Elaine of astolat biography of martin

Elaine, the Lily maid of Astolat  

( or Ascalot, or Escalot )

As with most legends, there are subtle differences as told by different authors in different generations.

What follows is the general story, although details may vary in other tellings.

Her story begins in Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur, when her father Bernard of Astolat organizes a jousting tournament, attended by King Arthur and his knights.

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Elaine of Astolat originated in a 13th century Italian tale as a woman who falls in love with Sir Lancelot, is rejected by him, and dies floating down a river.

She lives in the romance world and moves in romance time.

While Lancelot was not originally planning to attend, he was convinced otherwise and ended up visiting Bernard and his two sons prior to the tournament.

While Lancelot was in her family's household, Elaine becomes enamoured with him and begged him to wear her token at the coming tournament.

Explaining that Guinevere would be at the tournament, he conceded to wear the token but that he would have to fight in disguise so as not to be recognised. He then asks Bernard if he can leave his recognizable shield with him, and borrow a more anonymous looking one.

Bernard agree