Return to the shrine homepage There are actually several times more characters than this in Malory's Mort D'Arthur. Characters only mentioned once and not involved in the main thread of Arthurian lore are omitted.
A careful attempt has been made to identify all cases of characters referred to by many different names through out Malory and collect them all together under a single name, which is then used in the guide. The alternative names are all listed here under the main name.
In Mallory kings are sometimes referred to as Sir, when they are adventuring alone (even Arthur becomes Sir sometimes at joust).
KORT = Knight Of the Round Table
AKA = Also Known As
Aglovale, Sir - eldest legitimate son of King Pellinore, brother to Lamorak, Dornar & Percivale, and half-brother to Tor.
Agravaine, Sir - 3rd eldest of the Orkney Knights. Wedded Lionesse's niece Dame Laurel. Exposed Launcelot's adultery with Guenever & so precipitated the destruction of the Round Table & the death of Arthur. Killed by Launcelot.
Alisander le Orphelin, Sir - son of Prince Boudwin & the Lady Anglides. Begat Bellengerus le Beuse out of Alice la Beale Pilgrim. Never met Arthur, though a great knight. Treacherously slain by King Mark.
Andred, Sir - Tristram's evil cousin.
Anguish, King of Ireland - one of the eleven kings who were defeated by young Arthur at The Battle of Bedegraine, and one of the twelve kings defeated by him later at the Battle of Terrabil. Possibly also one of the five kings who ambushed Arthur later near Humber. AKA Agwisance AKA Aguissaunce.
Annowre - sorceress from the Forest Perilous who failed to seduce Arthur then failed to kill him.
Arthur, King of the Britons - son of King Uther Pendragon out of Igraine, fostered by Ector, foster brother of Kay, shagged his half-sister Margawse thus fathering Mordred, married Guinevere. Also fathered Borre out of the damosel Lionors and Bohart le Cure Hardy out of persons unknown; nothing more is known about these two princes. Mortally wounded at The Battle of Salisbury. Current status unknown. The hero.
Avelion, the lady Lile of - a great lady, & enemy of the Lady of the Lake. Her damosel gave a magic sword to Balin.
Bagdemagus, King - Arthur's cousin & father of Meliagrance. Became a KORT after many adventures. First victim of the Quest for the Sangreal, he was maimed by a mysterious white knight then later slain by Gawaine and buried at the White Abbey. AKA Basdemagus.
Balan, Sir - hero of the Battle of Terrabil with his elder brother Balin, who eventually mistakenly killed him.
Balin (le Savage), Sir - AKA the Knight with the Two Swords. Poor knight of Northumberland. Got 6 months for slaying Arthur's cousin, but still virtuous enough to receive the Sword of Avelion from a damosel of the Lady Lile of Avelion. Beheaded the Lady of the Lake. Hero of the Battle of Terrabil with his younger brother Balan, who eventually mistakenly killed him.
Ban, King of Benwick - frog who supported young Arthur at The Battle of Bedegraine. Father of Launcelot. "...of the 8th degree" of Christ.
Baudwin of Britain (or Brittany), Sir - bodyguard to the young Arthur. One of Arthur's first supporters, and most loyal. Left in charge when Arthur went off to defeat Rome. Became a rich hermit near Camelot, where he tended Launcelot.
Beaumains (or "Fair-hands") - scornful nickname given to Gareth by Kay during his year incognito in Arthur's kitchens.
Bedivere, Sir - son of Duke Corneus & brother of Lucan. Survived the Battle of Salisbury, & cast Excalibur into the lake for Arthur. The last surviving Round Table knight. Became a hermit in Canterbury.
Belinus, King - ancient British chief who conquered Rome (circa 400 BC).
Bellengerus le Beuse, Sir - son of Alisander le Orphelin and Alice la Beale Pilgrim. Avenged deaths of his dad & grandad by slaying his great uncle King Mark. Sided with Launcelot against Arthur. AKA Bellangere le Beuse.
Bertelot, Sir - brother to Breuse Saunce Pite, & an evil knight.
Bleise - Merlin's master in Northumberland.
Bliant, Sir - good knight who helped Launcelot during his madness.
Bohart le Cure Hardy, Sir - Arthur's son about whom absolutely nothing else is ever said.
Borre, Sir - Arthur's other son (out of Lionors) about whom absolutely nothing else is ever said.
Bors, King of Gaul - supported young Arthur at The Battle of Bedegraine.
Bors de Ganis, Sir - Launcelot's nephew & almost a virgin (sired Helin le Blank out of King Brangore's daughter). Helped Galahad achieve the Sangreal. Scar on forehead. Died with Ector fighting Turks in the Holy Land on Good Friday.
Boudwin, Prince of Cornwall - treacherously slain by his brother King Mark for killing 40,000 invading Saracens without permission. Sired Alisander le Orphelin out of the Lady Anglides.
Brandegore, King of Stranggore - one of the eleven kings who were defeated by young Arthur at The Battle of Bedegraine, and one of the twelve later defeated by him at the Battle of Terrabil. Much later became Bors' father-in-law. AKA Brandegoris or Brangore.
Brastias, Sir - knight of The Duke of Tintagil, once impersonated by Ulfius. Later a bodyguard to young Arthur, & one of his first supporters. Ended up a hermit near Westminster, where Launcelot would go on retreat. AKA Brasias.
Brennus, King - ancient British chief who conquered Rome (circa 400 BC).
Breunor le Noire, Sir - AKA La Cote Male Taile. Accepted the quest of the shield.
Breuse Saunce Pite, Sir - an evil knight with a fast horse, & nemesis of all good knights such as Launcelot & Tristram. Brother of Bertelot.
Brisen, Dame - enchantress working for King Pelles. Helped Elaine rape Launcelot. Twice.
Cador of Cornwall, Sir - One of Arthur's supporters. Father of Constantine.
Carados, King of - one of the six kings who beseiged young Arthur at Carlion, and one of the eleven he defeated later at The Battle of Bedegraine, and one of the twelve later defeated at the Battle of Terrabil.
Clariance, King of Northumberland - one of the eleven kings who were defeated by young Arthur at The Battle of Bedegraine, and one of the twelve later defeated by him at the Battle of Terrabil.
Claudas, King - continental enemy of the French kings Ban & Bors, & of Arthur. Father to Prince Claudine, a successful Sangreal quester.
Claudine, Prince - son of French King Claudas. Met Galahad, Percivale & Bors in Castle Carbonek & achieved the Sangreal with them, his own 2 sidekicks & 2 other trios.
Colombe, Lady - took her own life over the corpse of her lover Lanceor.
Constantine, Sir - Son of Cador of Cornwall, one of King Arthur's most loyal supporters, and his eventual successor.
Constantine, Emperor - past emperor of Rome and son of the British woman Heleine.
Cradelmas (or Cradelment), King of North Wales- one of the eleven kings who were defeated by young Arthur at The Battle of Bedegraine, and one of the twelve later defeated by him at the Battle of Terrabil.
Damas, Sir - the evil brother of Ontzlake who captured Arthur and forced him to fight as his champion against Accolon.
Denmark, King of - one of the five kings who ambushed Arthur near Humber.
Dinadan, Sir - humourous KORT & pal of Tristram & Launcelot, & all other good knights. Possibly gay.
Dinas, Sir - King Mark's seneschal, but a good bloke.
Dornar, Sir - son of King Pellinore, brother to Aglovale, Lamorak & Percivale, and half-brother to Tor.
Ector, Sir - Arthur's foster-dad, & father to Kay.
Ector de Maris, Sir - son of King Ban & brother of Launcelot. Died with Bors fighting Turks in the Holy Land on Good Friday.
Elaine - daughter of The Duke of Tintagil, sister to Margawse & Morgan le Fay, wife of King Nentres.
Elaine - wife of King Ban and mother of Launcelot.
Elaine - daughter of King Pelles, ravisher of Launcelot, mother of Galahad.
Elaine le Blank - AKA the Fair Maiden of Astolat. Daughter of the hermit Baron Sir Bernard of Astolat, & sister of Lavaine. Huge crush on Launcelot & died for his love.
Eleine - daughter of King Pellinore & the Lady of The Rule. Slew herself after the death of her love Miles of the Launds & being abandoned by her dad.
Ettard, Lady - spurned Pelleas, shagged Gawaine, enchanted by Nimue, died of sorrow.
Eustace, Duke of Cambenet - joined the eleven kings who were defeated by young Arthur at The Battle of Bedegraine, and one of the twelve later defeated by him at the Battle of Terrabil.
Evelake, King of Sarras - converted to Christianity by Joseph of Aramathie. Had magic white shield with red cross, later carried by Galahad.
Gaheris, Sir - 2nd eldest of the Orkney Knights. Wedded Damosel Linet.
Galagars, Sir - minor knight, promoted to Round Table after Arthur's conquest of Rome. Possibly related to Irish sept O'Galchobhair, or medieval Irish warrior class of Gallowglas mercenaries. Possibly an ancestor to Lugodoc.
Galahad, Sir - last of Solomon's line. Son of Launcelot & Elaine. Virgin. KORT. Achieved the Sangreal with Bors & Percivale in Castle Corbin. "...of the 9th degree" of Christ. Died in Sarras, & buried with Percivale & Percivale's sister.
Galaha(u)lt the haut Prince of the Long Isles (or Surluse), Sir - Son of Breunor. Defeated Tristram before Galahad McLauncelot was born. Held the joust at Surluse. Hates fish. AKA Galahad (confusingly).
Gareth, Sir - 4th eldest of the Orkney Knights. Known as Beaumains for a year in Arthur's kitchens. Defeated the Red Knight of the Red Launds & rescued then married Dame Lionesse.
Garlon, Sir - the knight invisible. Slew Herlews & Perin de Mountbeliard. Black face. Persued by Balin to the castle of King Pellam, & slain there.
Gawaine, Sir - nephew of King Arthur, son of King Lot of Orkney, eldest of the Orkney Knights and a bit of a bastard. Arrogant & vengeful with pagan morals. Strength waxes triple from 9 a.m. 'till noon. Likes fruit. KORT. Adventured with Marhaus & Uwain in Arroy; ended up with the maiden aspect of The Goddess and betrayed Pelleas. Blamed for many deaths, such as Pellinore, Lamorak & Bagdemagus. Badly wounded in the head by Launcelot outside Benwick, in France, then fatally stricken there again at the Battle of Dover, where he died. Skull displayed in the crypt of Dover Castle, showing the wound. Came back as a ghost to warn Arthur before the battle of Salisbury.
Gilbert the Bastard, Sir - dead knight with a funny name. Slain by Meliot de Logres.
Gouvernail - Tristram's faithful man.
Guenever, Queen - daughter of King Leodegrance, "wife" of Arthur & shagpiece of Launcelot.
Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Sir - son of Cardol. Butler's assistant, until knighted to avenge the death of Miles (failed).
Helin (or Elian) le Blank, Sir - Bors' son out of the daughter of King Brandegore. KORT.
Hellawes - sorceress who wanted to stuff Launcelot.
Herlews le Berbeus, Sir - slain by invisible Garlon while under Balin's protection.
Hundred Knights, King of/with the - one of the six kings who beseiged young Arthur at Carlion, and one of the eleven he defeated later at The Battle of Bedegraine, and one of the twelve later defeated at the Battle of Terrabil. AKA Berrant le Apres.
Idres, King of Cornwall - one of the eleven kings who were defeated by young Arthur at The Battle of Bedegraine, and one of the twelve later defeated by him at the Battle of Terrabil, and killed.
Igraine - wife of The Duke of Tintagil, raped by King Uther. Mother of Arthur (of Uther), & Morgan le Fay, Margawse & Elaine (of Tintagil).
Ironside, Sir - the Red Knight of the Red Launds. Imprisoned Dame Lionesse. Defeated by Gareth.
Isoud, La Beale - daughter of King Anguish of Ireland. Lover of Tristram. Wife of King Mark.
Isoud la Blanche Mains - daughter of King Howel of Brittany. Wife of Tristram.
Jordanus, Sir - knight of The Duke of Tintagil, once impersonated by Merlin.
Joseph of Bethlehem - Jesus Christ's dad.
Joseph of Aramathie - the man who brought Jesus Christ down from the cross & lent him his own tomb. Brought the Spear of Longinus and the Sangreal from the foreign country via Sarras to Britain .
Kay, Sir - foster brother to Arthur & son of Ector. One of Arthur's first supporters. Made seneschal. Wicked tongue. KORT.
Kehydius, Sir - son of King Howell of Britanny, brother of Isoud la Blanche Mains and yet another knight who lusted after La Beale Isoud.
Lady of the Lake, the - gave Arthur Excalibur. Beheaded by Balin.
Lamorak(e) de Galis, Sir - son of King Pellinore, brother of Aglovale, Dornar & Percivale, half brother to Tor. Red shield. Good fighter, & friend of Launcelot & Tristram. Slain by Gawaine for shagging his mum.
Lanceor, Sir - Proud son of an Irish King, lover of Colombe, slain by Balin. King Mark built their tomb near Camelot.
Launcelot du Lak, Sir - son of King Ban & Elaine. Christened as Galahad, confirmed as Launcelot. Fathered Galahad out of Elaine, daughter of King Pelles. KORT. King Arthur's champion & adulterer with his queen Guenever (a much older woman). At jousts liked to side with the enemy in disguise, so not really a team player. Mortally wounded Gawaine at Benwick. "...of the 8th degree" of Christ. Scar on cheek.
Lavaine, Sir - son of Sir Bernard of Astolat and brother of Elaine le Blank. Disciple of Launcelot. KORT. Married Felelolie, sister of Urre.
Leodegrance, King of Cameliard - Arthur's pal, & father of Guenever.
Linet - highly critical damosel who fetched Gareth to rescue her sister Dame Lionesse from The Red Knight (AKA the damosel Savage). Zombie mistress. Married Gaheris.
Lionel, Sir - nephew of Launcelot & brother of Bors, from whom he became bitterly estranged on the Sangreal quest after being abandoned to a nude-whipping session. Became friends again, then eventually died in London after the civil war looking for Launcelot.
Lionesse, Dame - rescued from the Red Knight by Gareth, and married him. Lady of the Castle Perilous.
Lionors, damosel - daughter of Earl Sanam and mother of Borre after Arthur's first recorded shag.
Little Britain (AKA Brittany), King of - Arthurian supporter.
Longtains, King of the Isle of - one of the five kings who ambushed Arthur near Humber.
Lot, King of Lothian & Orkney - husband to Margawse, father of Sir Gawaine & 3 of the other 4 Orkney Knights. Young Arthur's main enemy. One of the six kings who beseiged young Arthur at Carlion, and one of the eleven defeated by him later at The Battle of Bedegraine. Defeated by Arthur & definitely killed by King Pellinore at the Battle of Terrabil.
Lucan, Sir - son of Duke Corneus & brother of Bedivere. Butler. AKA Lucas. Lost his guts in the Battle of Salisbury.
Lucius, Emperor of Rome - made mistake of tackling Britain.
Maimed King, the - AKA King Pellam.
Margawse - wife of King Lot, mother of Gawaine & the other Orkney Knights, including Mordred by her half-brother Arthur. Beheaded by her own son Gaheris whilst shagging Lamorak (son of her husband's killer).
Marhalt, King of Ireland - father to Marhaus.
Marhaus, Sir - son of Irish king Marhalt, brother of Irish queen. Adventured with Gawaine & Uwain in Arroy; chose the eldest aspect of The Goddess. KORT. Slain by Tristram.
Mark, King of Cornwall - Tristram's uncle and a devious bastard. Married La Beale Isoud. Murdered Tristram. Eventually slain by Bellengerus le Beuse.
Marrok, Sir - "made seven year a wer-wolf" by his wife.
Meliagrance, Sir - son of King Bagdemagus, kidnapper of Guenever and victim of Launcelot. Sneakiest, most treacherous and cowardly KORT.
Melias de Lile, Sir - prince of Denmark. Galahad's squire until knighted by him on the grail quest, then quickly maimed.
Meliot de Logres, Sir - KORT injured killing Gilbert the Bastard, then healed by the bloody cloth & sword taken from the Chapel Perilous by Launcelot.
Merlin - wizard and seer to both Uther & Arthur. Entombed beneath a rock by Nimue.
Mordred, Sir - bastard son of Arthur out of his half-sister Margawse, born at Beltayne. Youngest of the Orkney Knights. Usurped throne then died by Arthur's hand at the Battle of Salisbury.
Morgan le Fay - daughter of Tintagil & Igraine, sister to Margawse & Elaine, half-sister to Arthur, wife to King Uriens, mother of Uwaine. An enchantress, & Arthur's bitter enemy, and yet she helped take his body to Avelion after the Battle of Salisbury.
Nacien - a wise hermit in whom dwelled Christ, and Launcelot's ancestor. Joseph of Aramathie told King Evelake to hide the magic shield near his tomb.
Nacien II - another wise hermit, who much later advised Gawaine of his sin.
Nentres, King of Garlot(h) - husband to Elaine. One of the six kings who beseiged young Arthur at Carlion, and one of the eleven defeated by him later at The Battle of Bedegraine, then again, decisively, at the Battle of Terrabil.
Nero, King - brother of King Rience. Fought Arthur at the Battle of Terrabil, alongside all eleven kings from the Battle of Bedegraine, and slain by Pellinore.
Nimue - a damosel of the Lake, a friend to Arthur & an enchantress. Kinswoman of Meliot de Logres. Rescued from Hontzlake of Wentland by King Pellinore. Trapped Merlin beneath a rock. Married Pelleas. Helped take Arthur's body to Avelion after the Battle of Salisbury.
Northgalis, King of - Arthur's main rival at joust.
Northgalis, Queen of - an enchantress & pal of Morgan le Fay. Helped take Arthur's body to Avelion after the Battle of Salisbury.
Ontzlake, Sir - the good brother of Damas.
Orkney Knights, the - the four brothers Gawaine, Gareth, Gaheris & Agravaine, and their much younger half-brother Mordred.
Palomides, Sir - son of Astlabor, brother of Safere & Segwarides, a pagan Saracen KORT, luster after Isoud, friend, rival & enemy of Tristram. Last seen persuing the Questing Beast.
Pellam, King of Listeneise - AKA the Maimed King, AKA Lord Petchere AKA King Pescheour (the Fisher King). Son of King Labor. Wounded by Balin with the Spear of Longinus, then later appeared briefly at the Joust at Lonazep. Eventually healed by Galahad using the blood of Christ from the same spear.
Pelleas, Sir (or King) - stalked Lady Ettard but beaten to it by Sir Gawaine. Ended up happily with Nimue, Damosel of the Lake. KORT.
Pelles, King of the foreign country - "cousin" to Joseph of Aramathie. Father of Elaine, grandfather of Galahad, master of Castle Corbin and keeper of the Sangreal, Spear of Longinus etc. Maimed after drawing the Sword of David aboard the magic boat of Solomon off the Irish coast. Eventually healed (off camera) by his grandson Galahad.
Pellinore, King of the Isles - pursued The Questing Beast before Palomides. Killed King Lot at the Battle of Terrabil. AKA the Knight with the Strange Beast. KORT. Father to Tor, Aglovale, Lamorak, Dornar & Percivale. Slain by Gawaine.
Percivale de Galis, Sir - youngest son of King Pellinore, brother to Aglovale, Lamorak & Dornar, & half brother to Tor. Virgin. Helped Galahad achieve the grail. Died a white monk in Sarras, & buried next to his sister & Galahad.
Percivale's sister - virtuous, learned and helpful, but apparently nameless. The key female on the Sangreal Quest. Died giving blood, buried months later in Sarras (to be joined by Percivale & Galahad).
Persides, Sir - KORT and one-time travelling companion of Tristram.
Priamus, Prince of Africa - met Gawaine during Arthur's European foray, and made KORT.
Queen's Knights, the - 10 good knights bearing white shields, chosen to accompany Queen Guenever.
Rience, King of North Wales - Arthur's enemy & beard collector. Brother of King Nero.
Sadok, sir - a knight of King Mark, but a good man. Saved Alisander & his mum.
Sanam, Earl - father of the damosel Lionors.
Scotland, King of - one of the six kings who beseiged young Arthur at Carlion, and one of the eleven Arthur defeated later at The Battle of Bedegraine, when still a young man himself. Decisively defeated at the Battle of Terrabil.
Soleise, King of - one of the five kings who ambushed Arthur near Humber.
Solomon - Son of King David & ancestor of Galahad. His evil yet helpful wife built the magic boat.
Tintagil, Duke of - King Uther's enemy, husband to Igraine & father of Morgan le Fay & her 2 sisters.
Tor (le Fise Aries), Sir - bastard eldest son of King Pellinore out of cowherd Aries' wife. Half brother to Aglovale, Lamorak, Dornar & Percivale. Pursued the brachet at Arthur & Guenever's wedding. KORT.
Tristram of Liones, Sir - son of King Meliodas of Liones in Cornwall, palladin, self-righteous thug & general Euro-hero. Long love affair with La Beale Isoud, but married Isoud la Blanche Mains. Enemy of his uncle King Mark of Cornwall and Palomides. KORT. Eventually killed by King Mark's treachery.
Ulfius, Sir - King Uther's crony, & one of Arthur's first supporters.
Uriens (Urience), King of the land of Gore - husband to Morgan le Fay, father of Uwaine le Blanchemain. One of the six kings who beseiged young Arthur at Carlion, and one of the eleven defeated by him later at The Battle of Bedegraine, then again, decisively, at the Battle of Terrabil.
Urre of the Mount, Sir - healed of 7 cursed festerings wounds by Launcelot & became his pet.
Uther Pendragon, King - Arthur's dad.
Uwaine le Blanchemain, Sir - son of King Uriens and Morgan le Fay. Adventured with Gawaine & Marhaus in Arroy; chose the eldest aspect of The Goddess. Father to Sir Ider. AKA Uwaine le Fise de Roy, Uwaine les Avoutres, Ureine or Ewaine. KORT. Mistakenly slain on the grail-quest by his cousin and friend Gawaine.
Vale, King of the - one of the five kings who ambushed Arthur near Humber.
Waste Lands, Queen of the - King Pellinore's wife's sister, and hence Percivale's aunt, and a recluse. Helped take Arthur's body to Avelion after the Battle of Salisbury.
White Knight, the - mysterious figure who appears frequently during the grail quest to help or hinder. Maimed Bagdemagus in the White Abbey, but told Galahad about the White Shield of Joseph of Aramathie.
Return to the shrine homepage