Lanval

Lanval is a knight from King Arthur's court who possessed great qualities including beauty and valor, and because of this, he is envied by most. Others, including the other knights, would not experience grief if Lanval were to experience misfortune. Lanval was born far away and had long since spent his inheritance, therefore he lived a sad and lonely life.

One day Lanval heads out to the country to revel in his sadness when he is approached by two damsels, one with gold dishes, and the other with a towel. They explain they have come to lead him to their mistress who waits in a nearby tent. The mistress informs Lanval she has come in search of him from deep love, and upon seeing her, Lanval falls into deep love too. If he were to prove himself worthy, the mistress would grant him full happiness. He abides, awestruck by her beauty, and promises he would do whatever she asked. They sleep together, and he is granted lodging in her tent, food, and clothing. The only stipulation is that he tell nobody of their love, and if he did, he would lose her forever.

Lanval becomes a model of generosity; he gives gifts freely, grants pardons to prisoners, and offers hospitality to all. All the while people are confused as to where Lanval struck this great wealth.

Guinevere, the queen, devises a plan with her ladies and approches Lanval. She "confesses her love" for him and offers herself up to him. He refuses, claiming his loyalty to King Arthur, and Guinevere accuses him of being a homosexual. In a defensvie act, Lanval confesses the secret affair he has been having with his lover, and in turn Guinevere plots to have King Arthur avenge the insult. Guinevere falsely accuses Lanval of attempting to seduce her, and in response to her refusal, he claims his love's serving girls were better than she was.

Infuriated, the king claims if Lanval cannot defend himself in court he is to be hung. A search is sent out for Lanval, meanwhile, he is once again reveling in his sadness due to the loss of his love. He is brought back to the king and refutes everything the queen said, except for saying his lover's serving girls were superior. King Arthur sets a court date so he can assemble a larger jury. The court date arrives, and the barons assemble to form the jury. Because of a great mix, there is a split among whether to punish Lanval for his actions, or to feel great pity for this man who does not hide his sadness. A bargain was proposed: if his lover were to testify on his behalf, he would be acquitted. After some time, his lady arrives and claims Lanval has been wrongly accused. Lanval is freed and goes off with his lady to Avalon, and they are never seen again.

Loyalty is again a recurring theme throughout the entirety of "Lanval." A lack of loyalty can be seen among Queen Guinevere and King Arthur. The queen tries to seduce Lanval and when refused, she makes up a false story to avenge this embarrassment. Not only was the queen disloyal when attempting to seduce Lanval, but when she proves her disloyalty by lying and making up a fake story. While disloyalty is clear amongst the throne, Lanval attempts to remain loyal to his secret lover. In a fit of rage he reveals her existence and loses her. Although this was the one deal they had made (to keep their love a secret) she returns when she was needed most; to defend Lanval in the courtroom against Queen Guinevere. Due to the mysterious lover's loyalty, Lanval is freed and they are able to run off and live happily ever after.