The Vision of Sir Launfal

This section of the poem contains six numbered stanzas. The first stanza contains Sir Launfal's recollection of how he set out on his journey to find the Holy Grail. He calls for his “golden spurs” (Line 96) and “richest mail” (Line 97), references to the expensive armor worn by medieval knights and which indicated their position in society. He contrasts this with his vow not to sleep on a bed or pillow, but on “rushes” (Line 103), plants that grow near lakes, like a pauper. This reference to the life of the less fortunate is a foreshadowing of the humility and compassion learnt by Launfal during his quest. Launfal then falls asleep or into a vision which holds the memory of his quest.

The second stanza describes the castle where Launfal lives and from where he departs. It is surrounded by the bucolic landscape of cattle, crows, and trees, all in harmony on a perfect summer day. However, the castle presents a much less pleasant image: its cold, “dull and gray” (Line 115) walls recall winter, and its uninviting stone creates a fortress accessible only to the richest “lord or lady of high degree” (Line 118). The castle is personified and described as proud and “churlish” (Line 120), or arrogant.