Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend
The Early Origins of the Story of Lancelot The earliest mentions of the character of Lancelot are positively dated to the early decades of the middle ages. The earliest known literary work that features Lancelot as a prominent character is known as Erec and Enide (Érec et Énide) written in 1170 AD by the medieval French poet and troubadour Chrétien de Troyes. He is widely regarded as one of the most important authors of medieval literature and the Arthurian legend, and is also credited with most likely creating the characters of Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart; Yvain, the Knight...
Source: ancient-origins.net