Sir Launcelot

Also known as: I-auncelot / Launcelot / Launcelot du Lake / Le Chevaier du Chariot / Le Chevaler Mal Fet / Le Chevaler du Chariot / Sir Lancelot / Sir Launcelot du Lake / le Chevaler du Chariot / my lord Sir Launcelot / my lord, Sir Launcelot / the White Knight · Family: Benwick · Role: knight · First appears: Book III, Chapter I

Sir Launcelot, knight of Benwick, was known also as Launcelot du Lake and the White Knight. In Book IV, at Benwick, Merlin foretold that the child first named Galahad and confirmed as Launcelot would avenge Elaine against King Claudas; he was the son of King Ban and Elaine. By Book V, he had pledged military support to King Arthur, guarded prisoners with Sir Cador, and helped defeat a Roman and Saracen ambush, after which King Arthur honored him and his fellow knights.

In Book VI, Launcelot departed with his nephew Sir Lionel to seek adventures. Morgan le Fay and three other queens enchanted and imprisoned him, demanding that he choose one of them as paramour, but he refused and remained devoted to Queen Guenever. He aided King Bagdemagus, defeated Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Mordred, Sir Gahalantine, and Sir Turquine, rescued prisoners and Sir Gaheris, saved Sir Kay, healed Sir Meliot de Logres, and returned to court with his reputation restored. He later made Sir Belleus, Sir Gareth, and Beaumains knights, while Sir Gareth, Sir Bors, Sir Ector, Sir Lionel, Sir Gawaine, Sir Tristram, Sir Lamorak, and many others were connected with him through kinship, fellowship, service, or rivalry.

Through Books VIII–X, Launcelot fought and reconciled with Sir Tristram, eventually making him his sworn-brother and sheltering him with La Beale Isoud at Joyous Gard. He repeatedly defended Queen Guenever, while their secret love drew the attention of Sir Agravaine, Sir Mordred, and others. In Book XI, enchantment caused him to lie with Elaine, daughter of King Pelles, and their son Galahad was born; later Launcelot knighted Galahad. Queen Guenever’s anger and further deception drove him into madness for two years, until the holy vessel healed him. During the Sangreal quest he was reproved for his sins, renounced his former wickedness, and spent half a year with Galahad serving God, though he was told that Galahad would surpass him.