Sir Safere

Also known as: Safere · Family: Saracen · Role: knight · First appears: Book VII, Chapter XXVI

At Castle Perilous in Book VII, Sir Safere stood with his brothers Sir Palamides and Sir Segwarides, accompanying Dame Lionesse and Sir Ironside’s party. He had rendered homage to King Arthur, yet joined the castle’s forces against Arthur’s knights; on Assumption Day he defeated Sir Agravaine in the tournament: “So Sir Safere smote down Agravaine, Sir Gawaine’s brother”.

In Book X, Sir Palomides named Safere as his brother and son of King Astlabor, while Safere revealed the same parentage after defeating Sir Helior le Preuse. The brothers reconciled after fighting, then helped Sir Epinogris and his lady reach his castle. There, Safere and Palomides were imprisoned for their lord’s death; within three days, the judgment found Palomides guilty and Safere innocent, so Safere was released while his brother remained condemned.

By Book XVIII, Safere was among the knights of the Table Round who beat back the forces of King of Northumberland, alongside Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramore, Sir Dodinas, Sir Kay, Sir Griflet, Sir Mordred, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy, Sir Epinogris, and Sir Galleron. He was later unhorsed by Sir Launcelot and struck down by Sir Gareth, but in Book XX he joined Palomides and other knights in supporting Launcelot. At Joyous Gard, Launcelot promised to share his lands among them, and afterward made Safere Duke of Landok.