The Mists of Avalon

Elaine and Morgaine discuss the likelihood that Gwenhwyfar and Lancelet will flee Camelot for his land in Less Britain. Each of them sorely hopes this will not happen, as Elaine has unrequited feelings for Lancelet and Morgaine does not want to see Arthur publicly shamed. Elaine begs Morgaine to enchant Lancelet into wanting to marry her, saying she doesn't care if she is happy or not. Morgaine agrees, telling Elaine that she has seen a vision of her carrying his son. However, she will only cast the spell if Elaine agrees to give her their future daughter to train in Avalon. Elaine says that she will arrange for her, Morgaine, and Lancelet to make a visit to the kingdom of her father Pellinore.

Later that day, a panicked Gwenhwyfar asks Morgaine if she should tell Arthur about Meleagrant. Morgaine says it is her choice, but the fact that Gwenhwyfar does not seem to feel guilt over her actions with Lancelet convinces her that she must send Lancelet from the court to prevent a scandal. When Arthur returns, Gwenhwyfar tells him that a horrible fate befell her in the summer country and that she was lucky that Lancelet saved her. While playing the harp at Arthur’s celebratory feast, Morgaine has more visions about sitting on a throne near a handsome young man. She almost faints, and Lancelet and Gawaine offer to entertain in her place.

Morgaine confronts Lancelet, telling him his desire for Gwenhwyfar is becoming blatant and that he must ask Arthur for a quest. He offers to slay a dragon that Pellinore claims has haunted his land for many years. Arthur says that Elaine, who has been hoping to visit her father, will accompany him on this trip. Morgaine, knowing her plan has been put into motion, offers to come along.

Morgaine tells Elaine that she will give Lancelet a strong aphrodisiac and Gwenhwyfar’s perfume to convince him to sleep with her. As Elaine prepares to send Lancelet to hunt the dragon, Morgaine thinks she is mimicking Viviane’s “ruthless” treatment of her. However, she puts this thought aside, saying she is simply doing what is best for the kingdom.

Later in the day, Lancelet and Pellinore track down the dragon and kill it. The dragon’s acid-like slime burned both of them, and Morgaine sees this as the perfect time to spike Lancelet and Elaine’s wine. She sends her out to the pavilion to wait for Lancelet. Morgaine tells Lancelet that Gwenhwyfar is waiting for him in Pellinore’s pavilion and gives him a handkerchief soaked in perfume as proof. Feeling guilty and tormented thinking about what Lancelet may be doing with Elaine, she then drinks wine until she decides to alert Pellinore about a “betrayal of hospitality” (542). She leads him to the couple’s bed: “Elaine lay with her arms wound around Lancelet’s neck, smiling and blissful; Lancelet, coming awake in the torchlight, stared around in shock and awareness, and his face was agonized with betrayal” (542). Pellinore tells him that he must make amends for his actions.

Present-day Morgaine recounts Lancelet and Elaine’s wedding ceremony. Elaine was already visibly pregnant at this point, and Lancelet seemed excited about his child. Gwenhwyfar was distraught but still kind to their child, who became her godson. He was named Galahad and made Arthur’s official heir. Gwenhwyfar never forgot Morgaine’s betrayal and got her revenge two years later at Arthur’s Pentecost feast.