Gorvenal

Also known as: Squire Gorvenal · Family: Lyonesse · Role: master of Tristan · First appears: Chapter 1 · Part 1

When seven years had passed, Rohalt placed Tristan under Squire Gorvenal’s tutelage, and Gorvenal taught him the arts of barony. He was also Tristan’s father, remembered by him with grief, and at Lyonesse he left with Tristan for Cornwall, where Tristan would serve King Mark.

Gorvenal later sailed with Tristan to Ireland with a hundred young knights, and afterward lodged with him in a burgess’ house in Tintagel town. When Brangien found the house where Tristan lay, Gorvenal opened to her gladly, knowing the salvation she could bring; and when Tristan’s wound drove away his other friends, Gorvenal remained with him, alongside King Mark and Dinas of Lidan.

After fleeing the city lest King Mark burn him in his master’s place, Gorvenal found Tristan on the shore and helped him rescue Iseult from Ivan and the lepers. He told Tristan, “Son, here is your friend. Will you do naught?” before fleeing with Tristan and Iseult into the wood of Morois. There, Gorvenal ambushed and killed Guenelon, displayed his severed head outside the hut, and later fled with Tristan and Iseult toward Wales.