Lamorak

The Slaying of Sir Lamorak

In the Arthurian legends, King Arthur was said to have many knights. Some of these are exceptionally famous, such as Lancelot, Percival, and Gawain. But Arthur also had plenty of lesser-known knights. Let’s take a look at the available information about one of these somewhat more obscure knights: Sir Lamorak. Family Lamorak was the son … Read more

Lot of Lothian

Lot of Lothian

Some characters in the Arthurian legends can be identified as probably-historical people from some of the oldest available records. The reasonably well-known character Lot of Lothian is one such individual. He appears as one of Arthur’s knights in the romance tales, but unlike many characters from those tales, Lot was not the product of a … Read more

Mordred

Mordred from Merlin Show

King Arthur’s greatest enemy was not a Saxon leader. After all, Arthur defeated the Saxons. Rather, his greatest enemy was the person who actually caused the downfall of his kingdom – Mordred. Let’s find out who this Mordred was, what he did, and what we can say about him historically. Earliest Appearance Mordred appears in one of the very … Read more

Owain

owain

There are several characters from the Arthurian legends who can be identified as real individuals of the fifth and sixth centuries. Owain is one of these individuals. He appears in the legends as one of Arthur’s allies, generally known as ‘Sir Ywain’ in the later romances. Let us now take a look at what we know about … Read more

Urien

Urien in battle

Some of the characters from the Arthurian legends can be identified as definitely historical figures. One of Arthur’s most famous knights, Sir Uriens of Gorre, is one of them. Let us take a look at some of the historical facts about this character, as well as the way he is presented in the legends. The … Read more

Brutus of Britain

Brutus of Britain

Most nations have a legendary founding figure, and Britain is no different. According to the earliest legendary account of the origins of the island, the man who led his nation to ancient Britain and founded the first kingdoms there was named Brutus. Family Let’s first take a look at the legendary family of this man. … Read more

Vortigern

Vortigern, called “Gurthigern” by monk Gildas, was a 5th century ruler known for inviting the Saxons to Britain in order to stop the Picts and Scots from their incursions and allowing them to control the land. Vortigern is not a name per se; it means “Supreme Lord”. His actual name is unknown as are many … Read more

Morgause

Morgause (also known as Mogawse) is a lesser known character in Arthurian lore, but one of particular importance in many versions. The Literary History of Morgause In the 11th century, Morgause was known only as Orcades which is linked to the Latin name for the Orkney Islands. This is where Gawain, one of Mogause’s sons, … Read more

Igraine/Ygraine

Igraine is the mother of Arthur, formerly Duchess of Tintagel and later the Queen of England. According to the Welsh tradition, her name was Eigyr or Eigr. She’s the daughter of a prince. She also has a son named Gormant and seven brothers and two sisters. In the English tradition she had three husbands before … Read more