Sir Priamus

Also known as: Priamus · Family: Saracen · Role: prince and knight · First appears: Book V, Chapter X

Sir Priamus is a Saracen prince and knight. In Book V, Chapter X, he and Sir Gawaine wounded each other in fierce combat, then agreed that Priamus would be christened and believe in God if Sir Gawaine helped him. Priamus declared descent from Alexander, Hector, Duke Joshua, and Maccabaeus, claiming inheritance of Alexandria, Africa, and the surrounding islands; he then used balm and the waters of Paradise to heal both their wounds. Together, he and Sir Gawaine prepared to face the approaching Saracens while Sir Florence guarded the field.

In Book V, Chapter XI, Priamus slew the Marquis of Moises land as the Round Table forces won the battlefield. In Chapter XII, King Arthur had him christened, called him Priamus, and made him a duke and knight of the Table Round. King Arthur then granted him the duchy of Lorraine, and Priamus promised, “he would serve him the days of his life.”

In Book XIX, Chapter XI, Priamus is named as the brother of Sir Edward of Carnarvon and Sir Dinas, and as having been christened by Sir Tristram. In Book XX, Chapter VIII, he was among the armed knights slain by Sir Launcelot at Carlisle.