Joyous Gard

Joyous Gard is attested in Le Morte d'Arthur as a castle intimately connected to Launcelot throughout his career. It serves as a haven, a strategic stronghold, and ultimately a burial place. When Tristram and Launcelot arrive at the castle, "they alighted, and their horses were led into a stable; and then they unarmed them" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book X, Chapter LXXXVI), establishing it as a place of fellowship and rest.

The castle's strategic role emerges during the crisis over Queen Guenever's condemnation. Launcelot's allies counsel him that Joyous Gard is the place to shelter the queen: "in Joyous Gard ye may keep her long enough until the heat of the king be past" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book XX, Chapter VI). When Launcelot later departs for exile overseas, he goes first to Joyous Gard, where "he called his fellowship unto him, and asked them what they would do" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book XX, Chapter XVII).

Most significantly, Joyous Gard is Launcelot's chosen burial site. Dying, "he prayed the Bishop that his fellows might bear his body to Joyous Gard" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book XXI, Chapter XII), and "within fifteen days they came to Joyous Gard" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book XXI, Chapter XII). The castle thus frames Launcelot's story from hospitality to death.