Queen Guenever

King Arthur

Arthur loves Guenever as his queen and wife, but their marriage is undermined by her affair with Launcelot.

King Arthur

Arthur loves Guenever as his queen and wife, but their marriage is undermined by her affair with Launcelot.

King Arthur

Arthur loves Guenever as his queen and wife, but their marriage is undermined by her affair with Launcelot.

Preface of William Caxton

Referenced in the summaries of Books Three, Eighteen, and Nineteen regarding her marriage and relationship with Launcelot.

Le Morte d'Arthur

Seized by Mordred during his usurpation.

Book I

Daughter of King Leodegrance, marries Arthur, brings the Round Table as a dowry.

How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents

First seen by Arthur at this time, and he loves her ever after.

Book III

Marries King Arthur and becomes queen.

How King Arthur Took a Wife and Wedded Guenever

Guenever is the daughter of King Leodegrance, chosen as Arthur's wife.

How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained and their sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury

Arrives with the Round Table and a hundred knights; Arthur expresses his long love for her.

The Wedding of King Arthur and Queen Guenever

Married to King Arthur at the feast.

How four knights fought against Gawaine and Gaheris

Displeased with Gawaine; ordains a quest of ladies to judge him.

XI

Present at court and makes great joy of Sir Tor's return.

The Quest of the White Hart and the Penance of King Pellinore

Rebukes King Pellinore for not saving the lady's life, showing her concern for chivalric duty.

Book IV

Marries Arthur, though Merlin foretells her future love for Launcelot.

How Five Kings Came into This Land to War Against King Arthur

Arthur insists she accompany him for his courage; she obediently prepares to depart.

How King Arthur had ado with them and overthrew them, and slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee

Flees with Arthur, is placed in a barge on the Humber, and praises Sir Kay's deeds.

How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow for the death of Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur

Grants Morgan le Fay leave to depart before Arthur's return.

How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should have been drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again.

Present at Camelot, glad of Arthur's return.

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

Left in governance of Sir Baudwin and Constantine; makes great sorrow and swoons at Arthur's departure.

How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur with his prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned Emperor

Meets King Arthur upon his return to England at Sandwich.

Book VI

Launcelot's devotion to her is a recurring theme; she is the object of his chivalric service.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel Departed from the Court

Holds Sir Launcelot in great favor above all other knights.

How Four Queens Found Launcelot Sleeping

Launcelot declares her the truest lady to her lord.

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

Mentioned as the rumored object of Launcelot's love, said to have enchanted him so he loves no other.

XI

The three defeated knights are commanded to yield themselves to her as prisoners.

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

The prisoners are commanded to yield themselves to her on Whitsunday.

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

Referenced by Hellawes as the only woman Launcelot loves.

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

Receives Sir Pedivere and assigns him a penance to carry the dead lady to the Pope of Rome.

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 the Queen of Orkney.

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

Present at the gathering with King Arthur and the Queen of Orkney.

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 the recipient of Isoud's message about the four lovers.

XXXIV

Mentioned as the reason the horn was sent to Arthur in despite of Launcelot.

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

Sends a letter to La Beale Isoud, comforting her and predicting that Tristram will return to love her.

How a Young Man Came into the Court of King Arthur and Was Named La Cote Male Taile

Present when the lion breaks loose; she flees and is rescued by La Cote Male Taile, who slays the lion.

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

Depicted on the shield alongside King Arthur, symbolizing her alleged paramour relationship with Sir Launcelot.

How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that Morgan le Fay delivered to him

Fears the shield is made in despite of her and Sir Launcelot; confides in Sir Ector de Maris.

Book X

Her relationships and influence are key to the courtly dynamics.

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.

Welcomes Sir Tristram along with many ladies.

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

Mentioned as being present at the tournament at Camelot.

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

Receives letters from Tristram and later from King Mark; shows good cheer to the damosel.

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

Receives a letter from King Mark that speaks shame by her and Launcelot; becomes wroth and sends it to Launcelot.

How Sir Galahalt Did Cry a Jousts in Surluse

Requests and receives leave to attend the jousts with Sir Launcelot and chosen knights.

XLI

Requests that Sir Launcelot enter the tournament.

XLII

Along with Sir Launcelot, calls for the end of the day's tournament and the knights to prepare for the feast.

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

Present as a spectator at the duel between Palomides and Archade.

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

Sits on the scaffold to judge the jousts, commends Sir Lamorak, and requests Launcelot to avoid jousting with Arthur's blood.

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

Praises Sir Lamorak, taking him in her arms and commending his deeds.

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

Present at the jousts and battle; sups with Palomides afterward.

Of the sixth day, and what then was done

Present at the tournament, laughs heartily at the dinner banter.

XLIX

Laughs heartily at Sir Dinadan's humiliation; departs with Sir Launcelot to King Arthur.

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

Receives news of Tristram and Isoud from Launcelot and relays it to Arthur.

How Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector Reported to Queen Guenever of the Beauty of La Beale Isoud

Recovered from her malady, she questions the knights about Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud and comments on envy.

Book XI

Launcelot's love, whose jealousy leads to his madness.

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

Referenced as the object of Launcelot's love; her ring is used in the deception.

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

Is wroth with Launcelot over the rumor of his child with Elaine, but later holds him excused after his explanation.

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

Receives Elaine with false cheer, commands Launcelot to come to her chamber that night.

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

Discovers Launcelot's absence, hears him speak in his sleep, and angrily rebukes him.

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

Rebukes Launcelot, causing his madness; later weeps and is blamed by Elaine and Bors for destroying the best knight.

The Quest for Sir Launcelot

Falls into a dead swoon upon hearing of Launcelot's madness and beseeches the knights to find him.

Book XII

Mentioned in relation to Launcelot's loyalty and the courtly love dynamic.

How Sir Launcelot Came into the Joyous Isle

Mentioned as the queen of Logris, for whom Launcelot weeps daily.

The Return of Sir Launcelot

Weeps upon hearing of Launcelot's trials, then makes great cheer at his return.

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

Sent a letter to La Beale Isoud explaining Launcelot's situation and requesting Tristram's help in seeking him.

How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides Fought and Accorded

Present at Camelot with King Arthur.

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

Expresses reluctance to let Launcelot leave the feast but is reassured he will return by dinner the next day.

The Siege Perilous and the Sword in the Stone

Accompanies the king to the minster for service.

How the Old Man Brought Galahad to the Siege Perilous

Marvels at the news of Galahad and supposes that Launcelot begat him on King Pelles' daughter by enchantment.

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

Comes with many ladies to see the stone and is present at the event.

The Tournament at Camelot Before the Quest

Watches the tournament from a tower with her ladies.

The Quest of the Holy Grail Begins

The queen requests to see Galahad's face and speaks of his lineage and resemblance to Launcelot.

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

Grieves deeply, reproaches Launcelot for leaving her and the king, but ultimately blesses him and the whole fellowship.

Book XIV

Mentioned in relation to Launcelot's devotion and the courtly love tradition.

Book XV

Reunites with Launcelot, reaffirming their bond.

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

Compared unfavorably in richness and beauty to the lady who tempts Bors.

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

Present with King Arthur at Camelot when Launcelot arrives.

Book XVIII

Arrested and sentenced to be burned at the stake for adultery with Launcelot.

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

Shares in the joy of the knights' return but grows wroth with Launcelot for avoiding her company.

How the Queen Commanded Sir Launcelot to Avoid the Court

Angrily confronts Launcelot, accusing him of falsehood and lechery, and forbids him from the court; inwardly sorrowful but outwardly proud.

The Poisoned Apple

Hosts the dinner and is accused of poisoning after Sir Patrise's death.

How Sir Mador Appeached the Queen of Treason

Proclaims her innocence and laments Sir Launcelot's absence.

The Queen's Champion

Accused of Sir Patrise's death; begs Sir Bors for succor and kneels before him.

How at the day Sir Bors made him ready for to fight for the queen; and when he would fight how another discharged him.

Accused of treason for the death of Sir Patrise, she is put in the Constable's ward and faces execution if Sir Mador wins.

VII

Accused of treason in Sir Patrise's death; weeps with gratitude after Launcelot's victory and is reconciled with the king.

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

Exonerated of Sir Patrise's death after Nimue reveals the truth; refuses to accompany the king to the tournament, citing sickness.

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

Advises Launcelot not to joust against the king and his fellowship, but he departs anyway.

XV

Nigh out of her mind with wrath upon learning Launcelot bore the red sleeve; calls him a false traitor-knight.

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

Mentioned as being wroth with Launcelot for wearing the red sleeve at the jousts, as discovered by Gawaine.

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

Expresses displeasure at Launcelot's survival, calls him a recreant knight.

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

Becomes wood wroth with Launcelot and estranges herself from him.

The Fair Maiden of Astolat

Views the corpse with the king, later sends for Launcelot to beg his mercy for being wroth with him causeless.

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

Sends for Launcelot and gives him a golden sleeve to wear at the jousts, asking him to enforce himself for her sake.

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

Present at the jousts, seated on the scaffolds with the old knights to judge who performs best.

How True Love is Likened to Summer

Cited as an example of a true lover who lived faithfully and had a good end.

Book XIX

Accused of treason by Sir Meliagrance; her honor is defended by Launcelot.

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

Organizes a Maying ride with ten knights, all clad in green, intending to return to King Arthur by ten o'clock.

How Sir Meliagrance Took the Queen and Her Knights

Rebukes Meliagrance for his treachery and offers herself to save her wounded knights.

How Sir Launcelot Had Word How the Queen Was Taken

Captured by Meliagrance but secretly sends a message to Launcelot.

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

Watches from a bay window, recognizes Launcelot, and rebukes a lady for likening him to a hanging.

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

Receives Meliagrance's plea for mercy, chooses peace over war, and personally reconciles Launcelot.

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

Receives Sir Launcelot in her chamber and is later accused of treason by Sir Meliagrance.

VII

Accused of high treason by Meliagrance; defended by Launcelot. Returns to Westminster with the wounded knights.

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

Mentioned as being in danger of being burned if Launcelot fails to appear for the battle.

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

Brought to the fire to be burned, saved by Sir Launcelot's timely arrival, signals for Sir Meliagrance's death.

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

Awaited upon by Sir Agravaine to be put to rebuke and shame alongside Sir Launcelot.

Book XX

Accused of treason for her relationship with Launcelot, sentenced to death by burning, and rescued by Launcelot.

How Sir Agravaine Disclosed Their Love to King Arthur

Sends for Launcelot, unaware of the trap being set.

How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen’s chamber

Fears being burned for adultery, laments their long love, and vows to die with Launcelot.

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

Present in the chamber; exchanges rings with Launcelot and advises him to wait before rescuing her.

V

Launcelot defends her honor, asserting she is a true lady to King Arthur.

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

The queen is condemned to be burned at the stake, and Launcelot's council plans her rescue.

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

Condemned to death by fire for treason after Launcelot was found in her chamber.

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

Led to execution, despoiled into her smock, and rescued by Launcelot.

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

Mentioned as the subject of the dispute; Launcelot insists she is a true lady to Arthur.

XIII

Referenced in the Pope's bulls commanding Arthur to take her back and accord with Launcelot.

XIV

Returned to King Arthur by Sir Launcelot after the Pope's intervention.

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

Delivered by Launcelot to King Arthur; Launcelot asserts her truth and cleanness.

XVII

Kissed by Launcelot in farewell; he publicly defends her honor.

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

Placed under Sir Mordred's governance while Arthur is away.

Book XXI

Seized by Mordred and later retires to a nunnery after Arthur's death.

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

Feigns agreement to marry Mordred but escapes to the Tower of London and defends it.

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.

Resists Mordred's attempt to wed her by putting herself in the Tower of London.

Of the opinion of some men of the death of King Arthur; and how Queen Guenever made her a nun in Almesbury

Upon hearing of Arthur's death, she steals away to Almesbury, becomes a nun, and lives a life of penance and prayer, eventually becoming abbess.

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

Fled westward after Arthur's death; Launcelot seeks her.

How Sir Launcelot Departed to Seek the Queen Guenever

Found at a nunnery in Almesbury; she blames their love for the destruction of the realm and commands Launcelot to leave her.

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

Parted from Launcelot with great sorrow; later appears in Launcelot's vision as dead at Almesbury.

XI

Dies half an hour before Launcelot arrives; she had prayed not to see him with her worldly eyes.

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

Mentioned as buried at the tomb where Launcelot prays.