Kai

Family: Arthur's Court · Role: son of Kyner · First appears: THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN 1

Kai, son of Kyner, serves in Arthur’s court. In The Lady of the Fountain, he is present with Arthur, Owain, and Kynon, and answers Kynon’s request by saying, “Now said Kai, it is time for you to give me my story.” Gwenhwyvar rebukes him for speaking uncourteously to Owain.

In Peredur the Son of Evrawc, Kai challenges Peredur and directs him toward the knight who has departed, but Peredur defeats him, breaking his arm and shoulder blade. Arthur, who loves Kai greatly, has skilled physicians treat him in his tent; later Kai wounds the silent Peredur through the thigh with his lance. Kai also speaks angrily and spitefully to Gwalchmai. In Geraint the Son of Erbin, he rides with Geraint’s company, attacks Geraint, and is struck down, while Gwalchmai offers him a horse and armour.

In Kilhwch and Olwen, Gwyddawg slays Kai, and Arthur kills Gwyddawg and his brothers in revenge. At Gwrnach’s castle, Kai claims that “my craft bring I with me,” gains entry as a sword burnisher, and cuts off Gwrnach’s head. He breaks into the dungeon and carries Mabon away, then joins Bedwyr in plucking Dillus Varvawc’s beard and killing him. At Gelli Wic, Kai becomes estranged from Arthur after Arthur’s verse offends him.