There are many differing versions of the legend of Guinevere, but most agree that she was the wife of the Celtic King Arthur, who fought against the Saxon invaders of Britain in the 6th century. However, Guinevere fell in love with King Arthur’s chief knight Sir Lancelot, and they had a passionate affair that lasted for years and ended in tragedy. Whether Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot ever really existed is not certain, but several early Welsh and Breton tales and poems were written about Arthur as a great warrior defending Britain.

In many versions of the tale Guinevere is abducted. The first of these by Caradoc of Llancarfan tells how she is taken by King Melwas and held at Glastonbury. Arthur searches for her and prepares for battle but a peaceful settlement is found, and the couple are reunited.

In a reworking of the tale by French writer Chrétien de Troyes, Queen Guinevere is abducted by Meleagant and rescued by Sir Lancelot. It was one of the first of the chivalrous romances that became so popular in the Middle Ages.

Another writer, Geoffrey of Monmouth, claimed that Guinevere was descended from a noble Roman family. Arthur leaves her in the care of his nephew Mordred while he goes off to war, but in his absence, Mordred seduces Guinevere, usurps Arthur’s crown, and takes her as his queen. On Arthur’s return, the two fight it out at the Battle of Camlann.

In Scotland she is called Vanora. Vanora is abducted by King Mordred and when returned to Arthur, he has her condemned to be torn apart by wild beasts.

Who knows which version, if any, is true but it’s a great legend. Long live Camelot.

Happy Puzzling!