Sir Palomides

Also known as: Palomides · Family: Arthurian · Role: knight · First appears: Book IX, Chapter III

In Book IX, Sir Palomides unhorsed La Cote Male Taile and soon after struck down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear before pursuing the Questing Beast. Sir Tristram challenged him to prove which was the better knight, and their rivalry continued through jousts and combat: Palomides defeated Sir Persides and caught Sir Tristram at an advantage, while Sir Tristram later overcame him repeatedly. Palomides also joined Sir Kehydius, with whom he shared love for La Beale Isoud, and challenged King Mark over the harm he believed had come to Sir Tristram, though King Mark’s explanation restored their friendship.

After supporting King Arthur, Palomides was bound and endangered through the treachery he attributed to Sir Bors and Sir Ector. He broke free, threw his sword into a fountain, and was restrained by Sir Tristram, whose kindness brought him to Sir Tristram’s lodging. Their conflict resumed: Palomides suffered several defeats, including at the hands of Sir Launcelot, yet he remained tied to the company of Sir Gaheris, Sir Sagramore, and Sir Dinadan. He was later imprisoned with Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan by Sir Darras, and after their release he rode with them.

In Book X, Palomides repeatedly pursued the Questing Beast, fought Breuse Saunce Pité, and formed a lasting friendship with Sir Lamorak after kneeling for mercy when their battle proved unknightly. He avenged King Hermance by defeating Helake and Helius, refused the lands offered by the people of the Red City, and continued to serve King Arthur. His love for La Beale Isoud brought him into renewed conflict with Sir Tristram; after turning against Sir Tristram’s party and disguising himself to attack him, Palomides lost both Sir Tristram’s fellowship and Isoud’s love. He nevertheless rescued Sir Epinogris’s lady, reconciled with his brother Sir Safere, and was freed from execution by Sir Launcelot.

At the end of Book X, Palomides told Sir Tristram that he had loved La Beale Isoud for many days, and Sir Tristram challenged him to meet at the well. In Book XII, when Sir Tristram attacked him while unarmed, Palomides refused to fight him for shame; after Sir Tristram defeated and spared him, Palomides asked forgiveness and was baptised, with Sir Tristram and Sir Galleron as his godfathers. In the later books he fought Galahad, Sir Lavaine, Sir Gareth, and Sir Launcelot, then joined Sir Launcelot’s following with Sir Safere and others; Sir Launcelot finally made him Duke of the Provence.