In the Knight of the Cart, there is an episode where Lancelot has to decide between sparing his opponent and giving a maiden his opponent’s head (242). He goes into this internal debate between which one is greater: generosity or compassion. It seems he cannot do one without forsaking the other. Having to make a choice between values, I’d argue is the greatest challenge that these knights face. Are there any other examples in the texts we have read where Arthurian values were contested against each other? What does this imply about Arthur’s ideal court?

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