Sir Griflet

Also known as: Griflet / Griflet le Fise de Dieu / Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu · Family: Arthur's court · Role: knight · First appears: Book I, Chapter X

In Book I, Chapter X, Sir Griflet is identified as the son of Cardol. In Chapter XI, while still young, he fought Ladinas so fiercely that both fell from their horses and were thought dead; after Placidas unhorsed Sir Kay, Griflet attacked and unhorsed Placidas in turn. He then fought beside Lucas and Sir Kay, shared the tourney prize with them, and helped Sir Kay and King Arthur hold the opposing kings hard. During the fighting in Chapter XIV, Sir Kay restored him to horseback, while Griflet gave a fallen knight’s horse to Lucas after striking the knight down.

In Chapters XXI–XXII, Griflet, still a squire, asked King Arthur for knighthood, and “So at the desire of Griflet the king made him knight.” He promised to return after jousting at the fountain, but the knight there pierced his shield and side and threw horse and rider down; after being gravely wounded, he was healed through good leeches. In Book IV, Chapter III, Griflet lay near King Arthur, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Kay when five kings attacked by night; in the battle he killed the fourth king by breaking his neck.

Griflet later faced Sir Palamides among the knights defeated at a tournament, and remained among the knights of the Table Round who beat back the forces of the King of Northumberland. In Book X he was welcomed by Sir Dinadan, brought Sir Dagonet with him, and rode with Sir Brandiles, Sir Mordred, and Sir Uwaine; he also helped King Arthur speak privately with Sir Tristram. He rode with Sir Aglovale for four days, and later fought alongside Sir Sagramore, Sir Dodinas, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy, Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, and Sir Galleron before being unhorsed by Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine, then by Sir Gareth. At Carlisle, while Sir Launcelot rescued Dame Guenever, Griflet was among the armed knights slain.