The introduction first recapitulates the different perspectives in which the courtly epics since Chretien de Troyes have been studied. Going from studies which mention the role of the "Ladies-in-waiting" only "in passim" one comes to those which concentrate on their role and its meaning in the three epics mentioned in the title. Mythological and Christian Symbolism, medieval allegory and alchemistic symbolism and Freudian interpretation are the four main streams that have been studied. The first chapter analyses what the "Ladies-in-waiting" do; think, reason and convince. The first part shows their triumphs, and the second treats their defeat and the tests they undergo to recover their former Situation. The third part shows that their abilities culminate in their mastering of speech, which permits them to manipulate their surroundings. The second chapter analyses what they are: first, the names they are given and their gestures, then their physical appearance, and finally their significance as Symbols and archetypes. The conclusion gathers the facts and tries to show that it is possible to overcome the disparities found in the studies mentioned in the introduction.