Malory: The Conception of Galahad

A common theme in this Arthurian legend is odd conceptions: both the conception of Arthur and the conception of Galahad are shrouded in magic and deception. In both instances an enchanter/enchantress disguise King Uther and Lady Elaine, respectively, so that they can have sex with Lady Igraine and Sir Launcelot, respectively, in order to conceive children destined for greatness. After each conception the deceived person finds out that they did not have sex with whom they believe they did and they come to the realization that they were deceived, but in both cases neither Launcelot nor Igraine mind that they were deceived. Igraine doesn’t mind because she marries Uther and Launcelot doesn’t mind because Galahad is to be the greatest knight who ever lived. The fact that the deception used in order to conceive two of the greatest heroes in Arthurian legend doesn’t bother Igraine or Launcelot, who were the ones who were deceived, is baffling for the deception is anything but chivalrous.