Kaherdin

Family: Brittany · Role: knight and son of Duke Hod · First appears: Chapter 13 · Part 1

Kaherdin was the son of Duke Hod, a very good and bold knight of Brittany. In Chapter 13, when Tristan came to Carhaix to offer his arms to Duke Hod, Kaherdin joined him in raiding Count Riol’s forces, capturing supplies and returning with booty. The two became brothers in arms, keeping faith and tenderness; Kaherdin also praised his sister Iseult of the White Hands to Tristan for her simplicity and beauty, and she addressed him as her good brother.

After Tristan secretly left Carhaix without telling even Kaherdin, he later asked his brother in arms to summon Iseult the Fair, revealing his love and sorrow. Kaherdin accepted the task despite its danger: “Fair comrade, do not weep; I will do what you desire, even if it were risk of death I would do it for you.” He sailed from Brittany with Tristan’s message and ring, received King Mark’s peace and safeguard to trade in his land, and brought Iseult the Fair word that Tristan was wounded and near death.

Iseult the Fair agreed to follow him, but after five days a storm delayed the voyage and carried away the boat, preventing the ship from landing.