Ford

1. Ford, Knight and Damsel of the

   There seem to have been a great many waterways in and near the marches of Gore. On his way to the Sword Bridge, but long before he reached it, Lancelot came to a river ford guarded by a knight.

   This knight shouted three warnings to Lancelot not to cross, but Lancelot was deeply engaged just then in the knightly duty of contemplating his lady, and his horse was thirsty. As soon as Lancelot's mount was in the water drinking, the guardian of the ford rode in and knocked the oblivious champion from his saddle.

   At last awake to his immediate situation, Lancelot demanded to know the reason for this attack, swearing he had never heard the other man. Not that it would have made any ultimate difference, of course, but the knight of the ford put up a better than average fight before Lancelot, blaming himself for weakness, got his opponent on the run. At length the guardian's damsel intervened, helping her knight obtain first mercy and then freedom (by the rules, Lancelot could have taken him prisoner).

   The damsel even risked rape by promising to do Lancelot whatever favor he desired, but he released her from this pledge and carried away the good wishes of both. The whole episode seems irresistibly burlesque.

   
   

2. Ford of Adventures
   Gué d'Aventures

   The location of a tournament won by Gawaine. Gawaine received such honor for his victory that the Maiden of the Narrow Passage, who had never seen Gawaine, fell in love with him.

   
   

3. Ford of Blood
   Gués del Sanc

   A ford in Scotland where a relatively small number of Arthur’s men, led by Sir Lancelot, defeated a large force of Saxons and put them to flight.

   The Saxons were led by King Hargadabran (Hargodabrans). Lancelot fought like a man possessed in the battle, and Hargadabran’s brother, Atramont, was captured.

   
   

4. Ford of the Forest
   Aigue de la Forest

   A ford where Bors, after stealing Arthur’s horse, defeated Sagramore, Bedivere, Lucan, and Kay, taking their horses as well.

   In the Vulgate IV we can read it should be located in a forest below Rouen.

   
   

5. Ford of the Woods

   A ford that Sir Garengaus the Strong vowed to guard in the service of King Brandegorre’s daughter.