Sir Dinadan

Also known as: Dinadan · Family: King Arthur's court · Role: knight · First appears: Book VII, Chapter II

Sir Dinadan is a knight of King Arthur’s court. In Book VII, he is named as the brother of Sir Brewnor and La Cote Male Taile; when Sir Gareth faced him and other knights, he was among those Sir Gareth bore down with one spear. In Book IX, Sir Tristram defeated him in a joust, but welcomed him into his fellowship, and together they fought at a castle before Sir Palomides again struck him down. Sir Dinadan then left Sir Tristram’s fellowship, though they later rode together, fought beside Sir Palomides, and were imprisoned by Sir Darras until their release.

He continued through Book IX and Book X in repeated combats and fellowships. Sir Lucan wounded him through the thigh, while he wounded Breuse Saunce Pité and rescued a captive lady; he defeated Sir Berluse and saved King Mark from being slain, though he mocked King Mark and refused to rejoin his fellowship. He rode with Sir Lamorak and Sir Palomides, was welcomed at Sir Tor’s and Sir Galahalt’s castles, and declared his love and service for Sir Tristram. At King Arthur’s court, Sir Uwaine, Sir Brandiles, Ozana le Cure Hardy, Uwaine les Aventurous, Sir Agravaine, and Sir Mordred welcomed him.

Sir Dinadan is described as “a scoffer and a japer, and the merriest knight among fellowship that was that time living,” and he composed a mocking lay about King Mark, teaching it to Eliot, whose harpers carried it through Wales and Cornwall. He fought Sir Galahalt, Sir Gerin, Sir Launcelot, Epinegris, King Arthur, Berrant le Apres, and Sir Palomides, suffering several falls while also striking down other knights. Sir Mordred and Sir Agravaine later slew him treacherously during the quest of the Sangreal; the account calls him “a great bourder and a passing good knight.”