Sir Palamides

Also known as: Palamides / Sir Palamides the Saracen · Role: knight · First appears: Book I, Chapter XIX

In Book I, after King Pellinore’s death, Sir Palamides followed the Questing Beast. By Book VII, he was named as a brother of Sir Safere and Sir Segwarides, and at Castle Perilous he joined Dame Lionesse and Sir Ironside’s party. On the Assumption Day, he and Sir Gawaine struck each other down, while he also fought Sir Bleoberis.

In Book VIII, King Anguish cherished Sir Palamides, who loved La Beale Isoud and offered her many gifts. At the tournament he defeated Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheris, Sir Agravaine, King Bagdemagus, Sir Kay, Sir Dodinas, Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and Sir Griflet, then struck down the King with the Hundred Knights and the King of Scots. Sir Tristram defeated him in the joust and in combat, compelling him to swear, “this twelvemonth and a day” without armor and to forsake La Beale Isoud.

Later, Sir Palamides rescued Dame Bragwaine from death and returned her to La Beale Isoud, who granted whatever boon he requested. He claimed Queen Isoud as that promised boon and took her away, defeating Sir Lambegus when he pursued them, but Queen Isoud shut Sir Adtherp’s castle gates against him. Sir Tristram then struck him from his horse and fought him for more than two hours until Queen Isoud intervened, ordering Sir Palamides to leave the country; he agreed, though “sore against my will.”