Owain son of Urien

Also known as: Owain / Owain the son of Urien · Family: Arthur's Court · Role: son of Urien · First appears: THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN 1

At Arthur’s court in Caerlleon, Owain was with his father Urien, Arthur, Kynon, and Kai, and he took part in their exchange of tales. In The Lady of the Fountain, he mortally wounded the Black Knight, but was then trapped beneath a castle portcullis, which killed his horse; Luned gave him a ring that concealed him and enabled his escape: “And as long as thou concealest it, it will conceal thee.” He fell in love with the Countess of the Fountain, while Luned was described as his most sincere friend and devoted lover, and he fought Gwalchmai, his cousin and rival, before returning to Arthur’s court.

Owain and the lion killed the giant, saved Luned from being burned by defeating her attackers, and vanquished the savage black man, who became keeper of an Hospice. He brought the Countess of the Fountain to Arthur’s court, where she became his wife, and escorted twenty-four rescued ladies there, some remaining and others departing. Thenceforward he was greatly loved as head of Arthur’s household and received the army of three hundred ravens left him by Kenverchyn. In Peredur’s story, he showed Peredur how the men’s equipment, horses, and arms were used, and later held fellowship with Gwalchmai, Peredur, Geneir Gwystyl, Urien, and Arthur’s household.

In The Dream of Rhonabwy, Selyv, Gwgawn Gleddyvrudd, and Gwres were among Owain’s fellow-chieftains and companions who grieved his loss. He ordered the banner raised where the fighting was thickest, restoring the ravens’ strength and sending them back into attack; after Arthur crushed the golden chessmen, Owain ordered Gwres to lower the banner, and the violence ended.