Alisander

Also known as: Alisander le Orphelin / Orphelin / Sir Alisander / Sir Alisander le Orphelin · Family: Cornwall · Role: young son of Boudwin and Anglides · First appears: Book X, Chapter XXXII

Alisander, the young son of Prince Boudwin and Anglides, was threatened by King Mark after his father’s murder. Warned by La Beale Isoud, Anglides fled with him, and Sir Sadok allowed them to escape after she promised that Alisander would one day avenge Boudwin’s death; Sadok then deceived King Mark by claiming that the child had drowned. At Arundel, Alisander grew big and strong, and when he was made a knight, Anglides revealed the truth of his father’s death. He vowed, “here I promise you I shall be avenged upon King Mark when that I may,” then defeated the twenty knights made alongside him.

Through the counsel of his cousin Sir Tristram, Alisander rode toward Sir Launcelot and proved himself in tournaments and combats. He defeated King Carados, Sir Safere, twenty knights, and Malgrin, whom he beheaded, before sixteen wounds left him unable to stand. Morgan le Fay treated him, and he promised not to leave her castle for a year and a day; after refusing a marriage proposal from the damosel, he later accepted her love and aid. When Earl of Pase burned the castle, Alisander escaped and defeated Sagramore le Desirous, Harsouse le Berbuse, Sir Hewgon, Vains, Harvis de les Marches, and Perin de la Montaine, while Sir Mordred fled after trying to lead him away in disgrace. During the year that followed, no knight overcame him.

At its end, Alisander departed with Alice la Beale Pilgrim for Benoye, where they lived in great joy. King Mark later slew both Alisander and Sir Tristram treacherously, and their son, Sir Bellangere le Beuse, avenged his father’s death.