Le Morte d’Arthur · Character

Dame Elaine

The fair daughter of King Pelles who loves Launcelot beyond reason and uses enchantment to bear his child, Galahad, at a cost to them all.

supporting

Also known as Elaine, young Elaine, the Lady Elaine

First appearance: How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.

As a supporting figure in Le Morte d’Arthur, Dame Elaine is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Queen of Benwick, mother of Launcelot, comforted by Merlin's prophecy.

In the storyHow Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.Open this moment free

See Dame Elaine in How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.Book page

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Elaine of Corbenic is the beautiful maiden whom King Pelles uses to trick Launcelot into believing he lies with Queen Guenever. She conceives Galahad, the destined Grail knight, but Launcelot's heart remains with the queen, leaving Elaine to raise their son in sorrow. Her story explores how love, deception, and destiny intertwine, and her son will become the pure knight who achieves what his father cannot.

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See Dame Elaine in How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.

Character Web

15 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Supporting and legendary figures
Central tragic figures
Knights of conflict and loyalty

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Sir Launcel…

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In the story

Dame Elaine appears across 23 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.
Queen of Benwick, mother of Launcelot, comforted by Merlin's prophecy.
Book XI
Enchants Launcelot and becomes mother of Galahad.
How Sir Launcelot came to Pelles, and of the Sangreal, and of Elaine, King Pelles’ daughter
King Pelles' daughter, who lies with Launcelot under the enchantment, conceiving Galahad.
How Sir Launcelot was displeased when he knew that he had lain by Dame Elaine, and how she was delivered of Galahad
Daughter of King Pelles; bears Sir Launcelot's child, Galahad, fulfilling her father's prophecy.
How Sir Bors came to Dame Elaine and saw Galahad, and how he was fed with the Sangreal
Daughter of King Pelles, mother of Galahad by Sir Launcelot, expresses concern for Launcelot's imprisonment.
How Sir Bors Departed; and How Sir Launcelot Was Rebuked of Queen Guenever, and of His Excuse
Is mentioned as the daughter of King Pelles upon whom Launcelot has gotten a child through enchantment.
How Dame Elaine, Galahad’s mother, came in great estate unto Camelot, and how Sir Launcelot behaved him there.
Arrives at Camelot in great estate, is deeply in love with Launcelot, and is heartbroken by his coldness.
How Dame Brisen by enchantment brought Sir Launcelot to Dame Elaine’s bed, and how Queen Guenever rebuked him.
Laid with Launcelot by enchantment, glad of the deception.
How Dame Elaine was commanded by Queen Guenever to avoid the court, and how Sir Launcelot became mad.
Reveals she bore Launcelot's son Galahad, is ordered to leave court, and grieves for Launcelot's madness.
How Sir Launcelot fought against a boar and slew him, and how he was hurt, and brought unto an hermitage
Mentioned as the lady of Corbin who bore Galahad, Sir Launcelot's son; she is present when Launcelot arrives at the city.
How Sir Launcelot was known by Dame Elaine, and was borne into a chamber and after healed by the Sangreal
Recognizes Launcelot and weeps; seeks her father's help to heal him
How Sir Launcelot, after that he was whole and had his mind, he was ashamed, and how that Elaine desired a castle for him.
Reveals to Launcelot how he was found and healed, pledges to live and die with him, and secures the Castle of Bliant from her father.
How Sir Launcelot Came into the Joyous Isle
Accompanies Sir Launcelot to the Joyous Isle and informs him of her father's plans.
Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir Pervivale and Sir Ector came thither, and Sir Percivale fought with him
Mentioned as the fairest lady in the land, residing in the castle of Joyous Isle.
VIII
Makes great cheer for the knights; tells Sir Ector and Sir Percivale the story of Launcelot's arrival, healing, and adventures.
How Sir Bors and Sir Lionel came to King Brandegore, and how Sir Bors took his son Helin le Blank, and of Sir Launcelot.
Bids farewell to Sir Launcelot and reveals that their son Galahad will be knighted at Pentecost.
The Return of Sir Launcelot
Mentioned as the daughter of King Pelles, by whom Launcelot is said to have fathered Galahad.
How Sir Bors was lodged with a lady, and how he took upon him for to fight against a champion for her land
The young, lusty, and fair lady who hosts Sir Bors and seeks his aid to defend her castle and lands.
How the three knights, with Percivale's sister, came unto the same forest, and of an hart and four lions, and other things.
Referred to as Percivale's sister; accompanies the knights into the forest and to the hermitage.
XIII
The Fair Maiden of Astolat, who confesses to Sir Gawaine that she loves the knight with the red sleeve, though she does not know his name.
How Sir Gawaine was lodged with the lord of Astolat, and there had knowledge that it was Sir Launcelot that bare the red sleeve
The Fair Maiden of Astolat, who loves Launcelot and shows Gawaine his shield.
How Sir Launcelot Armed Him to Assay If He Might Bear Arms, and How His Wounds Brast Out Again
The Fair Maiden of Astolat; diligently nurses Launcelot and mourns his injury, rebuking Bors and Lavaine.
Of the great lamentation of the Fair Maid of Astolat when Launcelot should depart, and how she died for his love.
The Fair Maid of Astolat who dies of unrequited love for Launcelot.

Chapter companion notes

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See Dame Elaine in How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.