Duke de la Rowse

Also known as: the Duke de la Rowse · Role: duke · First appears: Book VII, Chapter XXXI

In Book VII, Chapter XXXI, the Duke de la Rowse was opposed to King Arthur and his court. That night, Sir Gareth was admitted to his castle as a conditional prisoner, promising to yield himself to the Duke if they met, while retaining the right to defend himself if threatened.

In Chapter XXXII, the Duke challenged Sir Gareth as the proud knight who had offered to fight his men, but Sir Gareth struck him from his horse and the Duke yielded. He then promised homage, fealty, and lifelong service to Sir Gareth, with a hundred knights. In Chapter XXXV, he served Sir Gareth wine at the feast; afterward, King Arthur made the Duke a Knight of the Round Table for life and granted him great lands.