Lancelot of the Lake

In British legend, one of King Arthur's knights of the Round Table. Originally a Celtic folk hero, he was first introduced into the Arthurian cycle of tales in the 12th century. He was designated Queen Guinevere's lover in the early 13th century by French poet Chrétien de Troyes, who made him a symbol of fidelity and chivalrous love.

Lancelot was the son of Ban, king of Benoic in France, and his wife Helaine, who were driven out of their lands by Claudas. He was raised by the water fairy Nemue, the Lady of the Lake (bestower of the sword Excalibur), and later offered his services to King Arthur, who knighted him. When Lancelot's love for Guinevere was disclosed, he was followed to Brittany by Arthur, whose kingdom was usurped in his absence by Mordred. Lancelot retired to a monastery after Arthur and Mordred were mortally wounded together in battle.

His son Galahad by Elaine, daughter of the Fisher King, was the only knight pure enough to achieve the quest for the Holy Grail.