Treason in Arthurian legend caused by the duplicity in his knights. A linking motif throughout a variety of centuries and countries, authors focus on the treasonous destruction of Arthur's court, and the temptation knights face to engage in treason. Queen Guinevere found herself facing accusations of treason several times over the course of recorded Arthurian legend. In Malory's Le Morte d’Arthur, she is accused first in the “Poisoned Apple” episode, when at a dinner she holds for some of the knights of the Round Table, one of the knights, Sir Patrise, dies from eating a poisoned apple intended for Gawain. The real culprit is
Treason in Arthurian legend France authored “Lanval” in the 12th century. “Lanval” is the story of a knight, Lanval, who has a secret fairy lover and rebuffs Guinevere's advances. Guinevere tempts Lanval sexually and he immediately refuses. Her invitation is treason and Lanval's refusal demonstrates his fealty to Arthur. After Lanval refuses, Guinevere accuses Lanval of homosexuality, and homosexuality would have been understood by de France's audience as an act of treason. Sodomy, particularly in homosexual settings, was a charge that mandated burning at the stake in the late Middle Ages. Guinevere's adultery would have brought upon her exactly the same punishment. Sodomy, while