By Courtney Poetsch ’25

Major: English; Minors: Education Studies and Theatre 

Contributor Biography: Courtney Poetsch is a senior English major with Education Studies and Theatre minors. She plans to teach English in either a middle school or high school after graduation. Courtney has taken a variety of English classes, and she tends to write about complex relationships present within literature. 

Brief Description: This essay focuses on the importance of the friendship between Lancelot and Gawain, which is often overlooked in scholarship. There are two traditions within Arthurian Literature: the British and the French traditions. In the British tradition, Gawain was the best of Arthur’s knights and a central character. However, with the introduction of Lancelot in the French tradition, Gawain becomes more of a secondary character to scholars; they instead focus on Lancelot and Queen Guinevere’s affair. But Chrétien de Troyes, who introduced the character of Lancelot, does not diminish Gawain’s character in his story. He continually emphasizes that Gawain remains an important character and that his bond with Lancelot is important to both characters. Sir Thomas Malory expands on Lancelot and Gawain’s established relationship in his versions of the Arthurian stories. He draws attention back to this relationship in his story “The Death of Arthur,” emphasizing that the mutual affection and respect that these characters have for one another is important, and that Malory respects what Chrétien de Troyes’ created.   

The following was written for ENG 302: Arthurian Literature 

Arthurian Literature is comprised of numerous stories that span two traditions: the British tradition and the French tradition. While the heart of these stories is the same, the French tradition makes additions to what was already established by the British tradition. One notable addition is the knight Lancelot, who is introduced in Chrétien de Troyes’s Lancelot, or The Knight of the Cart. Within this story, Chrétien establishes Lancelot as the best among Arthur’s knights, and he is who French tradition scholarship tends to focus on. Consequently, Gawain, a knight who was important in the British Tradition, becomes a secondary character in scholars’ eyes and is rarely talked about in scholarship. However, though Chrétien’s work is about Lancelot, he does not diminish Gawain’s character. He includes numerous instances throughout the story where they both declare their mutual love and respect for each other. Because of Lancelot and Gawain’s established relationship, Sir Thomas Malory is able to expand on Chrétien’s work in his iterations of the Arthurian stories. In his “The Death of Arthur,” Malory makes both Lancelot and Gawain central characters, and showcases both the fallout and reconciliation of their relationship. Though Chrétien de Troyes introduced Lancelot and Gawain’s close bond, it is often overlooked within the French tradition because of the emphasis on Lancelot and Guinevere; however, Malory’s version of the Arthurian stories brings back the relationship between Lancelot and Gawain and emphasizes the importance of their bond, showing that he respected Chrétien’s work. 

From the first interaction between Lancelot and Gawain, Chrétien depicts them supporting one another, establishing the respect they have for each other that grows throughout the story. When Kay and Guinevere get kidnapped, Gawain sets off to locate them.; while he is on his journey, Gawain sees “a knight approaching slowly on a horse that was sore and tired, breathing hard and lathered in sweat” (116). Lancelot’s determination to find Kay and Guinevere causes him to ride his horse to the brink of death, after which he cannot continue on his journey. However, he recognizes Gawain and says, “my lord, do you not see how my horse is bathed in sweat and in such state that he is no longer of use to me? […] Now I beg you, with the promise to return you the service and favor, to let me have one or the other at your choice, either as a loan or gift” (116-117). Gawain allows Lancelot to choose a horse, telling him to choose whichever one he wants, and Lancelot picks the one closest to him (117). With this exchange, Chrétien displays the characters’ respect for each other. Gawain lets Lancelot choose his horse when he could have either rejected his request or given him the weakest horse, while Lancelot picks the horse next to him instead of choosing the strongest horse despite having the opportunity to select it. Both Gawain and Lancelot show that they value the ideals of the Round Table, especially the ones pertaining to honor, duty, and fellowship. It is a knight’s duty to aid others, even other knights. Gawain understands this duty, which is why he helps Lancelot. Lancelot also appears to know this ideal, as made apparent by his “promise to return [Gawain] the service and favor” (117). Lancelot understands that he cannot take or use something without repaying the favor because it would be inconsiderate and disrespectful to a person who goes out of their way to help him. This initial meeting between Lancelot and Gawain shows that Chrétien values Gawain. The interaction is a small moment in the scheme of things, but it ultimately begins the fellowship between Lancelot and Gawain that is apparent within the rest of the story.  

Slightly later in the story, Lancelot verbalizes how strongly he feels towards Gawain, showing that he truly values the relationship they have. While he is trapped in a tower, he addresses Gawain: “most worthy Gawain, unequaled in goodness, how I marvel that you’ve not come to rescue me! Certainly you are unchivalrous to have delayed so long. You should come to the aid of one you once loved so dearly” (174). Lancelot thinks highly of Gawain, which is why he is so frustrated—he does not understand why his friend has not come to rescue him. His displeasure is made even clearer when he states, “I can say with certainty that there’s no hideaway or secluded place on either side of the sea that I’d not have spent seven years or even ten to seek out had I known you to be imprisoned there” (174). At this point in the story, Lancelot has already searched for and found Gawain, so he is distraught because he feels abandoned by Gawain. He does not understand why, after everything they have been through, Gawain would not look for him. His relationship with Gawain is sacred to him, made evident by the fact that he addresses Gawain over another knight. Lancelot also knows that Gawain cares for him, as shown when he says that “you should come to the aid of one you once loved so dearly” (174). This situation is painful to Lancelot because he fears that Gawain forgot about him and their bond. 

However, Lancelot quickly realizes that Gawain would not forget about him and that their relationship is full of respect and admiration. Shortly after his lament, Lancelot says:  

Yet if you don’t know that I’m imprisoned here, then it’s unfair of me to accuse you so. Indeed that must be the case—I’m sure of it now! And I was wrong and unreasonable to have such thoughts, for I know that you and your men would have searched to the ends of the earth to release me from this veil confinement, had you but known the truth. And you would do it out of the love and friendship you bear me—yes, this is what I truly believe. (174) 

Lancelot never wanted to believe that Gawain forgot about him, but his desperation to be rescued overshadowed his rational thought. He even appears to be frustrated with himself for thinking so poorly about Gawain, as made evident when he states, “I was wrong and unreasonable to have such thoughts” (174). Lancelot knows that finding someone who is missing can be difficult, especially when no one knows the person has been kidnapped. He understands now that Gawain does not know what happened to him, so he cannot be frustrated. By including this passage and the one in the previous paragraph, Chrétien displays the close bond between Lancelot and Gawain, emphasizing the importance of their kinship and how much they both value their bond. Additionally, the fact that Lancelot, the new character, is the one expressing these deep feelings in a monologue shows that Chrétien understands the importance of the ideals of the Round Table, especially the ones pertaining to knights supporting one another. Lancelot’s realization that Gawain simply does not know where he is and Gawain, in fact, did not forget about him, speaks volumes to the close dynamic of their relationship. 

Gawain also expresses his deep admiration for Lancelot throughout the story. When Meleagant arrives in Camelot to fight Lancelot, who he knows is kidnapped because he organized it, he tells the court, “Lancelot assured me that I would not fail to find him here, and I am pledged not to undertake this combat except at your court” (171). Meleagant is still angry with Lancelot for rescuing Guinevere and he wants nothing more than to get his revenge. He does not care how it happens; he just wants to make sure Lancelot suffers in some way. He also wants everyone in Arthur’s court to know he followed the terms of their fight agreement and presented himself, even though he knew Lancelot would not be there. After Meleagant’s declaration, Gawain steps in and explains that Lancelot has not been found, “but we shall have him sought…unless he is imprisoned or dead. But should he fail to appear, let me assume the combat, for I am willing. I till take up my arms for Lancelot at the appointed day, if he is not here before then” (171). Meleagant accepts this condition, saying he will fight Gawain if Lancelot is not found because Gawain is the next best fighter (172). Meleagant attempts to dishonor Lancelot by painting him as a man who goes against his word, and Gawain does not stand for this. Gawain suspects that there is more to Lancelot’s disappearance, as shown when he remarks that he may be “imprisoned or dead;” he knows that if Lancelot were around, he would be there to fight Meleagant. So, Gawain volunteers to fight in Lancelot’s place to defend Lancelot’s honor. But Meleagant’s remark that he will fight Gawain only if Lancelot does not appear is hyper-fixated on by French scholars. Chrétien, whether intentionally or not, establishes Lancelot as the superior knight over Gawain, which causes the latter to be overlooked within the French tradition. However, the way the characters talk about each other when one of them is absent highlights their mutual devotion and the fact that they will always defend one another.  

The reunion between Lancelot and Gawain is full of passion and joy and clearly displays how important they are to each other. When Gawain is getting ready to fight Meleagant:

Lancelot had appeared so suddenly that Gawain stared in wonder at him, and I do not exaggerate when I tell you that he was as astonished as if Lancelot had just fallen at his feet from a cloud. When he saw it was indeed Lancelot, no other duty could have kept Gawain, too, from dismounting and going forth to welcome him with outstretched arms. Gawain greeted him, then embraced and kissed him; he was filled with joy and relieved at having found his companion. You must never doubt me when I assure you that Gawain would not have wanted to have been chosen a king if it meant losing Lancelot. (177) 

Chrétien’s description of the reunion conveys pure love between the two knights. They are affectionate with each other in front of others, which is a tell-tale sign that they are not only more than comfortable with one another, but also with displaying their feelings in front of other people. Additionally, Gawain’s thoughts regarding Lancelot are full of admiration and appreciation. Chrétien’s statement that “Gawain would not have wanted to have been chosen a king if it meant losing Lancelot” exemplifies how deeply he cares for Lancelot. Becoming king is a great honor, but Gawain not wanting that if that means he does not have Lancelot by his side shows just how important Lancelot is to him; Gawain does not want to lose Lancelot ever again. The way Chrétien writes this reunion truly highlights the intense feelings both Lancelot and Gawain feel towards each other.  

Turning to “The Death of Arthur,” Malory expands on the deep bond between Lancelot and Gawain that Chrétien established by having Gawain defend Lancelot in front of other knights. Some of the knights no longer want to hide the fact that they know about the affair between Lancelot and Guinevere, and they want to do something to expose him. However, Gawain does not support their actions. When they try to get Gawain involved, he tells them to “move no such matters no more before me; for wit you well, I will not be of your counsel” (468). They continue trying to persuade him, but Gawain replies that “I will never be against Sir Lancelot for one day’s deed; that was when he rescued me from King Carados […] Also, brother Sir Agravain and Sir Mordred, in like wise Sir Lancelot rescued you both […] methinks such noble deed and kindness should be remembered” (469). Gawain knows the affair is wrong but he does not want everyone to forget all of the good Lancelot has done, especially in regards to saving others. Gawain feels Lancelot has continually shown he is a worthy knight, and he does not want to go against him; he respects him too much. Additionally, in Malory’s version of the stories, he puts the events of Chrétien’s Lancelot before this discussion takes place, so it is fresh in Gawain’s––and the audience’s––mind. Gawain will not forget what Lancelot did for him and refuses to see Lancelot in a poor light. Malory shows that Gawain still cares deeply for Lancelot; Gawain willingly resists his fellow knights’ wishes that he join in the effort expose Lancelot’s affair.  

However, it reaches the point where Lancelot hurts Gawain’s family and Gawain cannot excuse him any longer. After Lancelot kills Gawain’s brothers, Gawain is furious and wants to get revenge. He seeks out Lancelot and demands to fight him, putting his familial duty over his knightly duty. He declares, “traitor knight, wit thou well I am not yet slain. Therefore come thou near me, and perform this battle to the utterance!” (505). Gawain is determined to avenge his brothers, and he does not care if he dies while fighting Lancelot. But Lancelot does not want to kill his companion. After wounding Gawain, Lancelot tells him that “I will no more do than I have done” (505). Lancelot leaves Gawain alive, much to Gawain’s dismay. However, Lancelot does not want to go against his honor by killing Gawain; he still cares for and respects Gawain. They have a lot of history, and by putting Chrétien’s Lancelot shortly before these events take place, it makes this fight all the more painful because they go from saving each other to fighting almost to the death.

Despite everything, Malory has Gawain and Lancelot reconcile because he recognizes the importance of their relationship. While on his deathbed, Gawain asks if he can write a letter to Lancelot. Gawain tells Lancelot “to return again unto this realm, and see my tomb and pray some prayer more or less for my soul” (509). He then adds, “also, Sir Lancelot, for all the love that ever was betwixt us, make no tarrying” (509). This letter displays that the love Gawain has for Lancelot is still there; he is on his deathbed, and yet he wants to reconcile their relationship and ask Lancelot to visit his tomb. Gawain wants to die with the knowledge that Lancelot knows he wants him to pay his respects. Additionally, the strong emotion present in the letter echoes the reunion in Chrétien’s Lancelot, which shows that Malory understands the significance of the reunion, especially since it had happened not that long ago in terms of Malory’s timeline. Consequently, it is satisfying for audiences to read about a reconciliation after recently reading about how devoted Lancelot and Gawain were to each other.  

Though the close relationship between Lancelot and Gawain is established in Chrétien’s Lancelot and expanded on in Malory’s texts, French scholarship tends to focus on Lancelot and Guinevere instead; Gawain is rarely focused on unless scholars are discussing Malory. In Edward I. Condren’s article “Paradox of Chrétien’s Lancelot,” he only mentions Gawain in terms of the plot of Lancelot. For example, Condren writes that “only Gawain’s presence prevents Lancelot from throwing himself out of the window” (448). This sentence is nearly all that is provided in terms of the bond between Lancelot and Gawain, even though, as shown previously, there is an in-depth reunion written for them. But French scholars find more fascination with the relationship between Lancelot and Guinevere, for the scandalous nature of it is more appealing. So, Gawain is forgotten unless discussing the events of Lancelot. The focus on Lancelot and Gawain’s relationship returns to scholarship when discussing Malory’s version of the stories. In David Benson’s article “Gawain’s Defence of Lancelot in Malory’s ‘Death of Arthur,’” he writes that his “paper attempts to add to our appreciation of Malory by analyzing a generally overlooked speech by Gawain in praise of Lancelot” (267). Benson recognizes that Gawain’s appreciation for Lancelot has been lost, so he, like Malory, aims to restore it. However, Benson appears to be the only scholar who addresses the relationship, which seems to be because he focuses on Malory’s texts. Lancelot and Gawain’s bond, despite being an integral part to Chrétien’s story, is overlooked by scholars who simply focus on the French tradition. But scholars who study Malory are able to recognize the importance of it because he takes inspiration from both the British and French traditions.  

The relationship between Lancelot and Gawain, though forgotten about in French scholarship, is an important aspect of Arthurian Literature. Chrétien de Troyes’ introduction of Lancelot and his bond with Gawain becomes a compelling aspect of Lancelot, which Malory recognizes. He is able to bridge the gap between the British and French traditions by allowing Lancelot and Gawain to reconcile after their fight, thus showing that he respects Chrétien’s creation.  

Works Cited  

Benson, David C. “Gawain’s Defence of Lancelot in Malory’s ‘Death of Arthur.’” The Modern Language Review, vol. 78, no. 2, 1983, pp. 267-272,  https://doi.org/10.2307/3729807.  

Condren, Edward I. “The Paradox of Chrétien’s Lancelot.” MLN, vol. 85, no. 4, 1970, pp. 434-453, https://doi.org/10.2307/2907990.  

Chrétien de Troyes. Lancelot, or The Knight of the Cart. Translated by William W. Kibler. The Romance of Arthur, edited by Norris J. Lacy and James J. Wilhelm, Routledge, 2013, pp. 114-180. 

Malory, Thomas. Le Morte Darthur. Translated by Helen Cooper, Oxford University Press, 1998.  

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. Gawain fights Burian (5152643).jpg