NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Crowned Lion of Libya

Lion corone de Libe

A mysterious lion with a crown growing from its head that Sir Lionel was fated to destroy. Lionel, Lancelot’s cousin, was born with a birthmark in the shape of a lion. It was said that after he had slain the Crowned Lion of Libya, the birthmark would disappear.

Upon achieving knighthood, Lionel went to Arthur’s court, where a lady appeared leading the Crowned Lion. Lionel fought it, killed it, and presented its skin to Sir Yvain, who was thereafter known as the Knight with the Lion. As foretold, Lionel’s birthmark disappeared. He appears at the healing of Sir Urre.


See also
Ywaine’s Lion | The Legend of King Arthur


Source
Lancelot do Lac | 1215-1220