UvZLa-1: Prologue: The author tells his story for the courtly persons who will understand him, and is anxious to rebuke the wicked and envious. This is the story of a virtuous knight, who was intelligent and courtly and won many a prize before he got to know his own name and birth.

Motif References:

UvZLa-44: King Pant of Genewis has fought many wars because he wants more than rightfully belongs to him. He is a powerful warrior who treats anyone seeking his justice alike without difference between the rich and the poor. He does not tolerate a word against him, any offender is killed. Life is very hard for his lords and they plot against him. They who once were rich and powerful now let all their possessions fall into neglect. The king has a beautiful and virtuous wife, Clarine. People serve her well and hold her in high esteem whereas they hate her husband. She gives birth to a child. The prophecy of the child’s future valiance pleases the king.

Motif References:

P 12.2.1 Tyrannical king [lord]
P 20 Queens
M 311.0.1 Heroic career prophesied for (new-born) child

UvZLa-97: When the child is a year old the angry vassals whom the king had mistreated unjustly form a conspiracy against him. They lay waste to the country and attack the king whom they besiege in his castle by the sea. Having been so ferocious he has lost all his knights and only his burghers defend him. Because of the king’s evil reputation there is no hope for help by any country either. The enemy takes the castle, the king is wounded and most of his people slain. The king flees with his wife and son to a spring between the castle and the lake, where he dies. The queen is in great distress and flees to a tree. Then there comes a fairy woman of the sea with a mist like a wind and takes the child away from her and carries it into her land. The enemy who has watched this captures the queen and they return to the castle.

Motif References:

R 10.3 Children abducted
P 16.0.1 (Bm) Regicide
F 235 Visibility of fairies.
F 324.3 Youth [child] abducted by fairy.

UvZLa-189: The lady who took the child is a wise mermaid and a queen better than any now living. 10,000 women are living with her in her island kingdom, but not a single man ever came there. The ladies have costly garments. The island is very beautiful and stays abloom all the year in perpetual spring. The queen’s strong castle is built on a round crystal mountain and the island is well protected by the sea and an insurmountable strong wall. There is only one gate, which is of hard diamond. The castle is artfully decorated and shines from gold outside and inside. Due to the stones the castle is built with nothing inside its walls ages and there is no anger or envy. Whoever dwells in the castle a day would never again feel sorrow until his death.

Motif References:

P 20 Queens
F 112.0.1 Fairyland (Ireland) inhabited (settled) by women only
F 134 Otherworld on island
F 148 Wall around otherworld
F 161.1 Perpetual summer in otherworld.
F 163.1.2 Golden castle in otherworld
F 165.6 Only joy felt in otherworld dwelling.
F 167.9 Otherworld people [things in otherworld] ever young, ever beautiful
F 173 Otherworld land of happiness.
F 213 Fairyland on island.
F 222 Fairy castle
F 252.2 Fairy queen
F 751 Glass mountain.
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)

F 771.1.1 Golden castle (palace, house)
D 1131 Magic castle
D 1349.2 Magic object produces immunity from old age.
D 1359.3 Magic object causes joy

UvZLa-241: The boy grows up in this land without sorrow. The queen teaches him honorable conduct and among the ladies he learns courteous manners and arts (musical instruments and singing). He is a very gifted child. Each of the ladies wants him to love her. At the youth’s request the queen sends for mermen to teach him to fight. He also learns all sorts of sport like jumping, wrestling or hurling stones, and of hunting. But he is ignorant in knightly horsemanship, never mounts a horse and knows nothing about armor.

Motif References:

P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
B 82 Merman
L 101 Unpromising [clumsy] hero
F 253 Extraordinary powers of fairies
P 272 Foster mother
P 275 Foster son
F 311.3 Fairy foster-mother.
F 371 Human being reared in fairyland.
T 617 Boy reared in ignorance of the world

UvZLa-300: When the boy is fifteen years old he asks the queen’s permission to leave to learn about chivalry. His ignorance of his name and descent grieve him, the fairy queen however tells him that he will learn both only after having overcome the best knight that ever lived, Iweret of Behforet who lives in the castle Dodone. The youth has to avenge what Iweret did to her. The queen then equips the boy, providing him with a good war-horse, an armor richly decorated and white as a swan, and a costly surcoat with little golden bells on it. He receives a good sword too and a fine shield with a golden eagle in the middle of it and edged with sable (this has been worked by one of the queen’s ladies). The youth wears a splendid garment. He leaves with the ladies’ blessing who watch him as far as they can see him.

Motif References:

M 242 Bargains and promises between mortals and supernatural beings
Z 252 Hero at first nameless [unaware of birth]
T 617.2 Hero learns his name at time of first [particular] adventure.
H 1221 Quest for adventure
J 1730.1 Hero does not learn his name until after first [particular] adventure.

UvZLa-389: A mermaid ferries the boy over the sea accompanied by the queen and her retinue. She tells him to always do as best as he can. Then they disembark and the youth takes his leave. He mounts his horse but not knowing how to ride or direct a horse he behaves rather oddly and lets the animal have its way. He rides all day.

Motif References:

L 101 Unpromising [clumsy] hero

UvZLa-420: In the next morning he comes to a well-built castle and the horse turns toward the castle gate. In front of it is a dwarf on a white horse who strikes the youth’s horse under the eyes with his whip. The youth thinks this the proper thing to do. But then the dwarf gives him a whip cut too. Thinking the dwarf too low of station the hero takes no vengeance but is angered with the castle where this happened. He cannot help going with his horse wherever it runs but he arrives to ask some bystander about the place. He says it is called Pluris, but cannot give any information about the host.

Motif References:

F 451.5.2 Malevolent dwarf

UvZLa-452: The young hero comes to a pleasant heath with a stream which is good hunting territory. There a young knight comes riding toward him carrying a hawk on his hand. The knight noticing his odd riding offers him his service. The young man, whose name is Johfrit de Liez, asks him why he rides this way and if this is a penance. He asks him to tell him who he is. The youth answers that he knows nothing about his name, and that he has left the land of women only three days ago. That he is riding like a fool is due to the fact that he never learnt it. At his speech Johfrit starts to laugh and judges him shrewd: a boyish warrior knowing to speak beautifully and yet riding foolishly. Then he gives him advice how to ride his horse by using the reins and invites him to his castle. Soon the youth rides with great skill.

Motif References:

P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

UvZLa-596: The young knight is welcomed at Johfrit’s castle and proves a real courtier. He tells his story to the hostess, Johfrit’s mother, who then invites the best of the land to ride a bohourt. Their garments and armor are rich and beautiful. After the tournament the ladies dance with the knights. This goes on for three days and on the third day the guest takes part in fighting and he does so well that all praise him.

Motif References:

P 561 Tournaments
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament

UvZLa-667: Then the young hero takes leave. The road leads him into a dark forest and in the evening he reaches a plain where he sees two knights fighting: Kuraus with the Brave Heart and Orphilet the Fair. Kuraus has ridden out to win fame and Orphilet for the sake of his lady. The youth requests them to stop for his sake: if one refuses he would help the other one. They stop fighting and wonder where they could get a night’s lodging. Kuraus knows a castle nearby called Moreiz. Only the host, Galagandreiz, is an exacting and quarrelsome man and a trouble maker. His wife is long dead and he has a beautiful daughter. Galagandreiz is a rich forester and for his daughter’s love he keeps a close season on his game.

Motif References:

W 188 Contentiousness.
P 234 Father and daughter
P 320 Hospitality
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)

UvZLa-743: The young hero will not avoid this stronghold : he says if the host hates vice perhaps he will not harm anybody virtuous. They are well received and the host who has been gaming with good luck greets them joyously. They take off their armor and Galagandreiz leads them to his daughter and their ladies. She seats him at her side and they talk. After the meal the host escorts them to their beds.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality

UvZLa-849: Then the host’s daughter walks in with two maids carrying lights and wants to find out about the knights. She wears precious and fashionable garments, has no hat but a chaplet from pretty flowers. Love torments her and constrains her to be daring. Then Galagandreiz’s daughter sits down beside Orphilet and talks to him about what she has heard about love: its sweetness and its bitterness, which is stressed by her father. Orphilet asks what she wishes and she offers him a ring. He dares not take it and says he did not merit it by courtly service. She insists and asks him to release her from the close watch kept over her and begs him for his love. Orphilet not only fears for his honor but for his life too and says so. He will not die on her account. The host’s daughter leaves Orphilet angrily and wooes Kuraus lying close by. She says that her father has forbidden her any husband because he cannot live without her. Kuraus rejects her as well – he takes the proposal as a joke. When the lady who feels quite humiliated comes to the nameless youth he jumps up and says that she will not have to woo him but that he would serve her gladly. They pass a happy night together. However he could never forget that she came to him last and later made her pay for it.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
T 50.1.2 Girl carefully guarded by father
T 55 Girl as wooer. Forthputting woman
T 71 Woman scorned in love
T 331.2 Knight unsuccessfully tempted by host’s wife [daughter].
T 400 Illicit sexual relations

UvZLa-1113: At dawn the host enters carrying two long, sharp double-edged knives and two shields. He orders them to tell him the whereabouts of his faithless daughter whom he finally perceives in the hero’s bed. The father challenges the hero to a game: he gives him a shield and tells him to stay by the wall, he himself will go to the other side. They should throw knives at each other. The youth lets his opponent throw first and he wounds him. Then he rushes towards his father-in-law and stabs him to death with his knife.

Motif References:

S 11.4.1 (Jealous) father vows to kill [kills] daughter’s suitors
Q 292.3 Abuse of hospitality punished.
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
H 1591 Shooting contest.

UvZLa-1184: The knights begin to worry for they are without arms but the girl consoles them. She sends for some of the best vassals and tells them that her father is dead and that she has won the young man who killed him in defense. Her father’s heritage has come to her. She stresses her father’s cruelty and unjust treatment of his vassals and promises them reward if they would take her side. On condition that the new lord will be better than their old one they agree. Conciliation is brought about and there is not much lament for the host’s death. Galagandreiz is buried. The young lady entrusts people and land to the young hero who proves generous and honorable.

Motif References:

P 12.2.1 Tyrannical king [lord]
P 17.11 Slayer of king [sovereign] marries widow [daughter] and inherits kingdom [domain]
T 127 (Bm) Woman weds husband’s [father’s, uncle’s] slayer

UvZLa-1258: When Orphilet sees the youth’s demeanor he praises King Arthur’s land and castle to him and advises him to visit them. The youth however neither will join the king’s company because he is still lacking fame nor will he go with Kuraus to Gagunne. The two heroes leave. When they part the young lord gives them whatever they wish of his possessions. At Karidol people are happy to see Kuraus and ask him to tell them about his journey. He praises the excellence of the young hero to them who broke the adventure at Moreiz and who does not tell his name. Although the young hero has an easy life at Moreiz he does not forget about the purpose of his journey. So one day he secretly leaves the castle and rides for four days until he comes to a crossroad of three roads. He chooses the middle one which leads to a strong castle.

Motif References:

T 71 Woman scorned in love
T 89.3 (Bm) Faithless lover
T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love]
Z 252 Hero at first nameless [unaware of birth]
H 1229.1 Quest undertaken by hero to fulfill promises.

UvZLa-1378: Any guest approaching this castle has to carry an olive branch as sign of peace and if he is bearing arms he has to take off the helmet and turn down his ventail as well. Otherwise he will be attacked. This custom however is unknown to the young hero and when they see him from the castle they attack him furiously. He defends himself very well and kills many of the assailants. The ladies on the battlements lament him for he cannot escape. In the castle there lives a beautiful maiden of courtly breeding. When she is told about the fighting she mounts a beautiful horse, entirely white with one red shoulder, and rides from the castle to meet the stranger and make him surrender to her. The lady wishes to help him, but the throng keeps them apart. The knight outstrips them to the castle, thrusts down many of them and finally strikes dead the lord’s counselor. All clamor for his life.

Motif References:

Z 157 Olive [palm] branch symbol of peace [victory]
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper

UvZLa-1484: When he no longer can keep up the struggle against the superior force he finally surrenders to the lady. She is named Ade. Her father is Patricius von den Bigen, who is a great hunter and expert in tracking and owns many greyhounds and other hunting dogs. His brother, Linier, is the lord of the castle, which is called Limors. Linier has adopted Ade whom he made his heiress. When her uncle dies she should take charge of the land together with the man she favors. For the noble damsel’s sake nobody harms the foreign guest. The lady takes care of him. She is glad of his escape yet she fears her uncle’s anger for whoever rides into his castle without truce is doomed to death. Fortunately Linier does not arrive before the next morning. When he returns and hears what happened he becomes very angry and wants to have the captive put to death. No one however can die before his death day comes to him and the hero is not doomed yet.

Motif References:

R 162 Rescue by captor’s daughter (wife, mother)[niece]
P 293 Uncle
P 298 Niece
Q 411 Death as punishment
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper

UvZLa-1622: The damsel begs her uncle to be merciful and counsels him to spare such an excellent knight who could be of use to him. Linier angrily swears that the hero will atone for his disgrace and Ade is silent. The lord, his eyes bloodshot from rage, orders the hero to be brought forth and asks him who he is and whence he came. The hero answers that he has been brought up by ladies and that he does not know his identity. Linier infuriated by this answer which he takes for a jest throws him into a dark tower and has only bread and water brought to him. Although the young hero lies in a filthy dungeon he is merry in his misery and not at all downhearted. All his suffering is a joke to him. The lady however takes care of him, sends him bedding, food and wine and visits him.

Motif References:

R 41.3 Captivity in dungeon
R 162 Rescue by captor’s daughter (wife, mother)[niece]
W 185 Violence of temper
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper

UvZLa-1710: One day Ade informs the youth of an adventure proclaimed by her uncle and reveals the custom to him which consists of three tasks. First one must fight a giant of enormous strength who has a club as weapon. Whoever overcomes him must then fight – with no other weapon than his sword – two wild lions which are in a walled pit. Then the hero must fight Linier himself in a ring in knightly fashion. Although her uncle is a fearless hero he has planned this adventure cautiously for he values his life highly. Whichever warrior fails to stand the tests before noon of a given day is doomed to die and is decapitated. On hearing this the youth wants to undergo this adventure and asks Ade to arrange it for him. Ade begs her uncle to restrain his anger and to grant the permission to take the captive out a fortnight so that he may get back his strength and to let her have the knight’s armor and his horse. She stakes her head on the stranger. Linier agrees and is certain that he will get his revenge on him. The knight is taken out of the prison and the lady cares well for him. Ade loves him for his virtue. In the meantime Linier sends for his friends and relatives as well as for the lords of the adjacent lands to invite them to his festival on occasion of the contest. Linier thinks the youth’s courage must come from great childishness.

Motif References:

Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
F 531.4.5.2 Giant with iron bar as weapon
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
H 924.1 Tasks assigned as ransom.
H 1161 Task: killing ferocious beast.
H 1166.1 Task: wrestling etc. with giant warrior
H 1166 Task: duel.
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

UvZLa-1886: Meantime they get ready whatever is needed for the adventure. The strong man arrives and Linier slyly orders to confine the lions and to have them fast for three days. Many people however pray to God to protect the foreign knight. In the morning before he enters the ring the youth first entrusts himself to God. He has no weapon except his sword, a helmet and a good new shield. The giant has got his club and a war shield. The cunning youth cuts off the giant’s right arm which carries the club and showers him with blows. The giant defends himself with his left hand and presses the young knight hard. The guest however strikes him so hard that he wants to flee but the youth cripples him. When the giant falls he tries to kill his attacker by falling on him but he fails and the knight decapitates him.

Motif References:

F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
F 531.4.5.2 Giant with iron bar as weapon
F 628.2.3 Strong man kills giant

UvZLa-1951: Linier then leads the hero to the two lions and pushes him into the den. The hungry lions hurt the hero so that the blood pours down but finally he kills them both. Then both Linier and the nameless knight are made ready for single combat. The youth is pale and weak from loss of blood and the blood runs through the rings of his hauberk for his wounds are not bound up. When they are mounted they start fighting furiously, the older knight shows great skill which the younger one lacks. Yet the youth unhorses his adversary and fells his horse. They fiercely continue fighting afoot and Linier presses the young knight hard. The knight races upon the host and cuts his head to his teeth. He strikes his adversary with such force that blood runs out his own ears and mouth and that he faints. There is great lamentation for Linier. The maid has the friendly knights carry the young hero into a chamber and takes care of him. She arranges a wake for her uncle and settles all well as wise people do.

Motif References:

N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
H 1161 Task: killing ferocious beast.
H 1166.1 Task: wrestling etc. with giant warrior
H 1166 Task: duel.

UvZLa-2154: While the young knight lies between life and death the host is buried honorably. Everybody praises the young hero and people beg Ade to be gracious to him. The populace and the damsel’s kinsmen all declare that he should be given the lady and the land. The lady, who fell in love with her guest from the moment she first saw him, cares well for his wounds and anoints him with a good salve so that he soon feels better. She tells him that she must ever be sorry for her uncle’s death but that her sorrow will be halved if he recovers. In a few days the hero recovers completely. His fame rings out in all countries for many people watched his fight and his renown spreads to Arthur’s court. Erec asks who this knight might be and Orphilet says that it must be the bold nameless hero who slayed Galagandreiz. Queen Ginover wishes to see the hero and the king promises to reward the knight who will bring the hero to him. Walwein who is considered the best of Arthur’s knights is chosen to fulfill the king’s demand. In the meantime Ade manages her affairs well. One day she rides with the young hero. In the past it was the custom that a lady could well ride with one companion or even alone, which would now make the men angry. She wants to reconcile the knight with her father and they ride toward the Bigen.

Motif References:

P 17.11 Slayer of king [sovereign] marries widow [daughter] and inherits kingdom [domain]
T 127 (Bm) Woman weds husband’s [father’s, uncle’s] slayer
Z 200 Heroes
H 1210.2 Quest assigned by king

UvZLa-2357: On their way they meet Walwein and when the knight sees him he is eager to test his own prowess. Walwein identifies the hero by his coat of arms, an eagle of gold, and by the damaged rim of his shield. He takes off his weapons and his helmet because he does not intend to fight the knight who does not at all approve of the stranger’s behavior. He greets him politely however and Walwein bows in return. Then he tells him that King Arthur and the queen and all the royal household would like to see him and that he is sent as their messenger to invite him. The nameless hero refuses to come with him. He says that otherwise he would easily be taken as Walwein’s captive and that it would not be decent if he would try to enforce his will. He regrets having greeted him and begs him to cease talking which easily might bore the lady. She thinks it right however that a knight should execute his commission and says so. Walwein wants him to consider that whoever does not see the king’s court will be regarded as incomplete in chivalry. The knight replies that he easily could manage later after he has got other news and that he does not even know whom he is talking to. Walwein names himself and identifies as the son of King Arthur’s sister. The young knight is glad that he now has met this highly praised knight and eager to test his prowess he challenges him. They fight.

Motif References:

H 126 Identification by coat of arms
Z 252 Hero at first nameless [unaware of birth]
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

UvZLa-2594: While they are fighting fiercely a page runs up to them and addresses them: King Lot of Lohenis has undertaken a tournament against Gurnemans which will be attended by King Arthur and many knights. The two fighters could win there fame and honor. Walwein and the nameless knight now are willing to stop their combat and ask the youth to inform them about this tournament. The messenger tells them it will take place at Djoflé and there will be all sorts of knightly sports and entertainment. Walwein presses his invitation of the nameless knight but cannot persuade him. The young hero insists that he has to arrange his affairs before he can ride with him. They part.

Motif References:

P 10 Kings [King’s famous court]
H 126 Identification by coat of arms
Z 252 Hero at first nameless [unaware of birth]
P 561 Tournaments
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

UvZLa-2746: The young hero and the lady continue their journey and they are received by her father with great kindness. At his daughter’s request he puts everything he has at the hero’s disposal. The hero is treated gently. One day he decides to attend the tournament and tells his lady of his intention. They equip him for the journey and Ade provides him with everything he needs in abundance. She sends him her brother Diepalt as his page, who is a very wise and courtly youth, knows Britain well and attended many a tournament. Buroin, the generous duke of the White Lake, has reared him. When they leave for the tournament the lady Ade goes with them. They arrive at the place where the tournament is to be held. Many a knight has come there. King Arthur and his knights have their quarters on a hill at one side of the field. As soon as Diepalt has organized his companions’ lodgings he rides out to gather news. In the meantime the young hero already has mounted and in order not be recognized has made a green banner, his horse covered with the same green samite and taken a green shield. Although Diepalt advises him to avoid the strong Arthurian knights the young hero rides straight to them.

Motif References:

P 561 Tournaments

UvZLa-2889: When they see him coming Keii is granted the first joust against the challenger whom he thinks a fool. He will take his horse from him and divide the rest of the booty with his companions. Keii is a knight given to mockery and therefore they would like to see some disgrace done to him. The green knight strikes his adversary so fiercely that he flies through the air and then his head strikes the ground. The joust takes place on a swampy ground and the boastful steward falls into a ditch. All laugh at this affair. Diepalt takes Keii’s horse. Then the green knight unhorses two Arthurian knights in single combat and Diepalt seizes the horses and leads them away. Erec engages in fighting the stranger. They use up many spears until Erec retreats. Arthur and his knights ride out and the green knight withdraws to his enclosure. Walwein who comes later is told what has happened and he identifies the stranger as that famous hero of whom they have been told so much. All praise his strength. Walwein rides in search of him. The youth has made a prisoner of only one warrior, Sir Maurin of the nimble shanks, whom he sent to his ladylove. His pages have earned big winnings from the knights their master unhorsed. It is a marvel that the youth does so well for this is his first tournament.

Motif References:

W 110 Unfavorable traits of character - personal
W 117 Boastfulness.
R 222 Unknown knight (Three days’ tournament)
L 400 Pride brought low
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
P 561 Tournaments
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament

UvZLa-3072: He withdraws to his lodgings for the night and orders his page to bring him a white shield at daybreak and to provide a white banner and surcoat as well. In the morning the hero commends himself to God, has a breakfast and rides out. He jousts, unhorses and strikes down many opponents. He does not capture anyone. When he wants to have a little rest he is invited to the camp of Count Ritschart of Tumane and they beg him to take their side in the tournament. They all are very glad as he accepts and the count has a new banner displayed. The white knight excels in fighting in their company. They seize many horses and make prisoners. No one who opposes him manages to stay in the saddle except Karyet who runs away quickly. The white knight overthrows a prince and sends him as his prisoner to his lady. In the evening all captives are turned over to Diepalt’s keeping to honor his lord who takes nothing else but his just share from them. When they want to know who he is he refuses to tell – because he is ashamed that he knows nothing about him. He promises to be back the next morning and rides to his lodgings.

Motif References:

R 222 Unknown knight (Three days’ tournament)
Z 252 Hero at first nameless [unaware of birth]
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
P 561 Tournaments
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament

UvZLa-3233: The next morning the tournament continues. Count Ritschart starts jousting and he and his men break many a spear. Walwein’s father, king Lot orders his knights to take vengeance for the losses inflicted on them the evening before and many of them swear to capture the white knight. In a great attack Count Ritschart loses a great part of his troop. The nameless knight has ordered red equipment and rides out until he finds the count who laments his losses. Then the red knight engages in fighting and does so well that the enemy gives way and retreats. His comrades earn great riches. Jousting goes on and many a warrior is struck down. The red knight is better than any of the heroes fighting in that tournament. It happens that he fights Walwein, but they soon are separated. Then the red one succeeds in capturing Walwein’s father in a great fight with his men.

Motif References:

R 222 Unknown knight (Three days’ tournament)
P 561 Tournaments
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament

UvZLa-3406: When King Arthur becomes aware of this he attacks with his company but the red knight still wins the highest praise. He sends King Lot to his lady. King Arthur with Walwein and many a knight go to meet the famous knight whom Walwein asks about his father. Arthur invites him to his court but the nameless knight refuses. He is so handsome and has such beautiful manners that they would have liked to know about him. Soon the red knight departs from his companions and takes Walwein with him to his lodgings. There Walwein finds lady Ade, Sir Maurin, the duke and King Lot. Ade gives him back his father and the two captives. When Walwein leaves the hero tells he wants to go to Pluris. Walwein and the nameless knight part as true friends.

Motif References:

R 222 Unknown knight (Three days’ tournament)
Z 252 Hero at first nameless [unaware of birth]
P 310 Friendship
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
P 561 Tournaments
H 1228 Quest undertaken by hero for vengeance.
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament

UvZLa-3526: The hero sets out to Pluris, Ade and Diepalt going with him. After they have ridden for a few days they come to a beautiful country. On a plain they notice a castle which is painted outside and wonderfully devised. A river flows round it, called Derkal. The castle is enchanted so that anyone entering uninvited by the host becomes a coward and loses all strength and courage. The host however is a coward outside his castle. It is called Schatel le Mort and its host is Mabuz the Cowardly. He has captured many knights who are lying in his vast prison. Whenever the host gets angry he orders a prisoner to be killed. Mabuz is the son of the fairy who reared the nameless knight. It had been prophesied to her before she bore a son that he would always be a coward. Therefore she made this magic castle for him. The land is his fief. Besides it he has a land bordering on the Beautiful Wood (Behforet), which belongs to Iweret who is a bold hero. He has taken this land from Mabuz and so his mother wants Iweret to be killed by the brave youth she reared on her island. He later kills Iweret.

Motif References:

R 41.1 Captivity in castle
D 50 Magic changes in man himself.
R 51.4 Prisoner[s] [hostages, messengers] massacred [killed]
W 121 Cowardice
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
D 1131 Magic castle
H 1221 Quest for adventure
D 1336 Magic object gives weakness.
D 1381 Magic object protects from attack.
D 1711.5 Fairy as magician.
D 1719.5 Magic power of fairy.
D 1837 Magic weakness

UvZLa-3601: The young knight and his company turn toward the castle and in the gateway they are confronted with Mabuz all armed. He attacks the stranger, who does not defend himself, pierces his shield and strikes him. Then he tears off his helmet and pulls him down from his horse. The youth lies still as if dead. Mabuz has him shaken out of his armor and orders the armor and the horse to be taken care of. Diepalt having watched all this says that now it has become clear that this knight is a coward and that he never could value him again. His sister is angry at his words but finally must agree with him and leave the nameless one. She knows nothing of the magic and swoons from grief. Her brother takes her away.

Motif References:

T 75 Man scorned by his beloved
T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love]
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
H 1556.4 Fidelity in love tested

UvZLa-3676: The young knight lies captive in Mabuz’s castle. He doesn’t care whether he has cover or clothing and is so angry with himself that he does not think about food or drink. Having been the bravest knight he has turned the weakest one. Whenever the other captives sit down at the table to eat he sits up to a wall chewing his bread. He never washes his hands and shows the manners of an evil wretch. So he lies for a fortnight and longs for death.

Motif References:

R 41.1 Captivity in castle
L 112.4 Dirty boy as hero [Loathsome knight]
D 1837 Magic weakness

UvZLa-3698: Then the prisoners watch from the castle’s walls that several men of Iweret burn Mabuz’s country and take great booty. Mabuz dares not to intervene because he is afraid of an ambush. He decides to make one of his prisoners his spy and he will appoint the most cowardly of them for he will be the most valiant outside the castle. Mabuz goes to the captives and marks their behavior. He then forces the nameless knight who refuses to go on this expedition to ride out as his spy. They carry the hero to the gate and clad him in his armor as if he were a sick man. Mabuz reminds him that he is the most valiant man now living and promises him to spare his prisoners’ lives for one year. The young knight rides on the raiders’ track and soon comes close to them. He overcomes them all. Whoever can escape flees. Mabuz keeps his promise and kills nobody that year.

Motif References:

M 220 Other bargains
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
H 924.1 Tasks assigned as ransom.
D 1837 Magic weakness

UvZLa-3826: The knight rides on and comes to a monastery, which is called The Sorrowful Fief (Zer Jaemerlîchen Urbor). He passes the night there. The abbot tells him that Iweret is the lord over the cloister. Iweret who is a very valiant knight has his opponents buried there. He offers them the slain knights’ property for the victim’s soul (they sing masses for them and give them their proper due). Therefore the monastery is very rich. Iweret has already slain numerous knights. The abbot warns the youth against Iweret and at his inquiry tells him about the adventure of Behforet: Iweret is a mighty prince who has three kingdoms which came to him by inheritance besides whatever he took from his opponents. He has but one child, a daughter, who is remarkably beautiful. The knight who wants to marry his daughter must meet him in deadly combat under a lime tree in the Beautiful Wood. Beneath the tree which is green throughout the year, is a cold spring, vaulted with arches. Out of a lion’s mouth the spring flows into a marble basin. On the tree there is a bronze bell upon which any challenger is supposed to strike with a hammer. When it is struck for the third time Iweret will come to fight. He has already slain many knights. The monks have buried them at the lime tree which is not far away from the cloister. The youth is eager to face Iweret.

Motif References:

T 50.1.2 Girl carefully guarded by father
V 60 Funeral rites
T 68 Princess offered as prize
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
V 118 Monasteries [cloisters, abbeys, nunneries]
F 162.3.3 Tree in otherworld in perpetual fruit [foliation].
H 332.3 Suitor test: duel with father-in-law
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 716 Extraordinary fountain
F 811 Extraordinary tree
H 1229.1 Quest undertaken by hero to fulfill promises.
H 1233.3 Holy man [hermit] as helper on quest

UvZLa-3930: Next day the guest departs early. He remembers his promise given to his foster-mother that he would not turn back before he found Iweret. A messenger directs him to Behforet. It is a marvelous wood, evergreen with trees blooming and bearing fruit concurrently all the year round. The fruit has any taste one could wish for and people have been healed of all diseases if they eat it. If the fruit is bound upon a wound it heals at once. Iweret’s enormous strength and courage is due to the magic herbs growing in his forest. In front of his castle there lies a valley blooming with all known flowers at their very best in a perpetual summer. Anyone suffering from grief is filled with joy when he passes the wood or the meadow. Therefore the place is called Behforet, the Beautiful Wood. The forest is filled with all sorts of game and wild animals (lions, bears, red deer, boars, elephants). There is a water separating the beasts from birds and fowl of every sort. Not one of them ever crosses from one side to the other. The water has plenty of fish of every sort.

Motif References:

F 161.1 Perpetual summer in otherworld.
F 162.1.1 Everblooming garden in otherworld
F 162.1.3 Trees bloom, others bear concurrently in otherworld garden.
F 756 Extraordinary valleys and plains
F 812 Extraordinary forest
F 813 Extraordinary fruits.
B 845 Wild animals herded
D 937 Magic plain [valley].
D 941 Magic forest
D 965 Magic plants
D 981 Magic fruit.
D 1335 Object gives magic strength
D 1359.3 Magic object causes joy
D 1500.1.5 Magic healing fruit.
D 1665.3 Fruit has any taste desired.
D 1830 Magic strength
D 2161.2 Magic cure of wound.
D 2197 Magic dominance over animals

UvZLa-4015: Iweret’s daughter is a very beautiful and courteous maid, pure and without guile and a noble lady of royal kin. Neither her wisdom nor her cunning however helped her to defend herself against love for no one is so wise that he could do anything against it. She lives with a hundred companions, all courteous and beautiful. Daily they go to the valley where they gather flowers and make chaplets of them. From this came the custom to make chaplets from flowers which is observed to the present day. As soon as the ladies pick one flower, immediately another grows where the first was found. After the lady the valley is called Vals Ible.

Motif References:

F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
P 600 Customs
Z 704 (Bm) Eponymous account of island [valley].
F 814 Extraordinary flower
D 975 Magic flower
D 1652 Inexhaustible object.

UvZLa-4091: Iweret lives in a rich castle called Dodone built on a mountain high over the valley. The castle is well built outside and in: The floor is paved with marble, the walls are inlaid with gold mosaic and made of white and red stones of marble which are beautifully worked. The lord’s rich palace has got a sleeping chamber with onyx walls, the crystal floor inlaid with coral and jasper. There are silver columns and the chamber is richly ornamented with gems. When Iweret is inside it he fears nothing. The ceiling is covered with gold and all sorts of jewels (chalcedon, beryl, onyx, chrysolite, jacinth and carbuncle). Due to them it is never dark in the chamber. The furniture is very precious: The bed of the host and his daughter is of ivory and red gold and set with jewels. A green samite is spread over it and it has a fine white sheet. Lord Iweret often offers gifts to his daughter. The castle is well furnished in any way and lacks nothing. It is inhabited by a small number of citizens who enjoy life among themselves. The sound of bells is heard everywhere in the castle when one strikes the bell at the lime tree. When the nameless knight arrives at the tree he strikes the bell so loudly that it is heard everywhere in the castle and in the forest.

Motif References:

P 234 Father and daughter
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
F 771.1 Castle of unusual material
F 781 Extraordinary rooms
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)
D 1380.11 Magic jewel protects
D 1645.1 Incandescent jewel

UvZLa-4215: The night before that day Iblis dreamed that she walked to the tree and saw a noble knight with whom she fell in love immediately. There is great love between them and all he does or says is pleasant to her. When she lies awake from love she vows to take only this unknown knight as her husband. Whenever the bell is sounded she will go to the lime tree. When the knight strikes the bell she goes there and greets the knight whom she recognizes from her dream. He greets her and says that he will be happy to win her by combat or die. She begs him to give up this adventure for her sake but he refuses. He strikes the bell a second time. The lady weeps and laments. She is so in love that she asks the knight to take her with him. The knight however refuses because he would not run away. She tells him what fearsome man her father is but the knight is not at all frightened and strikes the bell a third time. The lady swoons from grief. The hero takes her in his arm until she comes to herself. She laments about the power of Love.

Motif References:

T 11.3 Love through dream
H 24 Recognition from dream.
T 50.1.2 Girl carefully guarded by father
T 68 Princess offered as prize
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
M 146 Vow to marry a certain woman [man]
H 332.3 Suitor test: duel with father-in-law
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
H 1556.4 Fidelity in love tested
D 1812.3.3.9 Future husband (wife) revealed in dream

UvZLa-4407: Iweret comes riding up perfectly armed and on rare horse of deep fiery red coloring. Iweret’s coat of arms are red lions of gold and he bears a white banner of samite from the land of the king of Marroc. His surcoat is made of the same material and hung with golden bells. He appears like an angel and wears silken hanging sleeves according to courtly fashion. His horse’s crest is golden, a tree with branches, and about it a scarf. His helmet and spur are adorned in the same manner. He is enraged with the stranger and addresses him fiercely why he came. The young hero declares that he wishes to take on Iweret’s adventure and gain the maiden and the land. Iweret grows furious and they start to fight. They fight well and their battle grows more and more cruel. Iweret says that till then he only has fought children but that this is a man. Their rage mounts and they wound each other. Iweret begs a truce of the youth but he refuses. Finally the challenger kills Iweret and decapitates him.

Motif References:

T 68 Princess offered as prize
H 332.3 Suitor test: duel with father-in-law

UvZLa-4558: The knight goes to the lady who was in a swoon the whole time, he raises and comforts her. Then he tells her about his victory and that he will ever love her. Love makes her forget that he killed her father. Fearing her father’s men she begs the hero not to delay and they ride forth from the forest. On their way they encounter the abbot from the Sorrowful Fief with a bier who is about to fetch the dead. He is surprised when he sees that the knight survived and the lord is dead. The abbot turns back and the lady sends a proclamation to her liegemen that they should hold castle and land faithfully until she returns. Her vassals are pleased with this message. They want to know who killed their lord but no one can tell who he is or where he went. Iweret is buried.

Motif References:

P 17.11 Slayer of king [sovereign] marries widow [daughter] and inherits kingdom [domain]
T 127 (Bm) Woman weds husband’s [father’s, uncle’s] slayer

UvZLa-4661: The knight and the maiden ride for a time till they reach an open field. They dismount under a lime tree and they become lovers. Soon they see a beautiful maid riding toward them on a white mule. The knight recognizes her as one of his foster-mother’s ladies. He calls her by name and welcomes her. She thanks him for having accomplished for her lady what she desired of him. Through her commission the knight learns his name and kin: He is called Lanzelet, his father was named Pant and Genewis was his land which is his rightful heritage. It has been foretold to the fairy what adventures he will meet and therefore she knows that he will never be conquered. His mother Clarine has deserved by her virtue that Lanzelet should be happy. His father however was a contentious man and slain by his own men. Then the fairy carried him away and reared him. The messenger gives him a box as a proof of his title to good fortune with a fine tent in it. Lanzelet thanks the queen and rejoices at the news. They pitch the tent on a meadow full of blooms and birds singing flying over the field.

Motif References:

P 16.0.1 (Bm) Regicide
P 20 Queens
Q 140 Miraculous or magic rewards.
W 188 Contentiousness.
F 234.2.6 Fairy as messenger from fairyland.
M 242 Bargains and promises between mortals and supernatural beings
M 301.6 Fairies as prophets
M 312.9 Prophecy: no people or king will be able to stand up against hero
F 340 Gifts from fairies
F 371 Human being reared in fairyland.
T 617.2 Hero learns his name at time of first [particular] adventure.
D 813 Magic object received from fairy
J 1730.1 Hero does not learn his name until after first [particular] adventure.
D 1810.0.4 Magic knowledge of fairies.

UvZLa-4760: The tent is an extraordinary and costly work. Whoever enters the tent is evermore in sound health. The friend who is most loyal to him appears to him. The upper part is a looking glass equally clear without and within which never gets a crack. The top is surmounted by a golden knob on which an eagle of gold is wrought. It stands as if it lived. His eyes are two carbuncles luminous at night. Its mouth opens when one pulls a chain and it sings very well. The tongue is an abeston, a hot stone which burns forever after it is once set afire, and which shines afar. The high and wide tent is adorned with pearls and has four walls. One side is green with many pictures on it, the second of a shimmering fabric with red pictures of birds and beasts, the third side is of a red fabric and the fourth side of white fish-hair, wrought by wild women. The tent stands firm in every sort of weather and it is an earthly paradise. Whoever enters it could never feel sorrow but only joy.

Motif References:

H 411.15 Magic mirror as chastity index
F 567.1 Wild woman
F 775 Extraordinary tent
D 1138 Magic tent.
D 1163 Magic mirror
D 1323.1 Magic clairvoyant mirror
D 1342 Magic object gives health
D 1359.3 Magic object causes joy
H 1550 Tests of character
H 1556.4 Fidelity in love tested
D 1615 Magic singing object.
D 1620.2 Automatic statue of animal
D 1645.1 Incandescent jewel
D 1652 Inexhaustible object.
D 2161 Magic healing power

UvZLa-4845: The entrance is lovely: The door is a golden grating with mottos on it: The first says “Quid non audet amor?”, the second “Love is an enduring madness” and the third, which was added since the author began telling this story, “Love has driven out measure; they cannot exist together.” Into this tent no one can enter who brings shame to good people. The tent pole is marvelous as well: it is green like an emerald, might be as little as two spans but grows longer as one wishes it. The tent pegs are of gold, the ropes of fine silk. A golden band is placed wherever the edges come together ornate with rare wonders, fishes, sea-monsters, animals, birds and men. When the wind comes blowing in everything begins to move as if it were alive. Each sings after its fashion. When the tent is folded up it becomes so very small that a damsel can carry it in her hands, but when it is set up it is just as high and wide as one might wish. Lanzelet and Iblis enter the tent and look in the mirror which shows that there is perfect loyalty between them: Lanzelet sees nobody but Iblis and Iblis only her companion. Even if he were far away she would still see nothing but his image.

Motif References:

H 411.15 Magic mirror as chastity index
D 482 Stretching objects.
D 631.3.2 Compressible tent.
F 775 Extraordinary tent
F 855.2 Statues animated by water or wind
D 1138 Magic tent.
D 1163 Magic mirror
D 1323.1 Magic clairvoyant mirror
H 1550 Tests of character
H 1556.4 Fidelity in love tested
D 1620.2 Automatic statue of animal
D 1652 Inexhaustible object.

UvZLa-4930: Lanzelet sends the messenger back to Maiden Land and gives her a beautiful golden ring which has the virtue that no one can deny any fitting request to its bearer. The maiden is very pleased with this reward and declares that Lanzelet now proved to be a relation of the most generous man, King Arthur, who is his uncle. Then the maiden returns home. Lanzelet sets out to find Walwein. When Lanzelet and his lady are riding along they meet a squire whom they ask for news. He replies that a strange thing has happened at Karidol: King Valerin of the Tangled Wood (von dem Verworrenen Tan) came to Kardigan and asked to be granted a rash boon from the king. He then claimed the Queen Ginover for she was betrothed to him before she was of marriageable age. Valerin announces that he will maintain his right by single combat. King Arthur agrees and a day is set for this affair. Valerin will fight a week from the following day. Lanzelet is eager to reach the court in time and asks the squire about Valerin.

Motif References:

T 61 Betrothal
T 92 Rivals in love
Q 114 Gifts as reward
H 218 Trial by combat
M 223 Blind promise (rash boon)
P 293 Uncle
D 810 Magic object a gift
D 1076 Magic ring
D 1470.1.15 Magic wishing-ring.

UvZLa-5034: The squire tells him that Valerin is a valiant king and has a strong castle which cannot be conquered. Before it lies a thicket full of serpents and below on the crag is constant mist. A road leads through the thicket guarded by many serpents which infest the road if Valerin orders them to. The stronghold is beautifully built and glitters like the sun. When the squire leaves Lanzelet gives him a finger ring. Then he and his ladylove ride night and day taking but little rest until on the fifth day they reach the house of the duke of the White Lake who already departed for combat. The duchess is very happy when her guests introduce themselves for Lanzelet du Lac is her kin. She gladly invites Iblis to stay with her to rest from the journey and to await Lanzelet’s return from the fight in her house. She lends Lanzelet two fresh horses and a knight to bring him to the combat. Lanzelet promises to come back to her after the fight and then departs. The duchess cares well for lady Iblis.

Motif References:

B 11.6 Deeds of dragons
B 576.1 Animal as guard of person or house.
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
F 771.5.1 Castle guarded by beasts.
F 812 Extraordinary forest
F 962.10 Extraordinary mist (darkness)
D 2197 Magic dominance over animals

UvZLa-5122: Lanzelet hastens forward and comes to the Growing Lookout (Wahsende Warte). From it one sees over all England and even further. The hill which is scarcely sufficient for two fighters can grow so large that a hundred men could joust there. Here, any desire for combat will be fulfilled: A strong army will meet another one riding against them, yet a single man would meet a single opponent if he wanted. Lanzelet perceives a knight on the field by the ford. They both gallop into the stream and Lanzelet instantly unhorses his adversary. Lanzelet wounds him and he floats down the river. Lanzelet wins a very good horse on which he rides to Kardigan.

Motif References:

D 482 Stretching objects.
D 932.2 Magic hill
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
D 1825.2.2 Magic power to see whole country at once.

UvZLa-5163: Early in the morning Valerin is armed and in the ring ready for battle. Knights and ladies are gathered to view the combat. Walwein is sitting on the Stone of Honor, which endures no false or malign man. Ginover sits at his side. Lanzelet dismounts at the stone and with permission from the queen comes to Walwein. The Stone suffers him well.

Motif References:

F 800 Extraordinary rocks and stones
F 931 Extraordinary occurrence connected with sea
H 1550 Tests of character

UvZLa-5199: Walwein is glad to see his friend alive. Lanzelet reminds him of his promise when they parted to grant whatever Lanzelet should ask of him. Then he begs him that Walwein would let him take his place in the combat. Walwein will not permit this but Lanzelet argues his case until the king and his company beg him to fight for the queen and the queen entrusts herself to him. Walwein fails in keeping the king from accepting Lanzelet as a champion. About the ring sit a thousand ladies and more to watch this trial. Lanzelet and Valerin start to fight and they fight fiercely, mounted and afoot. Lanzelet overcomes Valerin, who has to surrender and swears that he never more would cause the queen sorrow. Lanzelet is not bloodthirsty and so he lets his adversary live. All those present agree with it and also the king allows him to live because of Valerin’s steadfast valor. But later Valerin breaks his troth and loses his good reputation.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
R 111.1.9 Princess rescued from undesired suitor
M 150 Other vows and oaths
H 218 Trial by combat
M 223 Blind promise (rash boon)

UvZLa-5361: Arthur and Ginover and the court are overjoyed and Valerin is freed at once. Walwein and a retinue are sent to fetch Iblis and the duchess of the White Lake. Iblis is received with great honors and splendor of every sort. There is great rejoicing and the king permits no one to leave his court for four weeks. All this is on Lanzelet’s account. The king forgets everything disagreeable that happened to him since childhood. Lanzelet wins a seat at Arthur’s Round Table.

Motif References:

P 19.0.1 (Li) King Arthur as leader of outstanding chivalric society (Round Table)
Z 201.9.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous possessions - Arthur’s Round Table

UvZLa-5420: Lanzelet then commends his lady to the queen and tells Walwein that he wants to go to Pluris. Only a few persons should know about it. Pluris is a strong and beautiful castle with a market place below and a heath nearby with all flowers in the world. A splendid tent is set on the meadow with a hundred shields hanging in a row with strange many-colored coats of arms. The queen living in the castle has instituted a custom to her entertainment, the adventure of the fair queen. She will marry the bravest man who would overcome in one day all hundred knights whose shields hang there. The knight whose shield is touched the first must joust first. The challenging is up to the dwarf who offended Lanzelet when he first came to Pluris. Lanzelet sets out and arrives at Pluris. He learns about the arrangement of the adventure. The knights sitting near the tent invite the queen to ride down and see. Lanzelet touches one of the shields and the dwarf informs its owner that it is his turn to joust. Although those knights are the best ones of this land Lanzelet dismounts them all one after another. The queen declares that Lanzelet is a perfect warrior and broke her adventure. She invites him to her castle. So Lanzelet who is very lucky with women has to take another bride. The splendid marriage festivities last twenty days.

Motif References:

T 68 Princess offered as prize
T 136.1 Wedding feast
H 331.2 Suitor contest: tournament
F 451.5.1.7 Dwarfs serve mortals
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament

UvZLa-5545: The queen starts to love Lanzelet and fears that he might leave her. She has forty knights guard her husband in secret and orders him to remain absolutely weaponless at all times. So Lanzelet is obliged to stay with her for nearly a year. He longs to be at home. King Arthur and his court have no news of Lanzelet. The king proclaims a great Whitsun festival in all lands by sending out his messengers. He offers great rewards to the guests. All the land and the royal court make preparations for the feast. The king and the queen do this to be more honored in all lands and to get some news about Lanzelet’s whereabouts. In the meantime Iblis is grieving for Lanzelet. Lanzelet remains as captive in Pluris. Although he spends his time pleasantly he is determined not to stay there because he misses his ladylove Iblis. He plans on escape and begs the queen for the love of him to reestablish the adventure. All the time he keeps thinking of his love for Iblis.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
R 41.1 Captivity in castle
R 52 (Bm) Benevolent captivity
T 210.2 Faithful husband
T 210.1 Faithful wife
T 257 Jealous husband or wife.
P 634 Feasts
J 1110 Clever persons
H 1556.4 Fidelity in love tested

UvZLa-5679: On the eve of Pentecost a huge number of guests arrive at Kardigan to attend the feast. In the morning they hear masses. Arthur has a custom not to eat before he has received news of some adventure. There are courtly entertainments in the meantime. King Arthur opens his treasuries and the royal couple generously gives presents to the guests. When the time comes to have a meal the knights perceive from afar the maiden who told Lanzelet his name and kin riding toward the castle. Walwein receives the maiden and leads her to the king. She tells them that the fairy queen sent her as a messenger with a rich gift which she will leave to the king on condition of a rash boon. The king grants it gladly. Iblis is not there and lies ill from grief.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 14 Particular practices of kings
M 151 Vow not to eat before hearing of adventure
M 223 Blind promise (rash boon)
F 234.2.6 Fairy as messenger from fairyland.
F 340 Gifts from fairies
P 634 Feasts
N 770.0.1 Feast as occasion for the beginning of adventures or the arrival of questers
D 813 Magic object received from fairy

UvZLa-5795: The maiden is beautifully dressed after the French fashion. She has a belt from Iberne with a little pouch on it. Out of it she takes a wonderful mantle which grows larger before their eyes and has all colors one could think of. Every sort of beast, bird and sea-monster is woven on it and moves as if it lived. A magic charm brought that about by necromancy. The maiden offers the mantle to the king to give it to the best lady. The king has the queen try it on first. But when she puts it on the mantle shrinks up above her ankles. The maiden explains this: the queen has done nothing but right but she erred in thought. She would have offended her honor if she had not been carefully watched over. Yet a suspicious mind would spoil even a steadfast woman.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
F 340 Gifts from fairies
H 411.7 Mantle as chastity test.
D 482 Stretching objects.
D 813 Magic object received from fairy
F 821.4 Extraordinarily beautiful mantle
D 1053 Magic mantle (cloak)
D 1266.2 Magic picture.

UvZLa-5882: Then the king makes all ladies of his court try on the mantle. The garment reveals that none of them is faultless: When Orphilet’s lady puts it on it drags behind her except one part in front of her which is much too short. The messenger says that she loves her husband too much and if he neglects her then she would turn to the love of strangers. The mantle fits Walwein’s lady closely but the messenger says that there is one whom it fits better. Keii’s wife fails – the mantle fits her well in front but behind rumples up to the girdle which is a token of inconstancy. Loifilol who loved his wife since a year before she was born has his wife try the mantle on and it fits her well but she cannot fasten the brooch properly – she takes a man’s gift and leaves him unrewarded. King Givreiz’s ladylove fails because she hates her husband due to his small height – the mantle fits her but has a large hole. When Kailet’s love puts on the mantle the brooch breaks – the husband travels with her too much without caring if she likes it. When the maiden has reclasped the mantle with a new brooch the lady of the wise Malduz tries it and it takes the form of a jacket. The messenger says that this is due to her habit of letting nobody escape her mocking.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
T 23 (Bm) Childhood sweethearts
H 411.7 Mantle as chastity test.
D 482 Stretching objects.
D 1053 Magic mantle (cloak)

UvZLa-6075: Iwan’s lady is the next to try the garment. She is very tall but the mantle is far too long for her: she is an obstinate woman. When two hundred ladies and more have tried the mantle and it came close to fitting many ladies, among them Enite and Walwein’s lady, the messenger has the king send for Iblis. Iblis comes to try the mantle and it fits her perfectly. If however any person out of envy finds some fault with it the mantle arranges itself immediately. Even Keii has to admit that the mantle is perfect with Iblis. There is a pledge among the courtiers that for the king’s honor the affair should never become a cause of scandal. The messenger brings them the news of Lanzelet’s captivity in Pluris and what happened there. All are happy about the news and the messenger leaves. Iblis returns thanks to the fairy queen for the present. This mantle has still another virtue: whoever wears it forgets sorrow. The feast goes on thirty days longer.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
F 234.2.6 Fairy as messenger from fairyland.
H 411.7 Mantle as chastity test.
D 482 Stretching objects.
D 1053 Magic mantle (cloak)
D 1359.3 Magic object causes joy

UvZLa-6229: As soon as Walwein and Karjet have learnt that their relative Lanzelet is prisoner in Pluris they set out secretly with Tristrant and Erec to free him. They agree that they would give no sign of recognition if they meet him. When they come to Pluris news of their arrival quickly reaches the castle and Lanzelet asks about the coats of arms of the strangers. He is told the devices on their shields: a golden lion with a crown, an eagle of gold, a sleeve of sable on white ermine, and a panther. Thereby Lanzelet recognizes his friends. He is very happy about it but does not show it. He requests the queen to ride with her ladies and knights to the meadow to watch the adventure. The queen receives the strangers well. Then the jousts begin. Kaylet, Erec, Tristrant and Walwein do well but fail to unhorse the whole number of knights from Pluris.

Motif References:

H 126 Identification by coat of arms
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
H 1385.0.1 Unspelling quest: journey to disenchant (free) captives.
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament

UvZLa-6448: Finally Lanzelet begs the queen to grant him the permission to joust otherwise this affair would be a disgrace for him and the queen. He urges her to let him ride and gives an oath that he will come back as soon as he has jousted against any of the strangers – which he never does until his death. The queen gives her permission and he puts on his armor. As soon as Lanzelet has mounted the strangers flee like cowards and Lanzelet follows them. When Lanzelet does not turn back the queen swoons from grief. When her senses return she orders the knights to be pursued promising to give a dukedom as reward to whoever would bring back her husband. Her knights carry out her command but many of them lose fame and honor in fighting the strangers. The heroes escape.

Motif References:

T 71 Woman scorned in love
T 89.3 (Bm) Faithless lover
M 105 Equivocal oaths
R 169.5 Hero rescued by friend
R 210 Escapes
R 260 Pursuits
K 550.1 Escape by equivocal oath.
K 620 Escape by deceiving the guard.
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament
K 2312 Oath literally obeyed

UvZLa-6564: Lanzelet and his companions ride up on a mountain. They are lost and turn in the direction of a castle they see. The host of that castle is a wise and honorable knight. He behaves as if he could not speak a single word and communicates by mere motions of the hand. He receives them well. He is named the noble dumb Gilimar. He is a very swift runner and a vigorous fighter. Gilimar keeps silence on account of a lady. When the heroes rest in Gilimar’s castle Walwein informs Lanzelet about the affair of the mantle. Then they take leave. The courteous mute served his lady with constant fidelity but did not keep silent about her and so someone found out the truth. Therefore his lady imposed this penance on him. He is well rewarded however for his constancy afterwards.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
Q 64 Patience rewarded.
Q 430.1 Imposition of tabu as punishment
Q 535.1 Penance: not to speak
Q 580 Punishment fitted to crime.
F 681 Marvelous runner [extraordinary speed of runner]

UvZLa-6673: The comrades ride joyfully away from the mute’s castle. They hurry when Walwein tells them that his uncle is about to hunt the white stag. Before they arrive at Kardigan they meet a page who tells them dreadful news: The king with all his court was about to capture the white stag which would earn the king a kiss from the most beautiful lady. It is a custom instituted by Arthur’s father Utpandragon. On this occasion the queen was abducted by King Valerin. The king himself is sorely wounded and a number of his knights were slain. The heroes are seized with sorrow and their distress is great.

Motif References:

P 14 Particular practices of kings
B 731.7.3 (Bm) Milk-white deer
F 989.15 Hunt for extraordinary (magic) animal
H 1592 Hunting contest
H 1596 Beauty contest

UvZLa-6776: The heroes ride on till they reach a place where they get news of the king: The king, who is not incurably wounded, and his force have gathered before the Tangled Wood and are besieging Valerin’s castle. Valerin and his men fear nothing and enjoy courtly entertainments. Valerin promised the queen not to molest her against her will, except that he would beg her decently for her love. The queen is afraid that her honor will suffer. The heroes come to the siege. All are happy to see them and they go to the king. He laments his disgrace and tells what has happened to him. The heroes weep bitterly, wring their hands in grief and there is great lamentation.

Motif References:

R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted
R 18 Abduction by rejected suitor
R 41.1 Captivity in castle
T 75.2.1 Rejected suitors’ revenge
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief

UvZLa-6874: Lout the Gracious who is the son of King Arthur and Queen Ginover arrives with three thousand knights. The youth is perfect in virtues. He wails loudly from sorrow about his mother’s misfortune. The story tells that Lout in the end rode away with his father to a country whence the Bretons still expect them to come back. Lout reminds the knights of their loyalty towards his parents who did so much for them. Lanzelet advises him to be patient for the castle is so strong they could not cause the enemy the least anxiety. The king and the nobles go to council. The cunning Tristrant says that their queen is safe and wise and virtuous enough to keep her honor to the end. He advises them to send for Malduk, the wizard of the Misty Lake. With his advice they could win Valerin’s castle from him. Erec objects that it would not be easy to bring him there for they caused him injury in many way: Erec killed the magician’s father, Walwein slew his brother and King Arthur drew him from his land. Finally they all agree that the king would have to sue for Malduk’s favor by riding with three others to the magician’s place. Arthur who loves the queen chooses Lanzelet, Karjet and Tristrant to ride with him and he entrusts the army to his son.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 30 Princes
P 233 Father and son
A 580 Culture hero’s (divinity’s) [king’s] expected return
N 845 Magician as helper.
H 1381.8 (Bm) Quest for champion [helper]
D 1711 Magician

UvZLa-7036: On their way to Malduk’s castle the company is lost. They ride until they come to the Shrieking Marsh which cannot be crossed by horse: A great lake lies there out of which runs a clear river from which no beast ever drinks. The fish in the water are all of the same length and they are as long as an arm. The English have many of them. Sometimes the water grows so warm that all living creatures nearby flee for the heating of the water indicates that the marsh will shriek so terribly that all animals die who stayed near. The marsh shrieks three days before solstice. The lake is famous too for its noble birds. But he who does them any harm never survives a year.

Motif References:

F 162.6 Lakes in otherworld
Q 411 Death as punishment
D 620 Periodic transformation.
C 841.2 Tabu: hunting [killing] birds
D 915 Magic river.
C 920 Death for breaking tabu
D 921 Magic lake (pond [swamp]).
F 932.7 River boils.
D 1402 Magic object kills.
D 1610.35 Speaking [shrieking] river [body of water].
D 1812.5 Future learned through omens
D 2060 Death or bodily injury by magic.

UvZLa-7074: When Arthur and his knights come to the river they stop. Then they see a knight riding toward them. His horse is so fast that one cannot see the beat of his hoofs. The rider recognizes the king at once because he dwells at Arhur’s court in the winter. He welcomes the company. He is called Dodines the Wild with the Broad Hands. He burnt and harried the lands of the king of Ireland. His horse has so easy a gait that it does not disturb the dew and therefore he is able to gallop over the marsh. Dodines guides them to his house, a fortress on a rock shaped like a candle, a natural tower without a wall, hollow inside. The host entertains his guest well with tame meat and venison. Then Dodines guides King Arthur and the company toward the ford where the river runs out of the lake. The water there is so broad and deep and runs so swiftly that it can only be crossed by way of a bridge, which is called the Steaming Path. The heroes have to cover their horses’ heads. Thus they come to the shore of the Misty Lake. A castle stands in the middle of it, to which a bridge leads from the land, visible only by Malduk’s order.

Motif References:

F 151.0.1 Hospitable host entertains (guides, advises) adventurer on way to otherworld.
F 152 Bridge to otherworld.
F 162.6 Lakes in otherworld
F 163.1 Castle in otherworld
B 184.1.1 Horse (mule) with magic speed
F 713 Extraordinary pond (lake)
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
F 842 Extraordinary bridge
F 962.10 Extraordinary mist (darkness)
F 989.17 Marvelously swift horse
D 1258 Magic bridge.
D 1980 Magic invisibility

UvZLa-7169: In the morning the magician’s daughter comes riding over the bridge, a beautiful and courteous maiden. She has a sparrow-hawk and two greyhounds with her. She is very wise for she has read all the books of magic. Only Femurgan could match her in wisdom. The maiden greets the strangers and recognizes the king from hearsay. She says that had she not met them they would have perished. The king tells her of his misfortunes which she knows already. He offers her a rich reward if she could counsel him. She will be his messenger to his father. Then she goes to see her father and begs a rash boon of him for she always was obedient to him. He grants it. The magician listens to the story and is willing to help the king on the condition that two men shall be delivered to him after this business. The two men are Walwein and Erec who did him injury. The maiden rides back to the king and tells them of his request. The King considers it an outrageous demand but his companions advise him that he should grant Malduk’s demand. He should trust in the heroes’ valor. Finally he gives in. The maid brought it about that her father rides with the king with the pledge that no harm should be done to him. Dodines guides them home by a good way without bridge and ford.

Motif References:

Q 53 Reward for rescue
S 200 Cruel sacrifices.
M 220 Other bargains
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
N 845 Magician as helper.
D 1711 Magician

UvZLa-7320: When they return to the siege the king reveals to his lords what has been arranged. Walwein and Erec agree to it to help the queen and they are much praised for this. Malduk now proceeds to look up his arts in the black books and brings it about that the serpents cease their raging. He enchants everything alive in the castle and under it. Then the army takes the castle and kills Valerin and his men. Arthur then reaches the palace where he finds thirty maids and the queen sound asleep. Malduk wakes them from their magic sleep, but for his voice they would have perished. The ladies are led away and the castle and the thicket around it are destroyed completely. Ginover begs the wizard to soothe his anger and offers him anything he would desire. But she accomplishes nothing.

Motif References:

R 111.1.9 Princess rescued from undesired suitor
R 111.2 Princess rescued from place of captivity
Q 213 Abduction punished
Q 411 Death as punishment
N 845 Magician as helper.
D 1266 Magic book
D 1364.22 Sleep-charm
D 1960 Magic sleep
D 1978 Waking from sleep
K 2350 Military strategy

UvZLa-7445: All are very grieved when the magician leads his victims away toward his stronghold under Arthur’s escort. In the meantime Ginover returns home to Kardigan. Malduk wants to starve Walwein and Erec in his dungeon. Whatever he is offered to set the knights free makes him only treat them worse. Lanzelet therefore finds one hundred knights and starts on an expedition to free the captives. They ride by night and rest by day. Tristrant finds out about their secret journey and joins the others with Karjet.

Motif References:

R 41.3 Captivity in dungeon
R 51.1 Prisoners starved
Q 53 Reward for rescue
S 200 Cruel sacrifices.
Q 211 Murder punished
M 220 Other bargains
Q 411.6 Death as punishment for murder
Q 450 Cruel punishments.
H 1385.0.1 Unspelling quest: journey to disenchant (free) captives.

UvZLa-7530: A strange man joins them: Esealt the Tall, a good knight and the tallest giant ever known. From the time he was born he grew a span a month and now is higher than any tower. From his childhood he belonged to Arthur’s household. He cannot ride, only walk and is quick and lively. He is seventeen years old.

Motif References:

F 531.2.1 Extremely tall giant
F 531.5.1.0.1 (Bm) Courteous giant
F 531.5.1 Giant friendly to man
T 615 Supernatural growth

UvZLa-7586: One morning just before daylight they arrive at the Misty Lake. Only the moon gives them light. There are no boats and so the knights swim in the water. Esealt helps them to cross the lake with their horses and then lifts them over the castle’s walls. Walwein and Erec who were confined in fetters are freed and Malduk and his entire household are slain. They spare only the maiden for she helped them. Then they burn down the castle. The magician’s daughter then helps them to discover the bridge and they ride away. They bring the maid to Arthur’s court. Lanzelet bids Esealt hasten ahead to bring the news to the king. The queen gives a shield full of gold as messenger’s fee to Esealt.

Motif References:

R 51.2 Prisoners confined in chains
Q 53 Reward for rescue
Q 114 Gifts as reward
Q 151 Life spared as reward
R 169.5 Hero rescued by friend
N 812 Giant or ogre as helper
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper

UvZLa-7717: Arthur hastens out to greet Walwein and Erec and the returning knights. The king then proceeds to invite to a great feast. All the people of the land assemble there and one can see all sort of courtly pastimes. All praise Lanzelet as the most fortunate, most excellent and virtuous knight. When the festival has ended Lanzelet rejoices that the mantle fits Iblis so well.

Motif References:

Z 200 Heroes
P 634 Feasts

UvZLa-7828: One night when Iblis and Lanzelet lie together and talk about courtly manners and about love he asks his wife what she considers the strangest story she knows. She replies: When his friends were on search for Lanzelet the brave Roidurant came into a wild forest where he found a bearded dragon which was very terrifying. The beast spoke like a man and begged the hero to kiss it. As soon as the story got known at the court many a knight went to see the monster which entreated them to kiss it. Iblis begs her husband to avoid this adventure for her sake and he promises to do so. Then she tells further: The beast is a swift flying dragon that follows the people demanding when the knight destined to release it should come.

Motif References:

B 11.2.0.1 She-dragon
B 11.4.5 Talking dragon.
H 1223 Quest to undertake feats of valor
H 1400 Fear test
H 1561 Tests of valor

UvZLa-7872: Lanzelet starts on his quest for the dragon without hesitation. As soon as the dragon sees him it is full of joy and welcomes him howling like a wild woman. Lanzelet’s nine companions turn back in panic. The knight however asks the beast whence it has its human voice. The beast tells him she is one of the strange things on earth and if a knight would kiss her on the mouth she would be restored and beautiful. But they all fled. Only the best knight who ever lived could do it. She begs for his kiss. Lanzelet kisses her deformed mouth and the dragon flies away to a brook and bathes its body and becomes a beautiful woman. Lanzelet and the nine knights in his company find a delightfully attired lady. She tells them that he who disenchanted her will be victorious in all things and fortune protects him.

Motif References:

D 5 Enchanted person.
B 11.2.0.1 She-dragon
B 11.4.5 Talking dragon.
B 11.1.3.0.1 Transformed princess as dragon
D 735 Disenchantment by kiss.
D 766.1 Disenchantment by bathing (immersing).
H 1223 Quest to undertake feats of valor
H 1400 Fear test
H 1561 Tests of valor
D 1794 Magic results from kissing

UvZLa-7962: Lanzelet takes her to Kardigan where they ask her who she is. She identifies as Elidia, the daughter of the king of Thile. Thile is an island where there are many marvels: According to the Roman books they have got long days in summer and extremely short ones in winter. It is the custom that any woman who offends courtly etiquette and deceives a man serving her for love is punished. Elidia therefore was transformed to a dragon till the best knight in the world would kiss her. So she crept to a forest in Britain for therein many good knights are seeking adventures. Elidia stays at the royal court and becomes judge over courtly etiquette and anything that concerns love since false love brought her in trouble.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
D 5 Enchanted person.
T 5 (Bm) Court of love.
B 11.1.3.0.1 Transformed princess as dragon
D 199.2 Transformation: man to dragon
Z 200 Heroes
Q 280 Unkindness punished
Q 551.3.2 Punishment: transformation into animal.
D 661 Transformation as punishment.
F 707 Extraordinary kingdom

UvZLa-8041: On account of his valorous deed Lanzelet is one of the dearest knights of King Arthur. Lanzelet starts thinking about his inheritance at Genewis. He prepares a campaign with his friends who all bring large bands of warriors to support him. Only Tristrant brings no knights, for he departed from Lohenis on account of his love for the queen, Isalde. Lanzelet sets the rallying point at a hill called Of the Marvelous Ball. Anyone seeing it from the distance of a mile thinks that he sees a great horse cast in brass, approaching half a mile nearer it seems to him like a little mule, nearer still like a hound and as one gets yet closer it has the form of a fox. It is however a bit of cast metal shaped like a ball, which has always been there. No one can heave it up or move it.

Motif References:

F 759.1 Mountain with marvelous objects at top
D 1256 Magic ball.
D 1368 Magic object causes illusions.
D 1654 Immovable object.
D 2031 Magic illusion

UvZLa-8135: When the mighty army is ready the lords have messengers sent ahead to find out about Lanzelet’s inheritance and possible supporters of his claim to the throne. Iwan and Giot are chosen who are accomplished speakers. These heroes happen upon a council of the people of Genewis. They have heard of Lanzelet’s fame and now are anxious. The guests are received well and ask at once who the chief ruler in the land is. A lord is assigned to them who tells them that they have no king for the moment but that the land belongs to Lanzelet for whom they wait. He can rule them if he will care better for them than his father king Pant. Besides they will make amends for everything which was contrary to his wish.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings
P 17 Succession to the throne

UvZLa-8221: At these words the two knights tell them that they have come to offer them Lanzelet’s conditions. He offers them peace if the lords who have deprived him of his lands acknowledge their fault. If someone keeps his land from him he will have Lanzelet and his friends and King Arthur as well as his enemies. Moreover Lanzelet has brought a large army with him. This speech frightens them. Lanzelet has got a relative in the land, Duke Aspjol, who is very eloquent. He cared for Clarine, Lanzelet’s mother. He says that they should be glad to welcome her son, their rightful lord, and that no one should object to his counsel for he, Aspjol, has much influence and many friends in the land. All agree with him. Then Aspjol orders the lords to swear allegiance to Lanzelet as their lord. Furthermore the nobles offer Lanzelet a great hoard of silver and gold.

Motif References:

P 17 Succession to the throne

UvZLa-8333: When the messengers inform Lanzelet about the results of their negotiations, the hero has counsel. The agreement pleases them all. Lanzelet leads his knights to Genewis where they are fittingly received. Lanzelet is crowned king of Genewis and the lords and liegemen receive their fiefs from him. He is restored his goods tenfold and Lanzelet generously gives to them as well. According to their oath given to his uncle Lanzelet entrusts Aspjol and his mother Clarine with his kingdom until he outgrows his inexperience and finds out about Iweret’s land. They are obedient to him in any respect.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 13.5 Crowning [and making] of kings
P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
P 29 Queens - miscellaneous
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
M 100 Vows and oaths
P 110.0.1 (Bm) Faithful steward [knight] as regent
P 293 Uncle

UvZLa-8470: In the meantime messengers were sent out from Iweret’s land with wondrous gifts and all sorts of riches. They bring as well a net and the sword of Iweret with which he overcame all adversaries but Lanzelet. This net is well wrought of silk and of gold, ornamented with gold and jewels. It has been made for Iblis to lie under it when she wished to rest. It is circular and gathered into a clasp which is a precious stone named galazia. This stone is colder than ice and would not become warm even in fire. It guarantees wealth and immunity from any magic. The day Arthur returns home the messengers arrive at the court. They are well received. Iblis recognizes them as knights from Dodone and so she and Lanzelet receive them well. Then the court has dinner. When they have eaten the messengers kneel down before their lady and say that lords and vassals and the people desire Lanzelet as their king. Then they offer him Iweret’s sword and give the gifts to the lady.

Motif References:

F 809.11 (Bm) Marvelous stone - extraordinarily cold
D 810 Magic object a gift
F 847 Extraordinary web [net] (of guts)
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)
D 1385.3.2 (Bm) Magic stone in ring protects against witchcraft.
D 1389.9.1 Magic red stone protects against poverty.

UvZLa-8653: Iblis shares her gifts: Ginover receives the net, Lanzelet gives the sword to King Arthur. Many a lady receives gifts from Iblis. Then Lanzelet asks his friends to counsel him and they advise him to let the messengers return home with honor and that he should give presents to them. Arthur once again proves his generosity.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch

UvZLa-8731: The messengers from Dodone are noble and powerful princes who might well have been made kings of the country, but they renounced out of loyalty. They were informed in Kardigan how well Lanzelet did at Genewis. They would have liked to take Lanzelet and Iblis with them as their king and queen. They suggest that Lanzelet appoints a court day on which homage should be done to him and his wife. This will take place at Whitsun and King Arthur and the queen will be his guests. He orders the messengers to make preparations for them. Then the messengers take leave and as soon as they return home they do as they promised.

Motif References:

P 17.11 Slayer of king [sovereign] marries widow [daughter] and inherits kingdom [domain]
W 34 Loyalty

UvZLa-8826: The feast is well prepared. In the meantime Lanzelet sends messengers to Genewis to proclaim his feast to his men. A thousand knights from Genewis all dressed alike arrive with great treasures. They are clad in samite from Alexandria with linings from swan white ermine. The sable is from Kunis where Sibilly the prophet lives. All garments and their armor are of exquisite material. They arrive at Kardigan with precious gifts from Clarine for Iblis. Arthur receives the knights well. King Arthur will lead three thousand knights and their ladies who would ride with the queen Ginover to Lanzelet’s home. Far and wide people flock to the festival.

Motif References:

M 301.21 Sibyl as prophet.
P 634 Feasts
F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)

UvZLa-8975: Arthur arranges things wisely for the journey and has each knight take a lady in his care on the way. Then he chooses his household troop, his chamberlains and those who should prepare the meals are sent ahead. Then follow the ladies and the knights. When they set up their tents for lodgings one can see Lanzelet’s splendid multicolored pavilion. On the fourth day they reach Beforet where they rejoice to welcome their lady. When the splendid troop arrives near Dodone Arthur declares that he never has seen so much wealth. All rejoice in the courtly festivities. They spend the night in the beautiful forest and come to Dodone early in the morning. They are beautifully received. Iblis’s playmates with whom she used to pick flowers have remained unmarried for her sake. Now they receive her as queen. The knights take part in the bohourts of which there are plenty. There are all sorts of entertainments, everybody is provided liberally with everything good. The lords give presents to the entertainers. All this is due to generous Lanzelet.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
T 300 Chastity and celibacy

UvZLa-9199: After the royal custom Lanzelet and Iblis are crowned king and queen of Behforet and Iweret’s countries. Iblis wears her strange mantle which attracts attention. Lanzelet takes the homage of his lords. He gives riches to his warriors. He leaves the riches left by Iweret to his stewards to distribute them. Arthur stays in Beforet for three months and more. Lanzelet shows his generosity toward Arthur and Ginover. Ginover is given the tent and Iblis would have liked to give the mantle to Keii’s wife but she is afraid of its shrinking.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 13.5 Crowning [and making] of kings
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
M 100 Vows and oaths
D 1053 Magic mantle (cloak)

UvZLa-9270: Arthur then has to leave for a messenger has come from home with some tidings. Lanzelet and Iblis escort the king and his retinue. The author now has come near the end of the story of Lanzelet which he has taken from a French book. That book became known to him when the king of England was captured by Duke Leopold who set a high ransom for him. The captive king gave him noble lords as hostages whom Emperor Henry sent into German territories. One of these hostages was Hugh de Morville who brought this French book of Lanzelet with him. The author Ulrich von Zatzikhoven translated it into German. Lanzelet then allows his men from Genewis to ride back again. He has his mother come to him. Iblis and Lanzelet have beautiful children, a daughter and three sons, who inherit their lands and their goods, their virtues and their spirit. His children inherit the four kingdoms Lanzelet has won in his adventures. Lanzelet and Iblis are famous for their virtues and their generosity, the king is a good host and neglects no knightly duty. Lanzelet and Iblis die together on the same day.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 12 Character of kings
P 20 Queens
T 214 (Bm) Husband and wife die at the same time.
P 231 Mother and son
P 253.0.3 One sister and three (four) brothers

Matière de Bretagne

Ulrich von Zatzikhoven, Lanzelet (>1194) Hahn, K.A.(ed.): Ulrich von Zatzikhoven, Lanzelet. Frankfurt 1845, Reprint Berlin 1965.

Ulrich von Zatzikhoven, Lanzelet (>1194)
Hahn, K.A.(ed.): Ulrich von Zatzikhoven, Lanzelet. Frankfurt 1845, Reprint Berlin 1965.