The Mists of Avalon

A year after Arthur makes his request of Igraine, she returns to collect Gwenhwyfar from the Summer Kingdom. Gwenhwyfar is terrified, and though Igraine’s experience with Gorlois makes her empathetic, she is perplexed at how frightened she is given Arthur’s age and kindness. Lancelet accompanies them to escort Leodegranz’s men and horses. As they meet him, he is struggling to arrange the transportation of a large, round table that Leodegranz has given to Arthur to “seat his well-born Companions without preferring one over the other” (267). Igraine escorts Gwenhwyfar to the litter, where she insists on keeping the curtains closed. She notices that every sliver of light and jostle on the road seems to frighten Gwenhwyfar. Gwenhwyfar briefly feels anger at her situation but knows that it is important to “obey her father’s will as if it were the will of God” (267). She spends the rest of the evening fretting about whether or not Arthur will find her beautiful.

Eventually, Igraine suggests that Gwenhwyfar leave the litter to ride with Lancelet, thinking that fresh air will be good for her spirits. Igraine watches the pair from a distance and notices a huge difference in Gwenhwyfar’s temperament and demeanor.