Summary Of 'Lily Maid Of Astolat'

Elaine of Astolat Elaine was the beautiful daughter of Sir Bernard of Astolat. She was also known as “Elaine the White,” Elaine the Fair,” “Lily Maid of Astolat,” and Lady of Shalott. Her two brothers, Sir Lavaine and Sir Torre, called her “Elaine the Lovable,” and it was the name she liked best of all (“Elaine of Astolat/Lady of Shalott”). Elaine received the name of “Lily Maid of Astolat” from the people who lived around the area because they would see her walk pass their windows in her white frock. They said, “She is tall, graceful, and pure as white lilies” (Driver, “The Maid of Astolat: Elayne Le Blanke”). Elaine and the youngest brother, Lavaine, would chase butterflies, pick wild flowers, and discuss about King Arthur’s knights. They
King Arthur would host tournaments and he would reward a piece of a large diamond to the knight that fought fearlessly at the tournament (Driver, “The Maid of Astolat: Elayne Le Blanke”). The tournament was held in Camelot that year, so Elaine and Lavaine were hopeful to see knights pass through Astolat (“Elaine of Astolat/Lady of Shalott”). The majority of the knights believed that there was no reason to fight in the tournament because Sir Lancelot was the best knight in Arthur’s court. Queen Guinevere overheard the knights, and she suggested that Sir Lancelot wear a disguise (“Sir Lancelot and Elaine”). When the time of the tournament came, Sir Lancelot rode to Camelot, but he lost his way. He, then, stumbled across old castle grounds in Astolat. Sir Bernard welcomed Lancelot into the castle (“Sir
Guinevere became angry and filled with jealousy (“Sir Lancelot and Elaine”). Elaine and Sit Torre set off to look for the injured knight and she saw Lavaine near the hermitage. Elaine cared for Lancelot, many days and night, and one morning, he regained his strength (“Sir Lancelot and Elaine”). Lancelot longed to be back at the court, and he wanted to reward Elaine for all she has done. Elaine confessed her love for him, but he did not love her back because he was already secretly devoted to Queen Guinevere. He left to go back to the court, and Elaine grew sadder each day that passed (Alfred, “Lancelot and Elaine”). She refused to eat, and Sir Torre sobbed because he loved his dear sister. Elaine’s dying wish was that she would be clothed in her finest dress, carried down to the river, lie in a barge, and be taken to the palace. She also requested to have a letter in her hands. Elaine passed away and her father fulfilled her wish (Driver, “The Maid of Astolat: Elayne Le Blanke”). When her body reached the palace, King Arthur, his wife, knights, and ladies came to discover what had happened. King Arthur read the letter out loud and people wept. Then, Sir Lancelot buried her sadly. Elaine the Fair died of unrequited love for Lancelot (“Sir