Nightbringer | The Arthurian Online Encyclopedia

Schatel le Mort

“Castel of the Dead”

The castle owned by Mabuz the Enchanter. It was surrounded by the river Der Kal (“River of Torment”).

The castle was enchanted in such a way that anyone who entered uninvited would turn into a coward; his cowardice, in fact, would be proportional to his prior courage. Lancelot happened upon the castle and succumbed to the spell, causing his companions – his lover Ade and his squire Tybalt – to desert him in disgust. Mabuz kept Lancelot prisoner for a time, but eventually freed him.


Source
Lanzelet | Ulrich von Zatzikhoven, c. 1200