Gouvernail

Family: Tristram's household · Role: governor and tutor · First appears: Book VIII, Chapter III

In Book VIII, Chapter III, King Meliodas appointed Gouvernail, a learned gentleman, to govern and tutor young Sir Tristram in France, where he was to learn language, nurture, and deeds of arms. By Chapter VI, Sir Tristram commanded his servant Gouvernail to bring his horse ashore and prepare his harness; when Sir Tristram vowed never to yield, he also charged Gouvernail to report his fate to King Mark. In Chapter XI, Gouvernail attended upon Sir Tramtrist with Hebes.

Through the later chapters of Book VIII, Gouvernail remained close to Sir Tristram. He bore Sir Tristram’s shield and spear when he rode to avenge an insult, told him that King Anguish had been summoned and appealed for murder, and received with Dame Bragwaine the drink intended for King Mark’s wedding to La Beale Isoud. After Sir Tristram found Lambegus nearly mortally wounded, he entrusted the knight to a forester; later, Gouvernail and Sir Tristram’s men pulled Sir Lambegus from the rocks with towels after his escape.

In Book IX, Chapter X, Gouvernail travelled in a small vessel with Sir Tristram, Kehydius, and Dame Bragwaine, serving as Sir Tristram’s squire. By Chapter XXXI, he rode into the forest with Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan, described as Sir Tristram’s man.