The Lais of Marie de France

Lanval, a knight at the court of King Arthur, is so noble and handsome that he is the envy of the other knights. He is lost and forlorn because he is far from home. One day, he meets two beautiful women by a stream who tell him they will take him to their lady, who sent for him. They lead Lanval to a luxurious tent where a beautiful fairy, who tells him that she loves him more than anything, resides (74). He falls in love and pledges his devotion to her. The lady agrees to be his lover, adding that whenever he wishes to see her, she will be summoned at his bidding; however, if he reveals their secret, he will lose her for life.

When Lanval leaves the fairy, she ensures that he is lavishly dressed and able to entertain his knights luxuriously. He is joyful because he knows that he can summon his beloved whenever he wants.

One day, the queen catches sight of Lanval and asks him to be her lover. Lanval begins by saying that he would never betray the king. The queen retorts that Lanval has no use for any woman, accusing him of being a “wicked recreant” who prefers the company of men (76).