Knight of the Cart
A title of paradox and power in Arthurian romance. From Lancelot's humbling ride for love to the marvel of Raguidel's drifting cart.
Introduction#
In Arthurian romance, the title “Knight of the Cart” carries deep symbolic weight, balancing shame, redemption, and destiny. Most famously borne by Sir Lancelot in Chrétien de Troyes’ Lancelot, ou le Chevalier de la Charrette, it marks his trial of honor and love as he endures public humiliation to rescue Queen Guinevere from Gorre. Yet the name also appears in other tales, notably in La Vengeance Raguidel, where the slain Sir Raguidel becomes known as the Chevalier del Car after his body, borne in a cart upon a mysterious boat, arrives at Arthur’s court — calling for vengeance and justice from beyond the grave.
Alternative Names | Chevalier de la Charrette, Chevalier del Car
The Adventure of Lancelot#
In Chrétien de Troyes’ Lancelot, ou le Chevalier de la Charrette (c. 1177-1181), the tale opens with the abduction of Queen Guienevere by Meleagant of Gorre. In desperate pursuit, Lancelot, riding tirelessly, kills his steed from exhaustion and finds himself stranded at a crossroads. A cart approaches, driven by a churl – a vehicle reserved for criminals and traitors. Accepting such transport meant open shape, yet refusal would mean abandoning his queen. Lancelot hesitates only a moment before climbing aboard, proving that true love outweighs worldly honor.
Throughout the tale, he endures mockery and humiliation from all who see him, even from Guinevere herself, who later reproaches his brief hesitation more than his disgrace. His crossing of the Sword Bridge, imprisonments, and challenges of loyalty, and finally the fierce battle against Meleagant, mark not just victory, but spiritual trial and renewal.
In later retellings — such as the Vulgate Lancelot and Le Morte Darthur — this act is softened, portrayed less as humiliation and more as heroic devotion. Yet in Chrétien’s original vision, the cart remains a symbol of love’s sovereignty over pride, and the knight’s true worth shines through his willingness to bear dishonor for a higher cause.
The Tale of Raguidel#
In the early 13th century romance La Vengeance Raguidel, the story takes a mystical turn. The slain knight Sir Raguidel is discovered in a wondrous manner:
“His lifeless body, armed and noble, lies upon a cart borne on a boat, drifting miraculously to King Arthur’s court.”
Upon arrival, the court learns of a curse and injustice surrounding his death. The marvel demands vengeance — a quest soon undertaken by Gawain, who becomes the champion of Raguidel’s cause. Here, the “cart” serves not as a sign of shame but as a symbolic vessel, linking the realms of the dead and the living, and calling Arthur’s knights to uphold justice and knightly duty.
Themes and Symbolism#
Shame and Honor
Lancelot’s cart ride is a paradox – disgrace in appearance, yet supreme devotion in essence.
Death and Justice
Raguidel’s posthumous journey transforms the cart into a funerary emblem of truth and retribution.
Transformation thtrough Trial
Both tales reveal the knight’s path through humiliation or death toward redemption and legacy.
Love and Duty
The cart becomes the stage on which love’s sacrifice or justice’s demand is publicly declared.
Sources#
Lancelot, or Le Chevalier de la Charrete | Chrétien de Troyes, late 12th century
Lancelot do Lac | 1215-1220
Le Morte Darthur | Sir Thomas Malory, 1469-1470
La Vengeance Raguidel | Raoul, possibly Raoul de Houdenc, early 13th century
