Ywains

Ywains is a figure featured in Arthurian legend. He is most prominently known from the romance Yvain, the Knight of the Lion, by Chrétien de Troyes. In this narrative, Ywain is a knight of the Round Table, son of King Urien and the sorceress Morgan le Fay. He is often depicted as a brave and chivalrous warrior, though his character arc involves periods of madness and redemption.

The central story of Ywain's legend revolves around his quest to avenge a fallen comrade. He embarks on a journey that leads him to a magical fountain guarded by a fearsome giant. After defeating the giant, Ywain marries the giant's widow, Laudine, but soon leaves her to pursue further adventures. He experiences a period of profound sorrow and madness, losing his memory and becoming a wild man of the forest.

During his time in the wilderness, Ywain encounters and rescues a lion from a serpent. The grateful lion becomes his loyal companion and aids him in various trials. This symbiotic relationship is a key element of his story, symbolizing his renewed nobility and courage. Eventually, with the help of the lion, Ywain regains his senses and seeks reconciliation with Laudine, ultimately returning to King Arthur's court. His story is a testament to themes of loyalty, love, madness, and the redemptive power of valor.