with superhuman beings orarguments with gods, but a fight within himself and the fight for his desire. Aman possessed, he risks pride, reputation, body, and soul, all for the return oflove from his lady Guinevere. His battles and stories are not all physical, asthe previous warriors, but a mental triumph over the various tasks. Look at theride in the cart and the battle within Lancelot to obtain the right decision onwhat to do: Woe that he did this, and woe that he was ashamed of the cart and sodid not jump in at once, for he would later consider himself ill-fallen. Reason,which disagrees with Love, told him to refrain from climbing in and admonishedand instructed him not to do or undertake anything that could bring him disgraceor reproach. Reason, which dared speak this way, spoke from his lips, but notfrom his heart. But Love, which was enclose in his heart, urged and commandedhim to climb into the cart at once. Love achieved his desire. The knight leaptup without concern for the disgrace because this was Love's will and command(Beowulf 174). Lancelot battles between his heart and mind on what choice tomake. Yet we see Love is much more powerful in his desire, or as he says, Loveachieved his desire (174). This is not the only case of such a battle inLancelot, and it is not always over love. This tale of honor by Lancelot, whosaves a maiden who holds a deed he does not want to fulfill. Before the night islong, the maiden is attacked and pleas for help from Lancelot who thinks: Godwhat can I do? The object of my great pursuit is no one less than the QueenGuinevere. Having embarked on this quest for her, I must follow have the heartof a hare. If cowardice gives me her heart and I follow her rule, I shall neverreach my goal. I am disgraced if I stay here. Merely to have spoken of remainingbrings deep shame onto me now. My heart is sad and dark... May God never havemercy on me if I speak with pride and would not rather die with honor th...
