Sir Ector

Also known as: Ector / Ector de Maris / Sir Ector de Maris · Family: Arthur's court · Role: lord · First appears: Book I, Chapter III

In Book I, Sir Ector swore to King Uther that he would raise the child entrusted through Merlin, and reared King Arthur as requested. At London, he made Sir Kay reveal that Arthur had brought him the sword, then recognized Arthur as the rightful king when he alone drew it; Ector knelt before him and later confirmed that Uther Pendragon was Arthur’s father and Igraine his mother. He rode with Sir Kay and fought beside Ulfius and Brastias, helping drive away the opposing kings.

In Book VI, Sir Turquine captured and imprisoned Ector among other knights, but Ector refused to promise lifelong submission. He sorrowed on finding Sir Lionel captive, then rode with Lionel and Kay in search of Sir Launcelot. Ector and Launcelot repeatedly met as friends, brothers, and opponents: Launcelot unhorsed him in combat and tournament, while Ector later joined the search for him, helped defend his cause, and accepted his counsel. Ector also jousted with Sir Perimones, Sir Tristram, Sir Dinadan, Sir Percivale, Sir Safere, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Gareth, and Sir Palomides, at times being unhorsed and at times striking his opponent down.

Through Books IX to XVIII, Ector rode with knights seeking Sir Tristram and promising rescue for Sir Launcelot, joined fellow knights in quests, and answered Queen Guenever when she feared a shield made by Morgan le Fay. After a long and wounding fight with Sir Percivale, he revealed that he was Launcelot’s brother; the Sangreal healed both men. He later reunited tearfully with Launcelot, persuaded him to return to King Arthur’s court, and helped tell of his brother’s madness. Ector comforted and rescued Sir Gawaine, buried Sir Uwaine with him, and fought beside Sir Bors, Sir Lionel, Sir Palomides, Sir Lavaine, and other knights for Launcelot.

In Book XX, Sir Launcelot crowned Ector King of Benwick and Guienne. After discovering Launcelot’s death in Book XXI, Ector went with Sir Bors, Sir Blamore, and Sir Bleoberis to the Holy Land, where the four died fighting the Turks for God’s sake.