Elaine (legend)

Elaine is a name shared by several different female characters in Arthurian legend.

Elaine of Carbonek

Elaine of Carbonek (variously, Amite, Helaine or Helizabel; identified as "The Grail Maiden") is the daughter of Pelles, the Fisher King and Lord of Carbonek. Elaine of Carbonek was often confused with Elaine the Peerless in some texts; the two were distinguished as the same character in some sources (Post-Vulgate Cycle) while as two different characters in others (Lancelot-Grail Cycle). She is mentioned in other works such as in Chretien de Troyes' "Conte du Graal" or "Perceval le Gallois".

Elaine's father Pelles was prophesied to be the grandfather of the bearer of the Holy Grail. He wanted the father of the future Grail hero to be the bravest and most chivalric knight. When Lancelot paid a visit to Corbenic Castle, Pelles saw the chance to make true the prophecy. He ordered Elaine's handmaiden (and sorceress, in some versions she was Morgan le Fay in disguise) to give Lancelot a potion to make him unaware of his doings. With the aid of a magical disguise and potion, Elaine appears as Guinevere to Lancelot and twice tricks him into sleeping with her. From this union, she becomes the mother of Galahad, the Grail knight.

Elaine the Peerless

Elaine the Peerless was the niece of the Lord of the Fens and wife of Persides the Red of the Castle of Gazevilte.

Elaine (sister of Arthur)

Elaine of Garlot is the daughter of Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall, and Igraine. She is a sister of Morgan le Fay and Morgause and a half-sister of King Arthur. She marries King Nentres, and has a son named Galeshin, who becomes a Knight of the Round Table. Considering the actions of her sisters, she is remarkable in that she is otherwise unremarkable. It is assumed she stayed in her own lands and did little to help or hinder any of her siblings.

Elaine of Astolat

Also known in some texts as Elaine the Fair or the Fair Maid of Astolat and as "The Lady of Shalott" in Lord Alfred Tennyson's same-titled poem.

Elaine of Benoic

Elaine of Benoic was the wife of King Ban and the mother of Lancelot. She is the sister of Evaine, wife of King Bors and mother of Sir Lionel and Sir Bors. Her husband dies of grief when his enemy Claudas attacks his city, and Elaine goes to attend to him. She sets the infant Lancelot down, and he is taken by the Lady of the Lake, who raises him. Elaine sees her son for the first time in years just before she dies.

ee also

*List of Arthurian characters