Libeaus Desconus

"Libeaus Desconus" is a 14th century Middle English version of the popular "Fair Unknown" story. Its author is thought to be Thomas Chestre. The story matter displays strong parallels to that of Renaut de Beaujeu's "Le Bel Inconnu"; both versions describe the adventures of Gingalain, the son of King Arthur's knight Gawain and a fay who raises him ignorant of his parentage and his name. As a young man, he visits Arthur's court to be knighted, and receives his nickname; in this case Sir Libeaus Desconus, before setting forth on a series of adventures which consolidate his new position in society. He eventually discovers who is his father, and marries a powerful lady.

Other versions of the story include the Middle High German romance "Wigalois" (1204-1209) by Wirnt von Gravenberc. The "Fair Unknown" story has parallels in the tale of La Cote Male Taile, Chrétien de Troyes' "Conte du Graal", Sir Thomas Malory's "Tale of Sir Gareth" from "Le Morte d'Arthur", and the 14th century Italian epic "Carduino".

Manuscripts

Versions of "Libeaus Desconus" can be found in the following manuscripts:

* British Library MS Cotton Caligula A. ii;
* Lambeth Palace MS 306;
* Lincoln’s Inn MS Hale 150;
* Bodleian Library MS Ashmole 61;
* Biblioteca Nazionale, Naples, MS XIII B. 29;
* British Library Additional MS 27879 (also known as MS Percy).

Plot

(This summary is based on the Lambeth Palace text.)

Gyngelayne is raised in the forest by his mother, who tries to keep him away from arms since she fears that her 'wild' son might otherwise come to harm. Gyngelayne is never told his real name by his mother. Instead, she calls him ‘Bewfiʒ’, since he is 'gentle of body' and has an attractive face.

One day, Gyngelayne finds a dead knight in the forest. He dons the man’s armour and goes to Glastonbury, where King Arthur is holding court. There he asks Arthur to dub him a knight although his upbringing is uncourtly. Arthur is so pleased by young Gyngelayne's sight that he gives him a name – Libeaus Desconus, ‘The Fair Unknown’ – and knights Gyngelayne that same day.

Soon a fair maiden, Ellyne, and a dwarf, Theodeley, come riding in. They have been sent by the lady of Synadowne, who has been imprisoned. Cannot Arthur send a knight to honourably win her? When Arthur grants Libeaus the quest, the maiden is angered, yet the king refuses to replace Libeaus with another knight.

Libeaus, Ellyne, and the dwarf set off on their journey. On the third day, Libeaus defeats a knight called Syr William Delaraunche, who had never yet been overcome in combat. He sends him to Arthur’s court, where he is to report on Libeaus’ victory.

Next morning, Libeaus is attacked by William’s three cousins. He kills one, and the other two he forces to go to Arthur’s court, where they are to tell the king by whom they were defeated, and subject themselves to him.

In a wild forest, Libeaus saves a maiden from two giants. Her father, an earl, offers Libeaus his daughter’s hand, but Libeaus declines because he has a mission to accomplish. He is then given beautiful armour and a fine steed and he, the maiden and the dwarf continue on their journey.

Libeaus next defeats the Lord of Cardiff, winning a gyrfalcon. He has the prize taken to Arthur, who is so satisfied with his knight that he decides to send him a hundred pounds. Libeaus uses the gold to hold a forty-days feast, and then moves on with his companions.

In a forest, Libeaus catches a many-coloured hunting dog. A man called Sir Otis claims that it is his, but Libeaus refuses to give it up. He soon finds himself faced by a full-fledged army, which he defeats single-handedly. Sir Otis too is sent to Arthur’s court

After many adventures in Ireland and Wales, Libeaus arrives at the beautiful Isle of Gold ('Jl de Ore'), a city of castles and palaces. Its lady is besieged by a Saracen giant called Maugys. After a long and eventful fight, Libeaus is able to kill the giant. La Dame Amour, Lady of the Island, offers the hero her love, and lordship over the Jl de Ore. Libeaus gladly accepts, and for twelve months he lives a life of 'recreauntise'. When one day Libeaus meets Elyne, she points out to Libeaus that he has been disloyal to his lord. He feels deeply ashamed and leaves the Jl de Ore. With him he takes his horse, his armour and Jurflete, La Dame Amour’s steward, whom he makes his squire.

At Synadowne, Libeaus defeats Lanwarde, the city’s steward, who has the habit of fighting every knight who comes to the city looking for a place to stay. Lanwarde informs Libeaus that the Lady of Synadowne is being held captive by two clerks who practice black magic (‘nigermansye’). These men, called Jrayne and Mabon, have created a castle which no-one dares enter, and say that they will kill the lady unless she transfers all of her power to Mabon.

Next morning, Libeaus enters the magic castle, and sits down at the high table. Minstrels which had been playing vanish, the earth shakes, and stones fall down. On the field outside, two knights appear. They are Mabon and Jrayne, and are intent on killing Libeaus. Libeaus defeats both of them, but Jrayne disappears before Libeaus can deal him the final blow: he was too busy slaying Mabon, 'the more shreweos'.

Depressed, Libeaus sits down in the castle hall: Jrayne might well cause him trouble in the future. While Libeaus contemplates his situation, a window appears in one of the walls, and a serpent with wings and a woman’s face crawls through. It speaks, asserting that it is 'young', and then kisses a terrified Libeaus. Consequently, it changes into a beautiful young woman: the Lady of Synadowne. She thanks Libeaus for freeing her, and tells him that he has slain both of the evil clerks. She also tells him that the only way the curse which had changed her into a serpent could be lifted was by kissing Gawain or someone else of his kin. Then the lady offers herself and her many possessions to Libeaus, who gladly accepts.

After seven joyous days in Synadowne, Libeaus and the Lady of Synadowne go to King Arthur’s court, where Arthur grants Libeaus the lady’s hand. A forty-day feast follows, after which the newly-weds are escorted back to Synadowne by Arthur and his knights, where they live happily together for many years.