Gingalain[1] Gingelein[2] or Sir Gyngalyn/Gingalin[3] (French: Guinglain, Guinglan,[4] Giglan ,[5] German: Wigalois, etc.), also known as Le Bel Inconnu, or The Fair Unknown, is a character from Arthurian legend whose exploits are recorded in numerous versions of a popular medieval romance. He was not even told his name, and unbeknownst to him, he is son of Sir Gawain and the fay Blanchemal.
The nameless youth arrives King Arthur's Court, and is granted a boon to be knighted. He earns the nickname "Fair Unknown", then accepts his main quest, to save the Princess/Queen of Gales (Wales), brought by the Welsh maidservant Hélie. He undergoes a number of side-quests, including his succoring of the Maid of the White Hands, (French: La Pucelle à Blanches Mains, aka the enchantress of the Ile d'Or) who becomes his mistress, but he leaves abruptly in un-chivalric manner to return to his main quest (at the city of Snowdon). He defeats the enchanter Mabon and accomplishes the "Fearsome Kiss" upon a serpent[a] to dispel the transformation of the princess of Wales, after which a voice reveals to him his name, Guinglain, and his parentage. The princess discloses her name as Blonde Esmeree; she is Princess/Queen of Wales,[b] and wishes to marry the hero. The Fair Unknown has a chance of reunion with White Hands, but when Arthur calls a tournament to entice him back, she helps by magically sending him to the joust, and he takes this to be a rejection. He is then married to Blonde Esmeree.
His nickname differs depending on the version and language; he is known in Middle English as Libeaus Desconus.
