Le Morte d'Arthur

The Siege of Benwick

why did the first fight between sir Gawain and sir launcelot end in a draw

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Launcelot refuses to fight, regardless of how deperately Gawain wishes to take his revenge. As a result, Gawain calls Launcelot a traitor and shames him in front of his people, thus, lancelot is forced to defend his honor. In the end, Launcelot unquestionably beats Gawain, but he refuses to kill him.

Source(s)

The Death of King Arthur: The Siege of Benwick

Launcelot is a noble knight, and he will not strike a fallen knight during battle even if he is an enemy.