CP English 12
26 February 2014
Lancelot of the Lake Of all the characters in Arthurian legends, Lancelot is probably the most famous. He is regarded as being the greatest knight who ever lived, and his many adventures have always captivated the interest of readers. His name comes from the French, who initially brought him into the legends. Lancelot was born of King Ban of Benwick and Queen Elaine by the name of Galahad. When Lancelot’s father died, Vivian, the Lady of the Lake, rescued him, so he would not be captured by King Bors of Gaunes. She took him into the the Lake, where she raised him as her own. As Lancelot grew up, he excelled in all of his classes. He had the stature of a prince or king, though his true identity and name were never revealed to him. After he grew up, Vivian took him to Camelot, where she asked a favor of Arthur. Arthur said he would give her anything she desired, and she wished for him to keep Lancelot and knight him whenever he pleased. Arthur accepted the offer and assigned Lancelot four squires. When Lancelot saw Guinevere that night, he was instantly attracted to her. This was; however, very unfortunate. Though Lancelot loved the queen, she was married to Arthur, an issue that would prove to be problematic later in their relationship. It was not until Guinevere had seen Lancelot in battle that she really pursued him, even though she was unaware of his identity. All she knew was that she longed to meet the Black Knight who had saved her husband’s kingdom. Galehaut, a friend of Lancelot’s, who also knew of Lancelot’s love for the queen, arranged a secret meeting between the two of them. At this meeting, it was eventually revealed that the Black Knight was in love with her, and his victories were for her, and not the king. She also discovered his true identity. As the meeting went on, Guinevere agreed to kiss him. Galehaut blocked the view from any present, and they kissed behind his back, thus