Libeaus Desonus

Chestre, Thomas | 14th century
Thomas Chestre, generally attributed as the author of Libeaus Desconus and Sir Launfal, contributed to the Arthurian literary tradition with his works.
Libeaus Desonus This late fourteenth-century tale is a stanzaic tail-rhyme version of the Fair Unknown story. The protagonist, Lybeaus Desconus, is introduced as Gawain’s son but remains unaware of his true identity, having been raised in isolation. Renamed Lybeaus by King Arthur upon his request for knighthood, he embarks on various adventures, including rescuing the Lady of Synadoun from imprisonment. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges, proving his prowess and worthiness to be Gawain’s kin. The romance concludes with Lybeaus marrying the Lady of Synadoun, celebrating their union with a bridal feast amidst Arthurian rejoicing.
Sir Launfal This fourteenth-century lay, totaling 1,044 lines, follows the adventures of Sir Launfal (Lanval), a magnanimous young knight who faces disgrace at Arthur’s court but later achieves vindication. Launfal takes a fairy mistress during his absence from Carlisle but loses her after boasting about her to Guenevere. He is later reunited with his lover, who clears him of the false charges made by the Queen.
Chestre’s rendition of the Launfal story draws heavily from an English couplet version of Sir Landeval, incorporating additional material from sources like the Lay of Graelent and other unidentified sourcesl. While some critics have noted the lack of refinement and sophistication in Chestre’s portrayal of character behavior and moral tone, it’s important to consider that these works were likely intended for a popular audience unfamiliar with the intricacies of chivalric literature.