First Knight 1995

As King Arthur of Camelot celebrates his recent military conquests, his attention turns towards a fresh endeavor: finding a bride. However, a former Knight of the Round Table, Malagant, driven by ambition, plots to usurp the throne. Amidst this backdrop of intrigue and power struggles, Lancelot, a daring wandering swordsman, becomes entangled in a world that extends far beyond his humble village.

Lancelot’s fate intertwines with that of Guinevere, the young ruler of Lyonesse. She is journeying to Camelot with hopes of marrying Arthur to safeguard her kingdom from Malagant’s incursions. When Lancelot fortuitously encounters Guinevere’s carriage, he thwarts Malagant’s kidnapping attempt and finds himself captivated by the future queen. Although Guinevere initially rebuffs his affections, Lancelot encourages her to heed her desires, all while she feels the weight of her duty to her impending marriage.

Navigating the intricate dynamics of Camelot’s court, Lancelot gradually earns Arthur’s respect, securing a seat at the Round Table, which symbolizes loyalty and brotherhood. He imparts a profound truth to Arthur: >“A man who fears nothing is a man who loves nothing.” That evening, Malagant’s minions execute a cunning abduction of Guinevere, compelling Lancelot to act.

In disguise as a Camelot messenger, Lancelot infiltrates Malagant’s fortress to rescue Guinevere. While she remains retreating regarding his romantic advances, Lancelot’s valor wins him Arthur’s gratitude. As he reveals his painful past of being orphaned and destitute after bandits destroyed his village, Lancelot discovers a renewed purpose. He accepts Arthur’s invitation to join the Round Table, thereby replacing Malagant as a member and finding comfort in his newfound family.

As dusk falls, Arthur and Guinevere exchange vows in a sacred ceremony, sealing their bond. Yet destiny intervenes, as a messenger from Lyonesse brings alarming news: Malagant has initiated a fierce assault, threatening Camelot’s very existence. Unfazed, King Arthur rallies his forces and advances to Lyonesse to confront Malagant’s army. On the battlefield, Lancelot proves his mettle, earning the admiration of his fellow knights with his bravery and steadfast honor.

Once the battle concludes, Lancelot grapples with feelings of guilt over his growing affection for Guinevere, while being devoted to Arthur, whose loyalty he has vowed to uphold. During a private meeting, Lancelot expresses his intention to leave Camelot, but Guinevere’s eagerness to keep him close is unmistakable. Their fleeting moment of intimacy is disrupted when King Arthur unexpectedly arrives, catching them in a compromising situation, and accusing them of treason.

The subsequent trial is a spectacle of public intrigue, with Malagant’s sudden assault adding an unexpected twist to the proceedings. As Camelot’s citizens fend off the invasion, Lancelot confronts his nemesis—disarmed yet unyielding. Grabbing Arthur’s fallen sword, Lancelot strikes down Malagant, ending his tyrannical grip and triumphing for Camelot.

In the wake of victory, Arthur succumbs to his grievous injuries, passing away but not before naming Lancelot his successor, assigning him the sacred duty of safeguarding both the realm and Guinevere. As the tale draws to a close, a mournful procession heads to the shore, where Arthur’s funeral raft is set adrift, carrying the last vestiges of Camelot’s illustrious age into the vast unknown.