Sir Launcelot du Lake

Preface of William Caxton

Referenced as having his sword preserved as a relic of Arthur's court.

Book II

Appears in adventures within Book II.

VIII

Named by Merlin as one of the two knights who will fight the greatest battle.

The Tomb of Balin and the Prophecy of the Sword

Prophesied to be one of the two knights who can handle Balin's sword; will slay Sir Gawaine with it.

How King Arthur Took a Wife and Wedded Guenever

Merlin warns that Launcelot will love Guenever and she him.

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.

Seen as a child by Merlin; prophesied to become the most worshipful knight.

II

Promises a great multitude of men to aid King Arthur in the war.

How King Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he ordained the realm should be governed in his absence

Wroth because Arthur left Sir Tristram with King Mark for love of La Beale Isoud.

How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius, and how they were assailed and escaped with worship

Mentioned as the guard escorting prisoners to Paris after the battle.

VII

Leads the convoy and discovers the Roman ambush; fights with exceptional prowess, causing the enemy to flee like sheep from a wolf.

VIII

Appointed to await on Arthur's person during the battle.

Book VI

Central figure of the chapter; undertakes multiple quests and jousts, showcasing his knightly excellence.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel Departed from the Court

The foremost knight of the Round Table, favored by Queen Guenever, who falls asleep under an apple tree while seeking adventures.

How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how he was taken by Sir Turquine.

Mentioned as the brother Sir Ector seeks and as the only knight who might defeat Sir Turquine.

How Four Queens Found Launcelot Sleeping

Enchanted and imprisoned by four queens, refuses their advances.

How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damosel

Imprisoned by queen-sorceresses, he is freed by a damosel after promising to aid her father in a tournament.

How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his leman’s bed, and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight

Mistaken for Belleus's leman, fights and wounds Belleus, then staunches his wound and promises to aid his knighthood.

How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus' daughter, and how he made his complaint to her father.

Arrives at the abbey, is welcomed by King Bagdemagus' daughter, and plans to fight in the tournament under disguise with white shields.

How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris

Dominates the tournament, defeats multiple knights, and later encounters Sir Turquine while seeking his brother Sir Lionel.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together

Engages in a brutal duel with Sir Turquine, revealing his identity and refusing peace.

How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bade Sir Gaheris deliver all the prisoners

Slays Sir Turquine and instructs Gaheris to free the prisoners

How Sir Launcelot Rode with a Damosel and Slew a Knight That Distressed All Ladies and Also a Villain That Kept a Bridge

Rides with a damosel, slays the knight Sir Peris de Forest Savage for distressing ladies, then kills a churl at a bridge; explains his refusal of paramours.

XI

Defeats two giants at Tintagil Castle, freeing sixty ladies; later rescues Sir Kay from three knights.

How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay's harness, and how he smote down a knight

Rides disguised in Sir Kay's harness, defeats three brothers in combat, and commands them to yield to Queen Guenever.

How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the Round Table and overthrew them

Overthrows four knights of the Round Table in a joust, demonstrating his unmatched prowess.

How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a damosel to heal her brother.

Follows a brachet to a manor, discovers a slain knight, and agrees to help a damosel heal her brother by retrieving items from the Chapel Perilous.

How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous and gat there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword

Enters the Chapel Perilous, takes the sword and cloth from the dead knight, resists the sorceress's temptations, and heals Sir Meliot.

How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady recovered a falcon, by which he was deceived

Deceived by a lady into climbing a tree unarmed, but uses a bough to defend himself and slays the treacherous knight Sir Phelot.

How Sir Launcelot Overtook a Knight Which Chased His Wife to Have Slain Her

Rescues a lady from her jealous husband, but is tricked and the lady is slain; imposes penance on the knight Pedivere.

How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur’s Court, and how there were recounted all his noble feats and acts

Returns to court and is recognized as the knight who overcame many opponents in Kay's armor; all his noble feats are recounted.

Book VII

Defends Beaumains against Sir Kay's mockery and later knights him, recognizing his potential.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a knight to fight for a lady.

Defends Beaumains against Sir Kay's mockery, offers him lodging and food, and secretly supports him with gold and clothes.

How Beaumains Desired the Battle and Was Made Knight

Chosen by Beaumains to make him a knight; asked to ride after him.

How Beaumains Departed and Jousted with Sir Launcelot

Observes the joust, then fights Beaumains on foot, marveling at his strength.

How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damosel

Knights Sir Gareth (Beaumains) after learning his true identity, and defends him against Sir Kay's scorn.

IX

Mentioned by the damosel as an example of a mighty knight, but one who would still not pass the Pass Perilous.

XIII

Named as the knight who knighted Beaumains and as one of the three chief knights of renown.

XIV

Mentioned as the knight who made Beaumains a knight and with whom Beaumains fought to a draw.

How Sir Beaumains Overcame the Red Knight of the Red Launds

Mentioned as one of the knights the Red Knight sought vengeance against.

How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him to go unto King Arthur's court, and to cry Sir Launcelot mercy

The Red Knight is sent to ask mercy of Launcelot; Launcelot knows Beaumains' true identity.

XXIII

Present at court; Ironside kneels to him for forgiveness.

The Tournament at Castle Perilous

Advises Arthur not to let Gawaine and his brethren seek Gareth, suggesting the message to Dame Lionesse instead.

How King Arthur went to the tournament with his knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how the knights encountered.

Attends the tournament with his brethren, nephews, and cousins.

How the Knights Bare Them in the Battle

Observes the tournament and decides to forbear Sir Gareth, granting him the honor of the day.

XXIX

Fights nobly against Sir Turquine and Sir Carados together, and is recognized by Sir Gareth.

How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding.

Sir Gareth's most beloved knight; they share great cheer and companionship.

Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast

Jousted on the third day, overthrew fifty knights, performing marvellous deeds.

How Sir Marhaus Came for Truage

Mentioned as a possible champion but not sought because Marhaus is also a Round Table knight.

How Sir Tristram Won the Degree at a Tournament in Ireland

Mentioned by a damosel who mistakes Tristram for him due to his prowess.

How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady, and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go

Referenced as Bleoberis' uncle and a knight of peerless courtesy, for whose sake Tristram agrees to stop fighting.

How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot

Mentioned as the noblest knight; Sir Tristram promises to seek his fellowship.

How Sir Launcelot Rescued Sir Gawaine from Sir Carados, and Sir Tristram Departs for Cornwall

Rescues Sir Gawaine by defeating and beheading Sir Carados.

How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle ceased.

Mentioned as one of the four true lovers.

XXXIV

Mentioned as the target of Morgan le Fay's horn plot.

How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany, and slew his adversary in the field

Hears of Tristram's marriage and denounces him as untrue, declaring himself Tristram's mortal enemy.

How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak.

Reported to have spoken shame of Tristram and declared himself Tristram's mortal enemy.

How Sir Lamorak Departed from Sir Tristram, and How He Met with Sir Frol, and After with Sir Launcelot

Disguised as the White Knight, jousts with Frol and later reveals himself to Lamorak.

Book IX

Appears in adventures alongside Tristram and other knights.

How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights, and how he escaped by the mean of a lady

Mentioned as an example of a knight who was often put to the worse on horseback but recovered his renown on foot.

How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male Taile was prisoner

Returns to court, learns of La Cote Male Taile's quest, follows and overtakes him, receives a letter from Tristram, defeats Sir Nerovens, and is warned about Castle Pendragon.

How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners

Defeats six knights and Sir Brian de les Isles, then frees prisoners from Castle Pendragon.

VII

Observes and praises Sir La Cote Male Taile's prowess, renames the damosel from Maledisant to Bienpensant, and agrees to ride with her.

How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four brethren

Rescues La Cote Male Taile, defeats Sir Plenorius and his three brothers, arranges their service to King Arthur.

IX

Grants the Castle of Pendragon to La Cote Male Taile and sends for Nerovens to rule under him.

How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.

Mentioned as the knight who slew the brother of two knights lying in wait for him; Sir Lamorak defends his reputation.

How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce, and fought together for the beauty of Dame Guenever

Rides by and intervenes to stop the fight between Sir Lamorak and Sir Meliagaunce.

XIV

Initially angry with Sir Lamorak for disparaging Queen Guenever, but later reconciled through Sir Bleoberis's intervention.

How a damosel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them

The intended victim of Morgan le Fay's ambush; knights seek to rescue him.

How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from Morgan le Fay

Recognizes Tristram by his shield and praises him as the man of most worship.

How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir Palomides, and how Launcelot overthrew two knights.

Disguised with a shield of Cornwall, he defeats Sir Briant and two knights of Northgalis, impressing Sir Tristram.

How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights

Jousts with and overthrows Sir Palomides, then fights off twelve knights from Northgalis, killing several.

How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur's party because he saw Sir Palomides on that party

Observes Tristram's prowess and refrains from attacking him out of honor; his kin fight valiantly as a group.

How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought him with him to his lodging

Watches for Tristram with intent to fellowship, but loses him; rages like a lion and returns to King Arthur.

How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides

Jousts with Tristram and wounds him; continues fighting fiercely; refuses the prize in favor of Tristram.

How the prize of the third day was given to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram

Wins the tournament prize but gives it to Sir Tristram; expresses regret for unknowingly hurting Tristram and vows that Sir Palomides will repent his unkindly dealing.

How Palomides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was, and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for Sir Tristram

Takes blame from King Arthur for Sir Tristram's departure; leads a quest of ten knights to find Sir Tristram; rescues Dame Bragwaine from Sir Breuse Saunce Pité.

XXXIX

Meets Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris in Logris, hears their tale, and makes a wry comment about ingrained treachery.

XL

Heavy-hearted from lack of news of Tristram; sets out to seek him in Surluse with Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris.

How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce Pité, and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay.

Referenced as the knight whom Morgan le Fay loves but who rejects her; the shield is intended to rebuke him.

XLIII

Praised by Sir Tristram as the best knight among his kin.

Book X

Prominent knight whose actions and reputation influence the court.

How Sir Tristram met at the peron with Sir Launcelot, and how they fought together unknown

Fights Sir Tristram in disguise, then reveals his identity and yields.

How Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and of the great joy that the king and other made for the coming of Sir Tristram.

Brings Sir Tristram to court and reveals he was the knight with the covered shield.

How for the despite of Sir Tristram King Mark came with two knights into England, and how he slew one of the knights

Mentioned as the only knight who surpasses Tristram; their recent battle is noted as marvellous.

How King Mark had slain Sir Amant wrongfully to-fore King Arthur, and Sir Launcelot fetched King Mark to King Arthur.

Fetches King Mark to King Arthur's court after Mark's treachery.

How Sir Dinadan told Sir Palomides of the battle between Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristam

Mentioned as having fought a mighty battle with Sir Tristram and becoming sworn brothers.

How King Arthur let do cry a jousts, and how Sir Lamorak came in, and overthrew Sir Gawaine and many other.

Present at the tournament and rides with the king to meet Sir Lamorak.

How King Arthur made King Mark to be accorded with Sir Tristram, and how they departed toward Cornwall.

Warns King Mark against treason and threatens to kill him if he harms Tristram.

How Sir Lamorak visited King Lot’s wife, and how Sir Gaheris slew her which was his own mother

Condemns the felony and treason; warns Arthur that Lamorak and Tristram may be lost.

How King Arthur, the Queen, and Launcelot received letters out of Cornwall, and of the answer again.

Receives letters from Tristram; warns Tristram against King Mark, calling him 'King Fox.'

How Sir Launcelot was wroth with the letter that he received from King Mark, and of Dinadan which made a lay of King Mark.

Becomes wroth upon reading King Mark's slanderous letter; confides in Sir Dinadan.

How at a great feast that King Mark made an harper came and sang the lay that Dinadan had made

Mentioned as a recipient of Tristram's letters regarding the harper's mission.

How Alisander met with Alice la Beale Pilgrim, and how he jousted with two knights; and after of him and of Sir Mordred.

Mentioned as the son of King Ban, to whose blood Alice la Beale Pilgrim claims kinship.

How Sir Galahalt Did Cry a Jousts in Surluse

Commanded by the queen to make ready with such knights as he thought best for the jousts.

XLI

Fights disguised in the tournament, unhorses his brother Sir Ector and Sir Bleoberis, and strikes down the King of Northgalis.

XLII

With Queen Guenever, signals the end of the day's jousting and the beginning of the feast.

How Sir Archade appealed Sir Palomides of treason, and how Sir Palomides slew him.

Witnesses the duel alongside the queen and the haut prince.

Of the third day, and how Sir Palomides jousted with Sir Lamorak, and other things

Observes the jousts from the scaffold, praises Lamorak, and promises Guenever not to joust against Arthur's kin.

Of the fourth day, and of many great feats of arms

Comes to aid Sir Lamorak, throwing down Sir Mador de la Porte and many others; shows great joy for Lamorak's success.

How Sir Palomides fought with Corsabrin for a lady, and how Palomides slew Corsabrin

Strikes down Sir Dinadan at the haut prince's request and brings him before the queen; sups with Palomides.

Of the sixth day, and what then was done

Engages in humorous exchange with Sir Dinadan, promising to avoid his great spear.

XLIX

Disguises himself as a maiden and jousts with Sir Dinadan, unhorsing him; wins the prize.

How Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud came unto England, and how Sir Launcelot brought them to Joyous Gard

Recognizes Tristram via the ring, brings him and Isoud to Joyous Gard, and informs Arthur and Guenever.

How Sir Tristram met with Sir Dinadan, and of their devices, and what he said to Sir Gawaine's brethren

Mentioned as the knight whose praise led to the slaying of a local knight.

LXII

Mentioned by Palomides as another of the best knights who might avenge him if he falls.

LXVIII

Present with King Arthur, speculates that the green knights might be Tristram and Palomides.

How Sir Tristram was unhorsed and smitten down by Sir Launcelot, and after that Sir Tristram smote down King Arthur

Unhorses Sir Tristram in the tournament, mistaking him for Sir Palomides.

How Sir Tristram changed his harness and it was all red, and how he demeaned him, and how Sir Palomides slew Launcelot’s horse

Repents striking Tristram, returns to challenge Palomides, but is unhorsed when Palomides kills his horse.

How Sir Launcelot said to Sir Palomides, and how the prize of that day was given unto Sir Palomides

Shows magnanimity by sparing Sir Palomides and allowing him to keep the day's honor, despite initial anger.

How Sir Dinadan Provoked Sir Tristram to Do Well

Praised by Tristram and Palomides for his noble knighthood, courtesy, and prowess.

How King Arthur and Sir Lancelot came to see La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides smote down King Arthur

Accompanies King Arthur in disguise, jousts with and unhorses Sir Palomides to revenge his lord, and is recognized by Sir Tristram.

How the second day Palomides forsook Sir Tristram, and went to the contrary part against him

Identifies Tristram to Arthur and affirms his exceptional knighthood.

LXXV

Enters the field with his kinsmen, performs great deeds, and discusses Tristram's prowess with Arthur.

How Sir Palomides changed his shield and his armour for to hurt Sir Tristram, and how Sir Launcelot did to Sir Tristram.

Enters the battle, unknowingly fights Tristram, later apologizes and honors Tristram as the best knight.

How Sir Tristram departed with La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides followed and excused him

Mentioned as the knight who fought alongside Palomides and nearly overcame Tristram.

How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came unto their pavilions as they sat at supper, and of Sir Palomides.

Accompanies King Arthur, embraces Tristram, and laughs with Arthur over the jousts.

How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides did the next day, and how King Arthur was unhorsed

Fights heroically, rescues Arthur, and smites down thirty knights, earning Tristram's admiration.

How Sir Tristram turned to King Arthur’s side, and how Palomides would not.

Fights bravely, smites several kings, and shares the prize with Tristram.

LXXXV

Rescues Sir Palomides from twelve knights while wearing a golden shield.

How Sir Tristram and Launcelot, with Palomides, came to joyous Gard; and of Palomides and Sir Tristram

Arrives incognito, reveals himself at Joyous Gard, and departs after a few days.

How Sir Palomides kept his day to have foughten, but Sir Tristram might not come; and other things.

Defends Tristram against his own kinsmen's envy, threatening to slay any who harm Tristram.

Book XI

Central figure in the chapter, involved in enchantment and fathering Galahad.

How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp a dolorous lady from her pain, and how that he fought with a dragon.

The flower of knighthood who delivers the dolorous lady and slays the dragon.

How Sir Launcelot came to Pelles, and of the Sangreal, and of Elaine, King Pelles’ daughter

Visits King Pelles, is tricked into sleeping with Elaine under the belief she is Queen Guenever.

How Sir Launcelot was displeased when he knew that he had lain by Dame Elaine, and how she was delivered of Galahad

Discovers he has been enchanted and lies with Dame Elaine; forgives her after learning of the prophecy about their son.

How Sir Bors came to Dame Elaine and saw Galahad, and how he was fed with the Sangreal

Mentioned as being imprisoned by Morgan le Fay for half a year, and as the father of Galahad.

How Sir Bors Departed; and How Sir Launcelot Was Rebuked of Queen Guenever, and of His Excuse

Is rebuked by Queen Guenever for fathering a child on Elaine, but explains he was enchanted and is excused.

How Dame Elaine, Galahad’s mother, came in great estate unto Camelot, and how Sir Launcelot behaved him there.

Ashamed of his past with Elaine, refuses to speak to her despite finding her beautiful.

How Dame Brisen by enchantment brought Sir Launcelot to Dame Elaine’s bed, and how Queen Guenever rebuked him.

Deceived into sleeping with Dame Elaine, rebuked by Queen Guenever, swoons, and flees madly.

How Dame Elaine was commanded by Queen Guenever to avoid the court, and how Sir Launcelot became mad.

Swoons and leaps madly from a bay window after Guenever's rebuke, now lost and out of his mind.

How Sir Percivale Departed Secretly from His Brother, and How He Loosed a Knight Bound with a Chain, and of Other Doings

The object of Percivale's quest; Percivale will not return until he finds him.

Book XII

Central figure in this chapter, continuing his adventures and demonstrating his knightly prowess.

I

Wandering mad for two years, living wild; seizes a sword and fights a knight, then rushes into a bed in the pavilion.

How Sir Lancelot was carried in an horse litter, and how Sir Launcelot rescued Sir Bliant, his host.

Still mad and witless, he is bound but cared for at Castle Blank; breaks his chains to rescue Sir Bliant.

How Sir Launcelot fought against a boar and slew him, and how he was hurt, and brought unto an hermitage

Fights and slays a boar, suffers a severe wound, is healed by a hermit, then becomes feeble and mad, eventually arriving at Corbin.

How Sir Launcelot was known by Dame Elaine, and was borne into a chamber and after healed by the Sangreal

Found sleeping by the well in the garden, disguised as a fool, healed by the Sangreal

How Sir Launcelot, after that he was whole and had his mind, he was ashamed, and how that Elaine desired a castle for him.

Recovers from madness and shame, asks Elaine to keep his condition secret, and requests a place to dwell from King Pelles.

How Sir Launcelot Came into the Joyous Isle

Takes the alias Le Chevaler Mal Fet, dwells in the Joyous Isle, and daily weeps for Arthur and Guenever.

Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir Pervivale and Sir Ector came thither, and Sir Percivale fought with him

Under the alias Le Chevaler Mal Fet, he defeats five hundred knights in a tourney and later fights Sir Percivale to a standstill before revealing his identity.

VIII

Kneels and throws away his shield and sword; reveals his true name; forgives Sir Percivale; embraces his brother Sir Ector.

How Sir Bors and Sir Lionel came to King Brandegore, and how Sir Bors took his son Helin le Blank, and of Sir Launcelot.

Reluctantly agrees to return to King Arthur's court after persuasion by Sir Ector and Sir Percivale.

The Return of Sir Launcelot

Returns to Camelot after being out of his mind; called himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet; smote down five hundred knights in three days.

How La Beale Isoud counselled Sir Tristram to go unto the court, to the great feast of Pentecost

Mentioned as having been missing for two years, out of his mind, and healed by the Sangreal.

How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides Fought and Accorded

Mentioned by Palomides as the only knight of might comparable to Tristram.

Book XIII

Humbled by the Grail's appearance, unable to approach due to his sins.

How at the Vigil of Pentecost a Damosel Came for Sir Launcelot to Dub a Knight

Summoned by a damosel from King Pelles, travels to an abbey, and knights Galahad at the request of the nuns.

The Siege Perilous and the Sword in the Stone

Returns to Camelot with his cousins and declines to take the sword from the stone, stating it is not his.

The Siege Perilous and the Coming of Galahad

Warns Gawaine that touching the sword will bring him sore trouble.

How the Old Man Brought Galahad to the Siege Perilous

Beholds his son Galahad with great joy and recognizes him as the one who will achieve the Grail.

How King Arthur Shewed the Stone Hoving on the Water to Galahad

Is told by a damosel that he is no longer the best knight of the world.

The Tournament at Camelot Before the Quest

One of the two knights Galahad does not defeat.

The Quest of the Holy Grail Begins

The queen declares that Sir Launcelot begat Galahad, and that Launcelot is of the eighth degree from Christ.

The Departure of the Knights for the Quest of the Holy Grail

Comforts King Arthur and Queen Guenever, reassures them he will return with worship, and leads the knights on their quest.

How Sir Galahad met with Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale, and smote them down, and departed from them

Jousts against Galahad unknowingly and is smitten down; later wanders alone and finds a mysterious chapel he cannot enter.

How Sir Launcelot, half sleeping and half waking, saw a sick man borne in a litter, and how he was healed with the Sangreal

Half sleeping and half waking, Launcelot witnesses the healing of a sick knight by the Sangreal but is unable to approach the holy vessel due to his sin.

XIX

Awakens from a vision, hears a voice rebuking him, finds his horse and armor taken, and confesses his sin to a hermit.

The Confession of Sir Launcelot

Confesses his lifelong sin of loving Queen Guenever unmeasurably and doing deeds for her sake rather than God's.

Book XIV

The central figure of the chapter, undertaking a quest and displaying his knightly virtues.

I

Mentioned as having ridden after Sir Galahad before the chapter begins.

Book XV

Returns to Camelot after his madness and embarks on a new quest.

How Sir Launcelot came to a chapel, where he found dead, in a white shirt, a man of religion, of an hundred winter old.

Visits a chapel and encounters a dead man of religion; speaks with a good man and witnesses a conjuration.

Of a Dead Man, How Men Would Have Hewn Him, and It Would Not Be, and How Sir Launcelot Took the Hair of the Dead Man

Launcelot seeks the adventures of the Sangreal, weeps upon hearing of his unworthiness, and takes the holy man's hair as penance.

Of an advision that Sir Launcelot had, and how he told it to an hermit, and desired counsel of him

Has a vision at the Cross, defeats the knight who wronged him, and seeks counsel from a hermit.

IV

Receives the hermit's exposition of his vision and lineage, learns that Sir Galahad is his son.

How Sir Launcelot jousted with many knights, and how he was taken

Joins a tournament to aid the weaker party, is captured after exhaustion, experiences despair and a vision, then meets a recluse.

How Sir Launcelot told his advision to a woman, and how she expounded it to him

Tells his advision to a woman and receives her interpretation; later rides into a valley and is struck down by a black knight.

How Sir Gawaine was nigh weary of the quest of the Sangreal, and of his marvellous dream

Mentioned by Gawaine and Ector as missing and as one of the four peerless knights on the quest.

Of the advision of Sir Ector, and how he jousted with Sir Uwaine les Avoutres, his sworn brother

Launcelot appears in Ector's vision, where he is beaten, despoiled, and denied water from a well.

IV

Subject of the vision; he has left pride for humility, repented his sins, and will undergo penance for twenty-four days.

The Hermit's Counsel

Praised by the hermit for forsaking sin during the Sangreal quest, though noted for his unstableness.

How Sir Bors told his dream to a priest, which he had dreamed, and of the counsel that the priest gave to him.

Mentioned as Bors's cousin whose death is threatened if Bors refuses the lady's love.

Book XVII

Humbled by his sins, he is unable to enter the Grail chamber and is warned by a holy voice that his pride and adultery have made him unworthy.

How Sir Launcelot entered into the ship where Sir Percivale's sister lay dead, and how he met with Sir Galahad, his son

Enters the ship after a vision, finds Sir Percivale's sister dead, and later reunites with his son Galahad.

How a knight brought unto Sir Galahad a horse, and bade him come from his father, Sir Launcelot

Bids farewell to his son Galahad, is driven across the sea for a month, and arrives at a castle where he is tested by lions and a dwarf.

How Sir Launcelot Was Before the Door of the Chamber Wherein the Holy Sangreal Was

Launcelot approaches the Sangreal chamber, is warned not to enter, but enters anyway to help the priest and is struck down.

XVI

Awakens after twenty-four days as if dead, having seen marvels of the Sangreal; learns the quest is achieved for him and mourns the death of King Pelles' daughter.

How Sir Launcelot returned towards Logris, and of other adventures which he saw in the way.

Returns to Logris after twelve months, grieves King Bagdemagus's death, and recounts adventures to Arthur.

How Galahad anointed with the blood of the spear the Maimed King, and of other adventures

Mentioned as Galahad's father, to be saluted if the knights come to Arthur's court.

How Galahad Was Made King and Saw the Sangreal

Mentioned as Galahad's father; Galahad sends him a message to remember the unstable world.

Of the sorrow that Percivale and Bors made when Galahad was dead: and of Percivale how he died, and other matters

Receives Galahad's message and pledges faithfulness to Bors.

Book XVIII

The Queen's champion and lover, who escapes after being discovered in her chamber.

Of the joy King Arthur and the queen had of the achievement of the Sangreal; and how Launcelot fell to his old love again.

Resumes his secret love for Guenever after the quest, but tries to avoid scandal by championing ladies; explains his caution to the queen.

How the Queen Commanded Sir Launcelot to Avoid the Court

Accused by the queen and banished from court; departs in great sorrow to the hermitage of Sir Brasias.

How Sir Mador Appeached the Queen of Treason

Mentioned as the queen's hoped-for champion, but is not in the realm.

The Queen's Champion

Living with the hermit Sir Brasias; Bors visits him to report the situation, and Launcelot advises him to delay the battle.

VII

Fights incognito to defend Queen Guenever, defeats Sir Mador, and reveals his identity after the battle.

How the truth was known by the Maiden of the Lake, and of divers other matters

Fights for Queen Guenever and overcomes Sir Mador; later declines to ride with the king, claiming he is not healed from his wound.

How Sir Launcelot rode to Astolat, and received a sleeve to wear upon his helm at the request of a maid

Arrives at Astolat, agrees to wear Elaine's token, and prepares for the jousts disguised.

The Tourney at Winchester

Arrives secretly at Winchester with Sir Lavaine, wears a red sleeve from the Fair Maiden of Astolat, and hides in a wood to observe the tournament.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine entered in the field against them of King Arthur’s court, and how Launcelot was hurt

Wears a red sleeve token, performs mighty deeds, is wounded by Sir Bors, and spares his kinsmen's lives.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine Departed Out of the Field, and in What Jeopardy Launcelot Was

Grievously wounded with a truncheon in his side after winning the tournament prize; refuses honors and rides to a hermitage for aid.

XIII

Wounded and brought to a hermitage, where the hermit recognizes him and begins to heal him.

How Sir Gawaine was lodged with the lord of Astolat, and there had knowledge that it was Sir Launcelot that bare the red sleeve

Identified as the knight who bore the red sleeve; grievously wounded.

XV

Lies wounded at the hermitage, anxious that his identity and the red sleeve token will cause anger with Queen Guenever.

How Sir Bors sought Launcelot and found him in the hermitage, and of the lamentation between them

Lying wounded in the hermitage, forgives Bors, discusses the queen's anger and the Fair Maiden of Astolat's attachment.

How Sir Launcelot Armed Him to Assay If He Might Bear Arms, and How His Wounds Brast Out Again

Attempts to ride and joust despite his wounds, causing them to burst open; is tended to by the hermit.

How Sir Bors returned and told tidings of Sir Launcelot; and of the tourney, and to whom the prize was given

Remains at the hermitage recovering, sends recommendations via Bors, praises Sir Gareth's nobility.

Of the great lamentation of the Fair Maid of Astolat when Launcelot should depart, and how she died for his love.

Refuses Elaine's offers of marriage and paramour, offers her a yearly gift, and departs for Winchester.

The Fair Maiden of Astolat

Offers the mass-penny for the Maid of Astolat and explains his refusal of her love, stating love must arise from the heart and not by constraint.

Of great jousts done all a Christmas, and of a great jousts and tourney ordained by King Arthur, and of Sir Launcelot

Refuses to joust except at great tournaments; receives a golden sleeve from Queen Guenever; retreats to a hermitage; accidentally shot by a huntress.

How Launcelot after that he was hurt of a gentlewoman came to an hermit, and of other matters

Accidentally shot by a gentlewoman while hunting; suffers a grievous wound in his buttock but resolves to joust at Candlemas Day despite the injury.

How Sir Launcelot behaved him at the jousts, and other men also

Performs mightily at the jousts, smiting down many knights including Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred with one spear.

How King Arthur marvelled much of the jousting in the field, and how he rode and found Sir Launcelot

The knight with the red sleeve of gold; he smote down fifty knights and reveals his wound from a huntress.

Book XIX

Defends Queen Guenever's honor in a trial by combat against Sir Meliagrance.

How Queen Guenever rode a-Maying with certain knights of the Round Table and clad all in green

Mentioned as the knight whose presence Sir Meliagrance fears; his absence from the queen's company emboldens Meliagrance to act.

How Sir Launcelot Had Word How the Queen Was Taken

Receives the queen's ring and sets out to rescue her from Meliagrance.

How Sir Launcelot’s horse was slain, and how Sir Launcelot rode in a cart for to rescue the queen

His horse is slain by archers; he rides in a cart to rescue the queen and challenges Sir Meliagrance.

How Sir Meliagrance Required Forgiveness of the Queen, and How She Appeased Sir Launcelot; and Other Matters

Arrives wroth, ready to battle Meliagrance; is appeased by the queen and agrees to peace; later promises to meet the queen at a window.

How Sir Launcelot came in the night to the queen and lay with her, and how Sir Meliagrance appeached the queen of treason

Visits the queen secretly, breaks iron bars, cuts his hand, and lies with her until dawn.

VII

Defends Queen Guenever against Meliagrance's accusation and accepts the challenge to battle. Later falls into a trap set by Meliagrance.

How Sir Launcelot was delivered out of prison by a lady, and took a white courser and came for to keep his day

Imprisoned in a cave, resists the lady's seduction, accepts a kiss to secure his release, and rides to keep his battle day.

How Sir Launcelot came the same time that Sir Meliagrance abode him in the field and dressed him to battle.

Arrives in time to defend Queen Guenever, defeats and slays Sir Meliagrance after a daring handicap battle.

How Sir Launcelot was commanded by Arthur to handle his wounds, and anon he was all whole, and how they thanked God

Heals Sir Urre's wounds through humble prayer and is praised by all.

How There Was a Party Made of an Hundred Knights Against an Hundred Knights, and of Other Matters

Awaited upon by Sir Urre and Sir Lavaine; subject of Sir Agravaine's scheming against him and Queen Guenever.

Book XX

Accused of adultery with Queen Guenever, rescues her from execution, and inadvertently kills Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris.

I

The subject of the conspiracy; his love for the queen is the cause of the conflict.

How Sir Agravaine Disclosed Their Love to King Arthur

Determined to visit the queen despite Bors's warnings.

How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen’s chamber

Discovered in the queen's chamber, trapped without armor, but resolves to sell his life dearly.

How Sir Launcelot slew Sir Colgrevance, and armed him in his harness, and after slew Sir Agravaine, and twelve of his fellows

Defends himself and the queen, kills Agravaine and twelve knights, wounds Mordred.

V

Narrates his escape from the queen's chamber and prepares for war against King Arthur.

Of the counsel and advice that was taken by Sir Launcelot and his friends for to save the queen

Seeks counsel from his kin and friends on rescuing Queen Guenever from execution.

How Sir Mordred rode hastily to the king, to tell him of the affray and death of Sir Agravaine and the other knights

Slain Sir Agravaine and thirteen knights in the queen's chamber; Arthur vows he shall have a shameful death.

How Sir Launcelot and his kinsmen rescued the queen from the fire, and how he slew many knights

Rescues Queen Guenever from the fire, slays many knights including Gaheris and Gareth, and takes her to Joyous Gard.

Of the sorrow and lamentation of King Arthur for the death of his nephews and other good knights, and also for the queen, his wife.

Mentioned as the rescuer of the queen and the slayer of Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris, though the slaying is described as accidental in the press.

The Siege of Joyous Gard

Accused of killing Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris; prepares to defend Joyous Gard against Arthur's siege.

Of the communication between King Arthur and Sir Launcelot, and how King Arthur reproved him.

Defends his honor and actions from within the castle, arguing he acted in self-defense and that the queen is true.

How the cousins and kinsmen of Sir Launcelot excited him to go out to battle, and how they made them ready.

Reluctantly agrees to ride out and do battle after being urged by his kinsmen; warns Arthur and Gawaine they will repent it.

XIII

Restrains his knights, forbids harm to King Arthur, rehorses the king, and shows great courtesy and forbearance.

XIV

Returns Queen Guenever to King Arthur, leading her through Carlisle with a grand procession.

Of the deliverance of the queen to the king by Sir Launcelot, and what language Sir Gawaine had to Sir Launcelot.

Returns the queen to King Arthur, defends her honor, and recounts his past deeds of rescue and service.

XVI

Offers to build religious houses as penance, expressing sorrow for Gareth's death.

XVII

Departs from the court in shame, bids farewell to the queen, and prepares to leave the realm.

How Sir Launcelot Passed Over the Sea

Leads a hundred knights across the sea to Benwick, establishes his rule over France, and rewards his followers with lands and titles.

How King Arthur and Sir Gawaine made a great host ready to go over sea to make war on Sir Launcelot

Defends his lands but seeks to avoid bloodshed, sending a peace offer to Arthur.

The Siege of Benwick: Sir Gawaine's Challenge

Reluctantly prepares to defend himself against King Arthur and Sir Gawaine after enduring half a year of siege.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine did battle together, and how Sir Gawaine was overthrown and hurt

Fights Sir Gawaine, endures his increased strength, and overthrows him after noon, showing mercy by not killing him.

XXII

Defends himself against Sir Gawaine's accusations and defeats him in battle, but refuses to strike him when he is down.

How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be King of England, and would have married the queen, his father’s wife.

Mentioned as the reason Arthur raised the siege and is returning home.

How after that King Arthur had tidings, he returned and came to Dover, where Sir Mordred met him to let his landing; and of the death of Sir Gawaine.

Mentioned in Gawaine's letter as the one who gave the fatal wound; Gawaine urges him to return and rescue Arthur.

III

Mentioned as the one who will come within a month to rescue King Arthur and slay Sir Mordred.

How King Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur into the water, and how he was delivered to ladies in a barge

Arthur laments Launcelot's absence, saying he sore missed him in the battle.

How Sir Lancelot Heard of the Death of King Arthur and of Sir Gawaine

Returns to England, mourns Sir Gawaine, and seeks Queen Guenever.

How Sir Launcelot Departed to Seek the Queen Guenever

Departs alone to seek Queen Guenever, finds her at a nunnery, and pledges to join her in religious life.

How Sir Launcelot came to the hermitage where the Archbishop of Canterbury was, and how he took the habit on him

Takes the religious habit at the hermitage, becomes a priest after six years, and receives a vision to bury Queen Guenever.

XI

Leads his eight fellows to Almesbury, finds Queen Guenever dead, performs her funeral rites, and swoons with grief at her burial.

How Sir Launcelot Began to Sicken, and After Died, Whose Body Was Borne to Joyous Gard for to Be Buried

Dies of grief after the deaths of Arthur and Guenever; receives last rites and is buried at Joyous Gard.

How Sir Ector found Sir Launcelot his brother dead, and how Constantine reigned next after Arthur; and of the end of this book.

Lies dead at Joyous Gard; eulogized by Sir Ector as the greatest of knights.