Segmentation

The segmentation of the Lancelot proper  (the core narrative of the cycle) proposed here reflects the analysis elaborated by A. Micha in his various articles and the introductions of his edition of the Lancelot en prose. First and foremost, it is not as much directed by narrative blocks than by  the distribution and nature of different versions of the text, as outlined in Textual Tradition. Partially related to this, it also takes into account traditional divisions of the text over different MS volumes, as demonstrated by Frank Brandsma (2003) for the Agravain. This division corresponds to that adopted by the Lancelot-Graal project.

1. Lancelot's childhood and adolescence to his installation as a knight of the Round Table (Micha §§Ia – LXXIa). One common version.
2. From the journey to Sorelois to the death of Galehot (§§I-XXXV). Three versions. One non-cyclic version, ending with the death of Galehot, and two cyclic versions: the long cyclic version, which according to Micha comes first, comprising the majority of the extant manuscripts and (again according to Micha) an abridged short cyclic version. A number of manuscripts have mixed redactions.
3. Conte de la Charette (§§XXXVI-XLII). Four versions: alpha, beta, beta beta, gamma. Beta beta represents a subgroup of the beta manuscripts consisting of the eleven E-type manuscripts and the Grenoble copy, with a revised introduction closely resembling that of the gamma version. The gamma-version presents a different prosification of the Charette edited by Combes.
4. Suites de la Charette (§§XLIII-LXIX). Two versions: a long cyclic version and a short cyclic version.
5. Agravain and preparation to the Quest (§§LXX-CVIII) Two versions, as in 4. Particular groups with mixed and oscillating redaction.

The Gauvain-episodes interpolated into the Charette and the Agravain are treated as interstitial segments.