(European mythology)
Lancelot du Lac, Launcelot of the Lake; the most attractive and splendid of King Arthur's knights, even though he betrays his allegiance to his lord, disgraces the ideal of stainless chivalry, and renders himself, through his adulterous love for Queen Guinevere, incapable of the quest of the Holy Grail. He was stolen when one year old and reared by the Lady of the Lake, Nimue, who also bestowed on Arthur the unfailing sword, Excalibur. Sir Lancelot was the ideal knight, from the female standpoint, for his love of Guinevere shaped his entire destiny. After the un-death of Arthur, Lancelot became a priest and tended the King's grave.
