Sir Turquine

Also known as: Turquine · Family: castle · Role: knight · First appears: Book VI, Chapter II

In Book VI, Chapter II, Sir Turquine captured Sir Ector, carrying him into his hall after striking him from his saddle. When Sir Ector refused to promise lifelong imprisonment, Sir Turquine had him beaten with thorns and placed in a deep dungeon with other captive knights: “Nay, said Sir Ector, that will I never promise thee, but that I will do mine advantage.”

By Chapter VII, Sir Turquine was transporting Sir Gaheris as a bound prisoner and was said to hold sixty-four knights of King Arthur’s court. He defied Sir Launcelot, who vowed to rescue Sir Gaheris and the prisoners. At the dolorous tower, Sir Turquine identified Sir Launcelot as the man who had slain his brother, King Carados, and the two agreed to fight until one died. After a prolonged combat in which both suffered grievous wounds, Sir Launcelot killed Sir Turquine by striking through his neck.

Later, in Book VII, Sir Turquine is placed among the knights accompanying Dame Lionesse and the Red Knight of the Red Launds, with Sir Ironside as a friend. He is also shown alongside King Carados, fighting Sir Lamorak when they struck down each other’s horses, and attacking Sir Launcelot with King Carados until Sir Gareth separated them.