he later named his son that.

According to legend, the king's castle, located near the forest of Broceliande, was considered impregnable. However, to ensure that his wife and son are completely safe, the king decides to leave the castle with his family and a few close associates, leaving the fortress to one of his loved ones. But when he returned for the last time, the king realized that he had been betrayed, and that his castle had been burned down by his enemy, King Claudas of the Desert Land. Unable to bear this picture, the king dies, leaving his wife and child alone. While Elaina was grieving over the body of the king, Galahad was kidnapped by the fairy Vivian, a creature that lives at the bottom of the lake. The queen thought that Lancelot was dead and soon retired to a monastery.

The tragic denouement and death of King Arthur

Relationships

parents:
- Ban, King of Benwick
- Elaine, queen
teacher:
suzerain:
beloved:
spouse:
- Elaina, daughter of King Pelles (Elena, daughter of Pelléas)
son:
other relatives:
- sir hector (Hector de Maris)- half-brother, half-son of King Ban
- Sir Bore the Elder - uncle, brother of King Ban
- Sir Lionel - cousin, son of Bore the Elder, brother of King Ban
- Sir Bore the Younger - cousin, son of Bore the Elder, brother of King Ban

Sources of folding the image

Story processing in literature

The plot of Lancelot appears relatively late in the Arthurian cycle. He is completely unknown to Celtic sources, unaffected by French influence.

In a poetic courtly epic, he is being developed: "Knight of the cart" ( Le chevalier de la charrette) Chrétien de Troyes and Lancelot by Ulrich von Zatzikhofen (end of the 12th century). Lancelot also plays a more or less important role in a number of less significant novels, such as Diu Krône by Heinrich von dem Türlin (c.), Rigomer, etc.

In the prose French novel of the 13th century, representing the decomposition and cyclization of the courtly epic, the plot of Lancelot becomes the center of the narrative; they adapt to it, the plot cycles of Merlin, the search for the Holy Grail and the death of King Arthur are contaminated with it. Thus, around 1215, a large prose novel about Lancelot was created, which underlies numerous alterations and retellings in almost all European languages - German (Ulrich Fueterer and his successors), Dutch, Italian, English (which includes the printed "Mort d'Arthure" by Thomas Malory, XV century), Spanish, Portuguese. It has determined the themes of the chivalric romance for centuries.

All historically attested adaptations of Lancelot's plot in their main part can be reduced without much difficulty to Chrétien's Chevalier de la charrette.

Storyline analysis

Thus, the plot of Lancelot in its main part - the glorification of the love of a vassal and a queen that breaks the bonds of church marriage and vows of feudal allegiance - takes shape in Chrétien de Troyes, the founder and greatest master of courtly literature in France, in a novel written at the author's own hint to promote a new "courtly" outlook and a new outlook on love.

The plot of Lancelot is part of this literature - the expression of the first glimpses of a new individualistic worldview, with its rehabilitation of earthly joy and earthly love, with its sublimation of sexual relations in the form of "service to the lady" (see Courtly literature). The traditional elements of the plot - if they existed at all - lose their significance in comparison with the new thematic setting. It is possible, as some researchers suggest, that the story of Lancelot and Guinevere, like the story of Clijes and Phoenix in another Chrétien novel, is only a "courtly" reworking of the plot of Tristan and Iseult.

In any case, the individualistic and anti-church sharpness of the plot was perceived quite clearly. This is evidenced by the huge popularity of the plot in the era of the beginning disintegration of feudalism; this is also evidenced by the assessment of the plot of Lancelot by Dante, who puts into the mouth of Francesca da Rimini the famous reference to the novel about Lancelot (“Divine Comedy”, “Hell”, p. V, tercina 43-46).

The moment of protest against the traditional forms of ideology and life in Lancelot's plot did not escape Tennyson either: the poet-laureate of the prosperous Victorian bourgeoisie perceives and interprets as purely "shameful" and "sinful", undermining the foundations of society, the episode of love between Lancelot and Guinevere ("Idylls of the king").

In popular culture

In cinema

Knights of the Round Table / Knights of the Round Table (; USA) directed by Richard Thorpe, in the role of Lancelot Robert Taylor.
In the film musical Camelot (1967), Lancelot is played by Franco Nero.
In the Doctor Who television series, Lancelot appeared as a fictional character come to life in the episode "Mind Thief" (1969).
In the comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), the role of Sir Lancelot the Brave was played by John Cleese
" Black hen, or Underground inhabitants" - Aristarkh Livanov
In Excalibur (1981) by John Boorman.
In King Arthur (1985), Rupert Everett.
In The New Adventures of a Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1988), Lancelot is played by Alexander Kaidanovsky.
In the film Kill the Dragon (1988), the "maternal descendant of Lancelot" is played by Alexander Abdulov.
In The First Knight (1995), Lancelot is played by Richard Gere. There are no Merlin and other mythical components.
In The Knight of Camelot (1998), the role is played by James Coombs.
In the film " King Arthur" (2004), where Lancelot is played by Ioan Griffith, there are extensive differences from the generally accepted legend - Lancelot dies at the hands of enemies when Guinevere has not even become queen, and in general, the whole key story of their love and her role in death Arthur is completely ignored.
In The Mists of Avalon (2001) by Uli Edel, based on the novels by Marion Zimmer Bradley, the role is played by Michelle (Michael) Vartan.
Jeremy Sheffield in Merlin (English)Russian.
In the film Guinevere, the role is played by Noah Wyle. In this rather feminist interpretation, Guinevere and Lancelot have known each other since early childhood, as both were trained in the use of weapons and the knowledge necessary for noble knowledge from Fairy Morgana, a priestess of the Mother Goddess.
In the film Lancelot of the Lake by Robert Bresson.
In the anime series Fate/Zero (2011), Lancelot is reborn as Berserker's servant.
In the Merlin series, his role is played by Santiago Cabrera.
In the Code Geass anime series, Suzaku Kururugi's Nightmare is named "Lancelot".
Dan Stevens will play Lancelot in Night at the Museum 3.
In the television series The Librarians, the role of Lancelot Dulac is played by Matt Frewer.
Cinqua Walls plays Lancelot in Once Upon a Time.
In the musical"

The plot of Lancelot consists of the miraculous upbringing of Lancelot by the Virgin of the Lake (whence his nickname), the numerous ups and downs of his love for Queen Guinevere - the wife of King Arthur, his vain participation in the search for the Holy Grail, which he is prevented from obtaining by the sin of adultery gravitating over him, the magical spell of false Guinevere, conception them pure from the sin of Galahad, taking possession of the Grail, repentance and death of Lancelot.

biography

Birth and upbringing

Lancelot's parents were King Ban and Queen Elaine in the country of Benwick (Brittany). (According to some versions, his original (or baptismal) name was "Galahad", but he changed the name, and his son was later named that).

King Ban fled his country and died. His wife gave the baby to a friendly fairy, the Lady of the Lake, who raised the boy.

Quest for the Grail

The tragic denouement and death of King Arthur

Relationships

parents:
- Ban, King of Benwick
- Elaine, queen
teacher:
suzerain:
beloved:
spouse/partner:
- Elaina, daughter of King Pelles (Elena, daughter of Pelléas)
son:
other relatives:
- sir hector (Hector de Maris)- half-brother, half-son of King Ban
- Sir Lionel - cousin, son of Bore the Elder, brother of King Ban
- Sir Bore the Younger - cousin, son of Bore the Elder, brother of King Ban

Sources of folding the image

legends of Tristan and Iseult
Breton legends
"Proto-Lancelet"
The Knight in the Cart by Chrétien de Troyes is the first work to focus on Lancelot
The Lancelet by Ulrich von Zatzikhoven
The Book of Sir Launcelot and Queen Guinevre by Thomas Malory

Story processing in literature

The plot of Lancelot appears relatively late in the Arthurian cycle. He is completely unknown to Celtic sources, unaffected by French influence.

In a poetic courtly epic, he is being developed: "Knight of the cart" ( Le chevalier de la charrette) Chrétien de Troyes and Lancelot by Ulrich von Zatzikhofen [late 12th century]; Lancelot also plays a more or less important role in a number of less significant novels, such as Diu Krône by Heinrich von dem Türlin (c.), Rigomer, etc.

In the prose French novel of the 13th century, representing the decomposition and cyclization of the courtly epic, the plot of Lancelot becomes the center of the narrative; they adapt to it, the plot cycles of Merlin, the search for the Holy Grail and the death of King Arthur are contaminated with it. Thus, around 1215, a large prose novel about Lancelot was created, which underlies numerous alterations and retellings in almost all European languages - German (Ulrich Fueterer and his successors), Dutch, Italian, English (which includes the printed "Mort d'Arthur" by Thomas Malory, XV century), Spanish, Portuguese. It has determined the themes of the chivalric romance for centuries.

All historically attested adaptations of Lancelot's plot in their main part can be reduced without much difficulty to Chrétien's Chevalier de la charrette.

Storyline analysis

The plot of Lancelot is part of this literature - the expression of the first glimpses of a new individualistic worldview, with its rehabilitation of earthly joy and earthly love, with its sublimation of sexual relations in the form of "service to the lady" (see Courtly literature). The traditional elements of the plot - if they existed at all - lose their significance in comparison with the new thematic setting. It is possible, as some researchers suggest, that the story of Lancelot and Guinevere is (like the story of Clijes and Fenisa in another novel by Chrétien) only a "courtly" reworking of the plot of Tristan and Iseult).

In popular culture

In cinema

In The New Adventures of a Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1988), Lancelot is played by Alexander Kaidanovsky.
In the film Kill the Dragon (1988), the "maternal descendant of Lancelot" is played by Alexander Abdulov.
In the film musical Camelot (1967), Lancelot is played by Franco Nero.
In the comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), the role of Sir Lancelot the Brave was played by John Cleese.
In The First Knight (1995), Lancelot is played by Richard Gere. There are no Merlin and other mythical components.
In the film "Knights of the Round Table" (1953), his role is played by Robert Taylor.
In the film " King Arthur" (2004), where Lancelot is played by Ioan Griffith, there are extensive differences from the generally accepted legend - Lancelot dies at the hands of enemies when Guinevere has not even become queen, and in general, the whole key story of their love and her role in death Arthur is completely ignored.
In the film "Knight of Camelot" (1998), the role is played by James Coombs.
Jeremy Sheffield in Merlin (English) Russian .
In the film Guinevere, the role is played by Noah Wyle. In this rather feminist interpretation, Guinevere and Lancelot have known each other since early childhood, as both were trained in the use of weapons and the knowledge necessary for noble knowledge from Fairy Morgana, a priestess of the Mother Goddess.
In the film Lancelot of the Lake by Robert Bresson.
In The Mists of Avalon (2001) by Uli Edel, based on the novels by Marion Zimmer Bradley, the role is played by Michelle (Michael) Vartan
In Excalibur (1981), John Boorman
In the anime series Fate/Zero (2011), Lancelot is reborn as Berserker's servant.
In the TV series Merlin, his role is played by Santiago Cabrera

Bibliography

I. Editions of texts: "Chevalier de la charrette" Chrétien - the best edition: W. Foerster, Halle, ;

publications are also known:

- Roman de Rigomer, W. Foerster, ;
- Lanzelet, K. A. Hahn, Frankfurt a/M., ;
- Diu Krône, Sholl, Stuttgart, ;
prose French novel, preserved in numerous manuscripts and printed editions from the 15th century - The vulgate version of the Arthurian romances, ed. by H. O. Sommer, Washington, - ;

Der altfranzösische Prosaroman von Lancelot del Lac, Marburger Beiträge, 2, 6, 8, - ;

retelling into modern French: Paris G., Les romans de la table ronde, P., -, III-IV;
prose version of Fueterer's German retelling, Peter, 1886 (Bibliothek des lit. Vereins in Stuttgart);
Middle Dutch verse retelling, ed. Jonckbloet, s'Gravenhage, ;
English (Scottish) retelling of the 15th century, Stevenson, ;
English prose retelling - T. Malory (Mort d'Arthure) - a number of editions, the best: O. Sommer, London, 1899; Italian
prose retelling - old printed edition, reprinted.

II. Bächtold, Lanzelet des Ulrich von Zatzikhofen, Frauenfeld, 1870; Maertens P., Zur Lancelotsage, Strassburg, ; Weston J. L., The Legend of sir Lancelot du Lac, London, ; Lot F., Étude sur Lancelot en prose, P., . See "Courtly Literature", "Roman" (section "Christian Romance").

Links

Lancelot- article from

And so the feat of the Holy Grail was accomplished, and all the knights who survived returned to Camelot. King Arthur rejoiced to see them again at the Round Table, but also saddened, for he knew that the hour was approaching when the kingdom of the logres was destined to disappear into darkness again. Something had changed in Arthur's castle: many seats were left unoccupied at the Round Table, and names written in gold did not appear on them, for no more knights came to take the place of the dead.

And the forces of evil that lurked in the kingdom of the logres began to revive again, and the spirit of camaraderie and harmony did not long reign at the court of Arthur.

But while the sun shone brightly, as always, and only Arthur, who remembered the words of the good wizard Merlin, knew that the end was near.

Sir Galahad was dead, and Lancelot again became the greatest knight of the Logres, but he remembered how he failed to achieve the Holy Grail because of his sinful love for Queen Guinevere. And Guinevere noticed that Lancelot avoids her and leaves Camelot as soon as some adventure calls him. And one day she sent for him and said to him:

Sir Lancelot, I see and feel every day that your love for me is fading and you are always willing to move away from me to help any lady. Perhaps among them there is one that is dearer to your heart than me?

O lady,” said Lancelot sadly. - I love only you. But for many reasons I seek to hide from you. When I desired to attain the Holy Grail, it was given to me to understand how sinful my love is for you, the wife of my dear King Arthur. And if it were not for this love, what appeared to Sir Gawain would have appeared to me, and I would have tasted of the Holy Grail with my son Sir Galahad, with Sir Percival and Sir Bors. And it's not easy to forget. And I think also of your good name, for there are knights at the Round Table who are only waiting for an opportunity to bring sorrow to King Arthur and shame and discord throughout the realm of the logres.

But Queen Guinevere was angry with Sir Lancelot and cried out:

All this is false speech, and now I can clearly see your infidelity! You got tired of me and found yourself another! Therefore, go away and never appear near me again!

In great sorrow, Sir Lancelot left Camelot far into the depths of the forests of middle England, and no one knew where he wandered. And Queen Guinevere soon regretted her words and really wanted Lancelot to return. But she could not show her mind to anyone, and therefore called ten knights of the Round Table to her and told them that she would go with them on the May train. The May train is a festive departure in connection with the beginning of spring. through the forests and fields near Camelot, for the month of May has come, when trees and flowers have blossomed in the rays of the sun, and the hearts of women and men also await joy and fun.

You must ride out dressed in all green,” she said, “and I will take ten ladies with me to ride beside each knight. And every lady will have a lady to serve her, and every knight will have a squire. For I wish that your loved ones remind you all of this month of May.

And so they galloped into the depths of the green forest, and the bridles of their horses sparkled in the sun and rang, merging with their cheerful laughter and singing.

But on the same day, a knight named Sir Urrius was brought to the court of King Arthur on a stretcher with three cruel wounds that no one could heal. For many years Sir Urrius was tormented by great pain, for no physician was able to cure him. And so his mother and sister went on a pilgrimage to all the courts of Europe to find out if there was anyone who could help Sir Urria. And so they came to Britain, to Camelot, and, approaching it, they met Lady Nimue, and she came with them to King Arthur and said:

Lord King, this man, Sir Urrius, can only be healed by the touch of the hand of the best knight in the world.

If anyone can heal Sir Urria, said King Arthur, it must surely be a knight of my court, for there is no one better in this country, except Sir Percival, who is now king in Carbonech. And in order to move everyone, I myself will be the first to touch his wounds, although I know that I am not worthy to heal him, and then let all the subjects of me, kings, dukes, earls and knights, try to do this.

And so all the knights of the Round Table - a hundred and ten knights - in turn touched Sir Urria, but not one could heal him.

Where is Sir Lancelot of the Lake? then asked King Arthur. - For if he cannot do this, then there is no knight worthy of such an accomplishment.

And just at that time Sir Lancelot rode back to Camelot. Arthur told him what had happened and asked him to try to cure Sir Urria.

Not! exclaimed Sir Lancelot. “It would only be devilish pride on my part to think that I can succeed where so many noble knights have failed.

You have no choice, said King Arthur, for I command you to do so.

If so, most noble of kings, - answered Lancelot, - I will not disobey you.

And Lancelot knelt beside Sir Urrias, and having prayed, laid his hands on his three terrible wounds. And immediately Sir Urrius stood up, whole and unharmed, as if he had never been wounded at all.

All the knights, and with them King Arthur, shouted loudly for joy and thanked the Lord God for his mercy. Lancelot wept like an offended child.

Then King Arthur was saddened, for he remembered how on the day he first appeared in Camelot, Lancelot healed the wounded knight in the same way and how Nimue, the Lady of Lake Avalon, predicted that Lancelot would do the same again and this would be his last deed before the end kingdoms of logres.

And while all this was happening in Camelot, Guinevere and her knights and ladies rode the May train deep in the woods. And there was at that time a knight named Meligrans, who had long loved the queen. And now, seeing her surrounded by such a small retinue, and knowing that Lancelot had not been in Camelot for a long time, he decided that his hour had come. And he went out with twenty armed warriors and hundred archers, and laid an ambush for her, and suddenly surrounded her and those who accompanied her.

Traitor knight! cried Queen Guinevere, realizing what had happened. - Remember that you are the son of a king and a knight of the Round Table. You dishonor all the knights, your master King Arthur, shame King Bagdemagus, your father, me, your queen, and yourself.

As for these conversations, cried Sir Meligranes, they do not bother me in the least, for know, madam, that I have loved you for a long time, but never before have I had such an opportunity as this.

Then ten knights, riding with Queen Guinevere, rushed to her defense, but they were without armor and soon all prostrated, wounded, on the ground.

Sir Meligrans, do not kill my noble knights, Queen Guinevere pleaded. "I'll go with you if you promise not to hurt them anymore." But if you do not promise this, I will take my own life.

Madam, said Sir Meligranes, for your sake I will spare them, and they will be taken to my castle, where they will be well cared for, but only if you come with me.

On the way, one squire, a youthful and courageous youth, suddenly spurred his horse and galloped towards Camelot. And though the archers fired upon him, he escaped safely and came to Camelot shortly after Lancelot had healed Sir Urria.

Hearing his story, Lancelot, who was still in armor, jumped at the same moment on his horse.

I'm going there right now! he called to King Arthur. “Wouldn’t you like to follow me with many knights as soon as you put on your armor?” You will find me at the castle of Meligrance, if I am still alive.

Then he spurred his horse on, galloping it, and disappeared into a cloud of dust. But he did not ride for long, he was stopped by a detachment of archers with stretched bows.

You can't get through here! they shouted. - And if you pass, then only on foot, because we will kill the horse under you!

It won't do much for you! said Lancelot, rushing towards them.

Then they fired a cloud of arrows at him, and his horse fell to the ground with a pierced heart, but Lancelot jumped up, freeing his legs from the stirrups, and rushed at the archers, who set off in different directions, so that he could not overtake anyone.

And he went down the road on foot. But his armor and spear and shield were so heavy that he could only move very slowly, and yet he did not want to throw anything, fearing other traps of Meligrance.

But soon he met two foresters with a cart on the road.

Dear friends! cried Lancelot. - Let me sit in your cart, please!

Where are you going? one of the foresters asked.

Talk to Sir Meligrance! Lancelot replied.

He is our master, - said the forester, - and he sent us to the forest for firewood. We won't let you ride with us!

And with these words, one of them struck Lancelot with a whip and burst into abuse.

Then Lancelot hit him with his fist so that he fell to the ground dead.

Dear sir, - said the second forester, - spare me, and I will take you wherever you wish.

Then turn your cart, said Lancelot, and take me to the castle of Sir Meligrance! Let's live!

Sit down and you'll be there right now! - said the forester.

And they set off. And soon the lady of Queen Guinevere, looking out of the window of the castle of Meligrance, exclaimed:

Look, madam, here comes a cart, such as executioners usually use, and in it is a good knight!

Where? cried Guinevere, and, looking out of the window, she recognized Sir Lancelot from the emblem on the shield.

“Oh, I knew he would come! she said to herself. “I knew he would come!”

Meanwhile Lancelot rode up to the gate. He descended to the ground and shouted in such a voice that he was heard in all nooks and crannies of the castle:

Where are you, low traitor Meligrans? Come out and fight, you and all your cowardly traitors, for here I am, Sir Lancelot of the Lake.

Then Meligrance was overcome by fear, and he fell on his face before Queen Guinevere, begging for her forgiveness. And finally she said that she would ask Lancelot to spare him, for she wanted peace, not war. And then the gates were opened, and Lancelot burst into the castle like an angry lion. Guinevere persuaded him to make peace with Sir Meligrance, but only after they agreed to fight in full armor in Camelot, in the presence of King Arthur.

Then Guinevere took Lancelot by the hand and led him to her room, where she removed his armor and washed the wounds inflicted by the arrows of the archers.

They did not leave the castle that night. And early in the morning King Arthur arrived with many knights. But when Queen Guinevere told him all that had happened, he also refused revenge on Meligrance and agreed to a joust between him and Lancelot.

To be a battle this day in a week, - said King Arthur, - in the meadow between Camelot and the river. And if one of the knights does not appear for the duel, then he will be the greatest shame in all Logria.

King Arthur then escorted Queen Guinevere back to Camelot, and the wounded knights were taken there on stretchers.

Sir, said Meligranes to Lancelot, I hope there is no more enmity between us? And so I ask you to stay with me today in my castle, and I will arrange a royal feast for you.

I agree, said Lancelot.

And when evening came, Meligranes came into Lancelot's room and led him into the hall. And he led him where the trap had been laid. The floor under Lancelot's foot suddenly went down, and he fell into a deep dungeon lined with straw.

There he lay for seven days and seven nights, and every evening a beautiful lady brought him food and water, and every evening she said:

Noble Sir Lancelot, if you will only promise to be my master and love me, I will release you from this prison. But if you do not make such a promise, you will remain here until you lose your honor.

How much more dishonorable would it be for me to buy freedom at such a price, ”said Lancelot. “King Arthur will easily guess that only treachery will prevent me from coming to Camelot when the day of battle comes.

And on the morning of the day when he was to fight with Sir Meligrance, the lady came to Sir Lancelot, weeping, and said:

O noble Lancelot, I have loved you in vain. Give me just one kiss and I will set you free.

There is nothing shameful in such a kiss, ”said Lancelot and, having kissed the lady once, hurried out of prison, stopping only to put on the armor that she gave him. Then he mounted his horse, which was waiting for him in the yard, and rode at a gallop to Camelot.

And the lady remained standing, weeping quietly, at the gate.

Alas, she sobbed, this kiss meant nothing to Sir Lancelot. He only thinks of Queen Guinevere!

Meanwhile, the king and queen, with many knights and ladies, gathered in a large meadow near Camelot to watch the battle. The appointed hour came, but Sir Lancelot was not to be seen, and Sir Meligrans swaggered and boasted that he was the best knight in all the kingdom of the Logres, and Lancelot was a coward who fled from the duel.

And he was about to return to his home, leaving all the knights of the Round Table forever disgraced, when suddenly there was a noise and Lancelot appeared, desperately spurring his horse.

Approaching King Arthur, he told of how cunningly Meligrans had deceived him, and all those present began to loudly disgrace Sir Meligrance, so that he at last grabbed his spear and shouted to Lancelot:

Beware!

Then the two knights parted in different directions and converged on this sign like two lightning bolts. And Sir Lancelot struck Sir Meligrance with such force that he fell over the horse's rump.

Then Lancelot dismounted, drew his sword, and waited until Meligranes got to his feet. Meligranes tried to avoid defeat and to get the better of his opponent with dishonest tricks. But nothing helped him, and Lancelot dealt him a fatal blow with his sword. Here came the end of the traitor Meligrance.

There was great joy that day in Camelot, and King Arthur thanked Lancelot in front of the whole court for saving the queen. Guinevere only looked at Lancelot with her shining eyes and whispered to him:

Come to my garden when the sun goes down, for I want to thank you in private.

It happened that Agravain, Sir Gawain's brother, heard her words. He was one of the evil-minded and treacherous knights, hated the queen and envied the glory of Lancelot. Agravaine told this to Sir Mordred, his cousin, the son of the Fairy Queen Morgana, the most villainous knight of all, who, like his mother, hated everything righteous and was always looking for a way to bring trouble to King Arthur and to the whole kingdom of the logres.

Now Mordred decided that his hour had come. That evening, as soon as the apple trees cast long shadows in the rays of the setting sun, he and Agravain hid in the queen's garden. And soon she appeared among the flowers - more beautiful than the most beautiful rose in the world.

For some time she walked in the garden alone. And then came Sir Lancelot - the most powerful and noble knight in the world. He knelt before the queen, and she thanked him for saving him from Sir Meligrance and asked for forgiveness for her hurtful words.

Oh Lancelot, Lancelot, she said softly. “From the day you appeared in Camelot, when I was only a young girl and the bride of King Arthur, I fell in love with you!”

And I fell in love with you on the same day, - said Lancelot. - And all these years I fought with this love, but in vain!

My lady and my love,” said Lancelot in a voice full of excitement. - Do you want it with all your heart?

Yes, truly with all my heart, the queen replied.

Then for your love, so be it! cried Lancelot.

Guinevere approached him and kissed him on the lips, then turned and walked away, as if gliding through flowers that had lost their colors and turned equally gray in the twilight of a dying day. Lancelot remained motionless. The last ray of sunlight lingered on his face, and he himself was filled with trepidation and sighed with joy, thinking of Guinevere's kiss.

Soon he, too, turned, walked out of the garden, and disappeared into the gathering twilight.

And now, said Sir Mordred, my time has come! These two are giving the entire kingdom of the logres into my hands!

And there was an evil fire in his eyes as he walked with Agravain into the darkness of the night.

LANCELOT LAKE

King Ban of Brittany, a loyal ally of Arthur, was attacked by his enemy Cloud, and after a long war, Ban had one fortress left, in which he was besieged by the enemy. In a desperate situation, Ban decided to turn to Arthur for help and, under cover of night, escaped from the fortress with his wife Elena and son, the infant Lancelot, leaving the fortress to his seneschal, who immediately surrendered it to Cloud. The unfortunate monarch, glancing back and seeing the burning fortress, died of a broken heart. Poor Helena, leaving the baby on the shore of the lake, rushed to her husband to take his last breath. Returning to the shore of the lake, she saw little Lancelot in the arms of a nymph. Noticing the queen appeared on the shore, the nymph rushed into the water with the child. This nymph was Viviana, beloved of the wizard Merlin, better known as the Lady of the Lake, or the Lady of the Lake. Lancelot got his nickname for the reason that he was trained at the court of this sorceress, whose palace was not in the middle of the real, but, like a mirage that appears before the eyes of an African traveler, an imaginary lake, which is an obstacle on the way to her possessions. Viviana lived here not alone, but surrounded by a large retinue, which consisted of knights and ladies.

Having lost her husband and son, the queen went to a monastery, where she was joined by the widow of the noble king Bors, who died of grief after receiving the news of the death of his brother. His two sons, Lionel and Bors, were rescued by a faithful knight and appeared in the lake palace in the guise of greyhounds. There, once again assuming human form, they began to study with their cousin Lancelot.

When her student Lancelot reached the age of eighteen, the fairy sent him to Arthur's court to be knighted. The nobility, not inferior to the courage and ability to wield weapons, which appeared in the castle of a young candidate for knighthood, made an indelible impression on Guinevere, and her charms kindled ardent feelings in him. Over time, their love only intensified and influenced the story of King Arthur. For the sake of Guinevere, Lancelot achieved the conquest of Northumberland, defeated Gallehat, the marsh king, who later became his most devoted friend and ally, participated in many duels and threw many captives at the feet of his sovereign.

After King Arthur returned from Rome to England, all the knights of the Round Table came to him and began to arrange fights and tournaments. Sir Lancelot of the Lake was especially distinguished. He won all tournaments, fights and even in fights not for life, but for death. None of the knights could surpass him, since Lancelot could only be defeated through betrayal or witchcraft. He was treated with even greater respect, and Queen Guinevere distinguished him from other knights. It is clear that he loved the queen, as he did not love any woman, and only for her performed feats, and his chivalry saved her from dangers. Sir Lancelot indulged in various entertainments for a long time and finally decided to go wandering. He invited his brother Lionel to go together "in search of adventure." Fully armed, they mounted their horses and galloped through the forest. After some time, a wide plain opened up before them. It was nearing noon, it was getting hot, and Sir Lancelot felt sleepy. Then Sir Lionel saw a tall apple tree and said:

“Brother, we and our horses can rest in the shade of this tree.

“Well done, excellent idea,” Sir Lancelot praised.

They rode up to the apple tree, dismounted, Sir Lancelot lay down on the ground, put his helmet under his head and soon fell asleep. Sir Lionel awoke while his brother was still asleep. The first thing he saw was three knights galloping at full speed, followed by another knight. Sir Lionel thought that he had never seen such a huge knight. A few moments later, the knight caught up with one of the pursued riders and knocked him out of the saddle with one blow. Then he caught up with the second and knocked him down with a blow to the ground, and then the third rider suffered the same fate. After that, he dismounted and tied the knights with their own bridles. Intrigued by what he saw, Sir Lionel decided to find out all the details of this case and quietly, trying not to wake Sir Lancelot, mounted his horse and rode after the huge knight. Having overtaken him, he was just about to ask the question, how a blow fell upon him with such force that he fell to the ground along with his horse. The knight dismounted, tied Sir Lionel, threw his horse across the saddle and took all four captives to his castle. There he threw them into a deep pit, in which there were already many knights who were in a terrible state.

Sir Lancelot was still asleep under the apple tree when four queens rode up to him. Four mounted knights held over them a large piece of green silk stretched on four spears, which protected the ladies from the hot rays of the sun. The queens themselves rode on white mules.

They were passing by and heard a loud neighing of a large horse. When they got closer, they saw an armored knight sleeping under an apple tree. The queens immediately recognized Sir Lancelot in the sleeping knight and began to argue which of them would get him as a lover.

Let's not argue! said Fairy Morgana, King Arthur's sister. “I will put a spell on him and he will sleep for six hours, during which time we will take him to my castle. There I will remove the spell from him, and he will have no choice but to choose one of us as his beloved.

The sleeping Sir Lancelot was bewitched, put on a shield, and two knights, holding it, brought the captive to the castle. Then he was taken to his chambers, and in the evening he was fed supper.

At dawn, four queens in rich outfits came to wish Lancelot good morning, and he answered them the same.

“Sir knight,” the ladies said to Sir Lancelot. “You must understand that you are our prisoner. We know well that you are Sir Lancelot of the Lake, son of King Ban, and the bravest of knights. We also know that there is only one woman for you - Queen Guinevere, and since you have lost her forever, and she you, you should choose one of us. I am Fairy Queen Morgana and these ladies are the Queens of North Wales, the East Country and the Isles. Now choose one of us, and if you refuse, you will die.

“A hard lot,” Lancelot replied, “means I must either die or choose one of you.” Well, in that case, I would rather die than have one of you as a lover, since you are all crafty sorceresses.

- Well, - said the ladies, - you have to understand, you are refusing us?

“Yes,” said Sir Lancelot, and the ladies, deeply saddened, left his chambers.

At noon, the girl brought him lunch and asked how he felt.

“Never have I felt so bad, dear girl,” Lancelot replied.

Sir, if you listen to me, I will help you. Only promise that next Tuesday during the tournament you will help my father, who will fight with the king of North Wales; Last Tuesday my father lost the fight.

"Give me your father's name, beauty, and I'll give you the answer."

“Sir knight, my father is King Bagdemagus.

“I know him as a noble king and a good knight, and I am ready to serve you and your father on the appointed day.

The girl left, and when she returned the next morning, she found Lancelot completely ready. She led him through twelve doors and led him straight to his horse. The knight jumped into the saddle and galloped away.

On Tuesday, he arrived at a small forest where a tournament was to be held. There were already stands for spectators, from where the lords with their ladies could watch the tournament and present prizes. The King of North Wales entered the field, accompanied by one hundred and sixty knights, and eighty knights, led by King Bagdemagus. The knights armed with spears rushed at each other, and in the first fight King Bagdemagus lost twelve men, and the king of North Wales six warriors; Bagdemagus' detachment suffered more severely.

Then Sir Lancelot of the Lake appeared and pointed his spear into the thick of it. With one blow, he knocked down five knights, knocked the king of North Wales out of the saddle, and he broke his hip in the fall. The knights of the King of North Wales gave up resistance, and the victory went to King Bagdemagus.

After the tournament, Sir Lancelot went with King Bagdemagus to his castle, where he spent the rest of the day pleasantly with the king and his daughter. The next morning he said goodbye to them, explaining that he would go in search of Sir Lionel's brother, who had left in an unknown direction while he was sleeping. Lancelot set off on his journey and again came to the very forest where he had been overtaken by sleep. On the way, he met a girl riding a white horse, and they exchanged greetings.

“Beauty, do you know anything in this land that can become an adventure for a knight?”

“Sir knight,” the girl replied, “there are adventures at every turn.

Why don't I test myself? After all, that's what I came here for.

“Sir,” the girl continued, “there is a knight nearby that no other knight I know can handle, except maybe you. His name is Sir Turquin, and as far as I know, he is King Arthur's worst enemy. He has more than sixty of Arthur's knights languishing in prison; he single-handedly took them prisoner.

“Beauty,” Lancelot asked, “I beg you, tell me how to get to this knight.”

“His castle is about a mile away, to his left is a watering place where horses are brought in, and near the watering place grows a beautiful tree hung with the shields of those knights he captured. There is also a copper basin hanging on the tree, and if you hit it, you will see what happens.

Sir Lancelot drove in the direction indicated by the girl and soon saw a watering place and a tree on which shields and a basin hung. In the tree he noticed the shields of Sir Lionel, Sir Ector, and many other knights whom he knew well.

Sir Lancelot struck the pelvis with the end of his spear once, twice, a third time, but no matter how hard he struck, no one appeared. Finally, he saw a huge knight leading a horse by the bridle with a bound knight thrown over the saddle. As they got closer, Sir Lancelot realized that he knew the captured knight. It was Sir Gaheris, brother of Sir Gawain, Knight of the Round Table.

“And now, honored knight,” said Sir Lancelot, “take this wounded knight off his horse and let him rest a little while you and I measure our strength, for, as I know, you have insulted the knights of the Round Table and brought shame on them. Now defend yourself!

“If you belong to the Round Table, then I challenge you and all your brotherhood,” said Sir Turquin.

"That's a strong word," said Sir Lancelot.

Jumping on their horses, they rushed towards each other with spears in their hands. Each of them struck the other with a spear in the middle of the shield, from which their horses fell and crushed the riders under them. Getting out from under the horses, they immediately crossed their swords. Each managed to inflict several strong blows that could not withstand the shields and armor. Soon the opponents were already bleeding. Completely exhausted, barely breathing, they stopped the fight and leaned on their swords with difficulty.

“Well, mate,” said Sir Turquin, “you are the toughest I have ever dealt with, and you know how to fight. If you are not the knight I hate more than anyone else for killing my brother, Sir Carados, I will gladly make amends with you and release my captives as a token of respect for you.

What is the name of the knight you hate more than others? Lancelot asked.

“His name is Sir Lancelot of the Lake,” said Sir Turquin.

“I am Sir Lancelot of the Lake, son of King Ban and knight of the Round Table. And now I challenge you to a fight to the death.

- Ah well! cried Sir Turquin. “I wanted to meet you, Lancelot, more than anything in the world, and we will fight until one of us dies.

And they began to fight like two angry bulls, brandishing shields and swords with such fury that sometimes they could not even keep their feet and fell head first. So they fought for more than two hours, until the whole earth around was stained with blood.

Suddenly Sir Turquin staggered, began to tumble backwards and lowered his shield in weakness. Noticing this, Sir Lancelot, like a lion, rushed furiously towards the enemy, tore off his helmet and cut off his head from the neck with one blow.

Sir Gaheris, seeing that Sir Turquin was killed, turned to the winner:

“Noble knight, tell me your name, because today I saw the best knight in the world.” You have just killed in my presence the most powerful and skillful person I have ever met to this day.

“My name is Sir Lancelot of the Lake, and I was to avenge an insult to King Arthur, and especially to Sir Gawain, your beloved brother. And now I ask you to go to the castle and free all the prisoners you find there. I am sure there will be many Knights of the Round Table among them, and of course my brother Sir Lionel. Greet them on my behalf and tell them that they can take whatever they want in the castle. Yes, and tell my brother to go to the court and wait for me: I hope to return there before Trinity. And now new adventures await me.

Sir Lancelot set off, and Sir Gaheris went to the castle, took the keys from the porter, opened the door of the dungeon and freed all the captives. Among them were Sir Kai, Sir Brandel, Sir Brian, Sir Aliduc, Sir Hector the Outlying, Sir Lionel and many others. When they saw Sir Gaheris, they began to thank him, because they decided, looking at his wounds, that it was he who killed Sir Turquin.

“Don't thank me. It was Sir Lancelot who killed the villain. I saw with my own eyes.

Sir Lancelot galloped all day, and at dusk he rode up to a beautiful castle. The elderly lady, the mistress of the castle, showed exceptional hospitality, tasty fed both Lancelot and his horse. When the time came, the hostess took Lancelot to the room assigned to him for the night. Sir Lancelot took off his armor, placed it beside the bed, got into bed and fell asleep almost instantly. But he did not sleep long, because soon a rider rode up to the castle and began to knock loudly on the gate. Awakened by a loud thud, Lancelot got up, looked out the window and in the moonlight saw three horsemen armed with swords. So they drove up to the gate, the knight turned to them and fearlessly joined the fray. “I must help this knight,” thought Sir Lancelot, “it’s mean, three to attack one.” He put on his armor, climbed down the sheet from the window to the ground and shouted loudly:

“Leave this rider, knights, and fight me!”

The knights left Sir Kai alone - as it turned out, it was him - and attacked Sir Lancelot. They attacked him from three sides and delivered tangible blows. Sir Kai tried to intervene and help Sir Lancelot, but was stopped by the words:

“Don’t, sir, I don’t need help and I can handle them myself.

Sir Kai obeyed his desire and began to watch the battle from the side. It took Sir Lancelot only six blows for all the opponents to be on the ground and immediately pleaded:

“Sir knight, we surrender to your mercy!”

“I don't need you. Surrender yourself to Sir Kai if you wish, and I simply promise to spare your life.

“We will do as you say, noble knight,” they assured.

“Then go to Trinity to the court of King Arthur and surrender there to Queen Guinevere, not forgetting to say that you are prisoners of Sir Caius.

“Sir,” said the three, “we swear we will do exactly what you said.

Each of them swore on his sword, and Sir Lancelot gave them permission to leave.

Sir Lancelot got up early in the morning, while Sir Kay was still asleep, took Sir Kay's armor and shield, led his horse out of the stable, mounted and rode off. Shortly after he left, Sir Kay awoke to find that Sir Lancelot had taken his armor and horse. “Now I understand,” thought Sir Kai, “that he decided to fight with one of the knights of King Arthur, who, seeing him in my armor and on my horse, will decide that it is me and boldly enter into battle with him. But his armor and horse will allow me not to be afraid of anyone on the way. After that, Sir Kai said goodbye to the mistress of the castle and left.

Sir Lancelot was driving through a dense forest and saw under an oak tree four knights who served in the court of King Arthur. They were Sir Sagramur the Desirable, Sir Ector the Outskirts, Sir Gawain, and Sir Yvain. When they saw Sir Lancelot, they mistook him for Sir Kai because of his armor.

“I swear, now I will test the strength of Sir Kai,” said Sir Sagramur, took his spear and rode up to Sir Lancelot.

Sir Lancelot raised his spear and hit Sir Sagramur with such force that he and his horse fell to the ground. Then Sir Ector said:

Now you will see what I will do with it.

But he suffered even more, because Sir Lancelot's spear pierced his shoulder, and he fell from his horse to the ground.

“By my honour,” cried Sir Ywain, “we have a strong knight before us. I'm afraid he killed Sir Kai and donned his armor.

Sir Yvain took up his spear and galloped towards Sir Lancelot, who met him with such a blow that Sir Yvain's ground was gone from under his feet and he no longer understood what the world was now. Now it's my turn to take on this knight, Sir Gawain realized. He took a shield and the finest spear, which was well known to Sir Lancelot. The riders parted at the prescribed distance, turned around, rushed towards each other, and each struck with a spear into the enemy’s shield. Sir Gawain's spear broke, and from the blow of Sir Lancelot his horse fell, crushing the rider under him. Sir Lancelot galloped on and, smiling, mentally thanked the one who made his spear, for he had never had a better spear. When he left, the knights began to console each other, and Sir Ector said:

“I bet it was Sir Lancelot. I recognized him from his seat in the saddle.

Sir Lancelot traveled through many foreign lands until fate brought him to a beautiful castle. As he drove by, he thought he heard the bells ringing. Then a falcon flew over his head and perched on a tall elm. A debtor was tied to his paw, who got tangled in the branches, and when the bird decided to take off, it only flapped its wings and hung up with its paws.

Sir Lancelot was watching with compassion the bird's attempt to escape from an accidental captivity, when he suddenly heard a female voice:

“Oh Lancelot, Lancelot! You are the color of all chivalry. Help me get my hunting falcon. If I cannot save him, then my master will kill me, and he is quick to punish.

- What is your master's name? asked Sir Lancelot.

“Sir,” said the lady, “his name is Sir Felot, he is a knight of the King of North Wales.

“Well, fair lady, since you know my name and invoke my knightly duty, I will do my best to get that falcon. But God knows, I am not a master of climbing trees, and the tree is already very tall, and there are few branches on it that one could climb.

Sir Lancelot dismounted, tied his horse to a tree and asked the lady to help him take off his armor. Freed from his armor, he took off his jacket and began to deftly climb the tree. He climbed to the falcon, unraveled it, tied it to a dry branch and threw it down. The lady caught the falcon, and then suddenly her husband came out of the castle in armor and with a drawn sword in his hand.

“At last I got you, Knight Lancelot.

With these words, he stood under a tree, preparing to cut down Sir Lancelot.

“Ah, mistress,” cried Lancelot, “why did you betray me?

“She did what I ordered her to do,” Sir Felot answered for his wife. - And there's nothing to be done - your hour of death has come.

“Shame on your head,” Lancelot exclaimed, “an armed knight kills an unarmed man who has been betrayed.

- Where is the nobility? Save yourself if you can, growled Sir Felot.

“Well,” said Lancelot, “if you decide so, then take my armor, but only hang my sword on the bough so that I can get it, and then kill me if you can.”

“Well, no,” replied Sir Felot, “I know you well, so you won’t get a weapon.”

“Alas,” Sir Lancelot then exclaimed, “the knight will have to die unarmed.”

While saying this, he looked around and saw a strong bough directly overhead, on which there were no leaves. He broke it off and began to descend, while noting where his horse was standing, and thus jumped to the ground so that he was between him and Sir Felot. Sir Felot swung his sword, but Lancelot deflected the blow with a thick bough, and then brought it down with a swing on Sir Felot's head. From the blow, Sir Felot, unconscious, fell to the ground. Sir Lancelot approached the enemy and cut off his head with his own sword.

“Oh,” cried the lady, “why did you kill my husband?

“It's not my fault,” said Sir Lancelot. “It was the two of you who deviously planned to kill me, and everything turned against you.

The lady fainted, and Sir Lancelot hastily put on his armor, because he was afraid of other ambushes, because the knight's castle was nearby. He hurriedly mounted his horse and galloped away, thanking God for deliverance from a terrible danger.

Two days before the feast of Pentecost, Sir Lancelot returned home. The king and the whole court were very happy about his arrival. And when Sir Gawain, Sir Yvain, Sir Sagramur, and Sir Ector the Outskirts saw Lancelot in the armor of Sir Caius, they no longer doubted that it was he who felled all four of them with one spear. And there was a lot of laughter and fun about it. Meanwhile, Sir Tarquin's former prisoners began to arrive at the court one after another, and they all praised Sir Lancelot. Sir Gaheris heard the voice of Sir Lancelot and said:

“I saw the whole fight from start to finish.

He told King Arthur how it all happened, and added that Sir Tarquin was the most powerful knight he had ever seen, except for Sir Lancelot. Sir Kai then told the king how Sir Lancelot had saved him from certain death, and how he had made the three knights plead "not his captives, but mine." The three knights who were present during the conversation confirmed the words of Sir Kai.

“And then, by God,” concluded Sir Kay, “Sir Lancelot took my armor, but left me his own, and I rode in peace and tranquility, for no one wanted to fight me.

And at that time Sir Lancelot had such fame as none of the knights in the world, and everyone revered him - both great and small.

LANCELOT LAKE

“Brother, we and our horses can rest in the shade of this tree.

“Well done, excellent idea,” Sir Lancelot praised.

The sleeping Sir Lancelot was bewitched, put on a shield, and two knights, holding it, brought the captive to the castle. Then he was taken to his chambers, and in the evening he was fed supper.

At dawn, four queens in rich outfits came to wish Lancelot good morning, and he answered them the same.

“A hard lot,” Lancelot replied, “means I must either die or choose one of you.” Well, in that case, I would rather die than have one of you as a lover, since you are all crafty sorceresses.

- Well, - said the ladies, - you have to understand, you are refusing us?

“Yes,” said Sir Lancelot, and the ladies, deeply saddened, left his chambers.

At noon, the girl brought him lunch and asked how he felt.

“Never have I felt so bad, dear girl,” Lancelot replied.

"Give me your father's name, beauty, and I'll give you the answer."

“Sir knight, my father is King Bagdemagus.

“I know him as a noble king and a good knight, and I am ready to serve you and your father on the appointed day.

“Beauty, do you know anything in this land that can become an adventure for a knight?”

“Sir knight,” the girl replied, “there are adventures at every turn.

Why don't I test myself? After all, that's what I came here for.

“Beauty,” Lancelot asked, “I beg you, tell me how to get to this knight.”

“If you belong to the Round Table, then I challenge you and all your brotherhood,” said Sir Turquin.

"That's a strong word," said Sir Lancelot.

What is the name of the knight you hate more than others? Lancelot asked.

“His name is Sir Lancelot of the Lake,” said Sir Turquin.

“I am Sir Lancelot of the Lake, son of King Ban and knight of the Round Table. And now I challenge you to a fight to the death.

- Ah well! cried Sir Turquin. “I wanted to meet you, Lancelot, more than anything in the world, and we will fight until one of us dies.

Sir Gaheris, seeing that Sir Turquin was killed, turned to the winner:

“Noble knight, tell me your name, because today I saw the best knight in the world.” You have just killed in my presence the most powerful and skillful person I have ever met to this day.

“Don't thank me. It was Sir Lancelot who killed the villain. I saw with my own eyes.

“Leave this rider, knights, and fight me!”

“Don’t, sir, I don’t need help and I can handle them myself.

Sir Kai obeyed his desire and began to watch the battle from the side. It took Sir Lancelot only six blows for all the opponents to be on the ground and immediately pleaded:

“Sir knight, we surrender to your mercy!”

“I don't need you. Surrender yourself to Sir Kai if you wish, and I simply promise to spare your life.

“We will do as you say, noble knight,” they assured.

“Then go to Trinity to the court of King Arthur and surrender there to Queen Guinevere, not forgetting to say that you are prisoners of Sir Caius.

“Sir,” said the three, “we swear we will do exactly what you said.

Each of them swore on his sword, and Sir Lancelot gave them permission to leave.

“I swear, now I will test the strength of Sir Kai,” said Sir Sagramur, took his spear and rode up to Sir Lancelot.

Sir Lancelot raised his spear and hit Sir Sagramur with such force that he and his horse fell to the ground. Then Sir Ector said:

Now you will see what I will do with it.

But he suffered even more, because Sir Lancelot's spear pierced his shoulder, and he fell from his horse to the ground.

“By my honour,” cried Sir Ywain, “we have a strong knight before us. I'm afraid he killed Sir Kai and donned his armor.

“I bet it was Sir Lancelot. I recognized him from his seat in the saddle.

Sir Lancelot was watching with compassion the bird's attempt to escape from an accidental captivity, when he suddenly heard a female voice:

“Oh Lancelot, Lancelot! You are the color of all chivalry. Help me get my hunting falcon. If I cannot save him, then my master will kill me, and he is quick to punish.

- What is your master's name? asked Sir Lancelot.

“Sir,” said the lady, “his name is Sir Felot, he is a knight of the King of North Wales.

“At last I got you, Knight Lancelot.

With these words, he stood under a tree, preparing to cut down Sir Lancelot.

“Ah, mistress,” cried Lancelot, “why did you betray me?

“She did what I ordered her to do,” Sir Felot answered for his wife. - And there's nothing to be done - your hour of death has come.

“Shame on your head,” Lancelot exclaimed, “an armed knight kills an unarmed man who has been betrayed.

- Where is the nobility? Save yourself if you can, growled Sir Felot.

“Well,” said Lancelot, “if you decide so, then take my armor, but only hang my sword on the bough so that I can get it, and then kill me if you can.”

“Well, no,” replied Sir Felot, “I know you well, so you won’t get a weapon.”

“Alas,” Sir Lancelot then exclaimed, “the knight will have to die unarmed.”

“Oh,” cried the lady, “why did you kill my husband?

“It's not my fault,” said Sir Lancelot. “It was the two of you who deviously planned to kill me, and everything turned against you.

“I saw the whole fight from start to finish.

“And then, by God,” concluded Sir Kay, “Sir Lancelot took my armor, but left me his own, and I rode in peace and tranquility, for no one wanted to fight me.

And at that time Sir Lancelot had such fame as none of the knights in the world, and everyone revered him - both great and small.

Sir lancelot lake legend. The meaning of lancelot, or lancelot in the encyclopedia of Celtic mythology. Storyline analysis

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