Le Bel Inconnu is literally translated to "The Fair Unknown" and it is a popular folk tale that has strong ties to the legends of King Arthur, telling the popular story of a young man of questionable heritage who becomes a key player in polite society. At first, he appears in the Court without an established background or name yet despite his lack of known identity he demands to be knighted. He is bold and politically gauche because his background has not prepared him to behave in the correct courtly manner but despite this is knighted. In order to earn this honor he has to undertake a series of adventures to prove his worth. He performs these adventures gallantly and with courage, warning not only admiration but also the hand of a bride whose position in society is higher than his own, and also ultimately in the acquisition of property.
The version of Le Bel Inconnu that is written specifically to fit in with Arthurian tradition reveals that The Fair Unknown is a distant relative of Sir Gawain and therefore a distant relative of King Arthur himself, making it even more important for him to prove himself worthy of not only a knighthood but of carrying the familial name.
The folk tale contains many of the traditional themes and motifs typical of Arthurian legend; the themes of concealed identities, earning reputation and showing courage are key throughout this type of literature. The tale also blends the real and the mystical life, including within it stories of giants and rescuing damsels from enchantment.
