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‘Elaine - Lily Maid of Astolat’ In the Aurthian Romances, Sir Lancelot was always represented as the model of chivalry but was also the adulterous lover of Queen Guinevere. Every year the Diamond Jousts were held, the prize being a diamond, which Lancelot always won. However, in the last tournament he wished to be incognito, so whilst visiting the castle of Astolat (generally identified as Guildford in Surrey) he borrowed the shield of the Lord of Astolat’s son. The young daughter Elaine fell in love with Lancelot and asked him to wear her favour (a piece of cloth) on his helmet in the tournament, which he did. Elaine kept his shield and awaited his return. Lancelot, of course, won the tournament but was badly injured and rode away still incognito. Elaine found him, nursed him back to health and declared her love for him. Lancelot rejected her, saying she was too young, and returned to Camelot. Elaine soon died of a broken heart and her body holding a white lily was laid in a boat which floated down the river to Camelot. This theme was used by Tennyson in his poems ‘Lancelot and Elaine’ and ‘The Lady of Shalott. |
