Fountain of the Youth
In the Queste del Saint Graal, the Fountain of Youth, located in the Terrestrial Paradise, is a symbol of purity, spiritual renewal, and the quest for eternal life. Esclarmonde is bathed in the waters of the fountain by Morgan Le Fay, resulting hin her transformation into a beautiful and youthful maiden. This event underscores the spiritual and allegorical aspects of the Arthurian legends present in the Vulgate Cycle.
During a speech in Heinrich von dem Türlin’s Diu Crône, Gawaine alludes to an adventure in which he drank from the Fountain of Youth in the Garden of Dochel.
In Vita Merlini, Merlin is described as having gone mad and retreating to the wilderness. At one point, he encounters a healing spring that has the power to restore his sanity and rejuvenate him. Although not explicitly called the Fountain of Youth, the healing properties of the spring share similarities with the concept.
See also
Brocéliande | The Legend of King Arthur
Sources
Vulgate Queste del Saint Graal | 1215-1230
Diu Crône | Heinrich von dem Türlin, c. 1230
Vita Merlini | Geoffrey of Monmouth, c. 1150