Dame Bragwaine

Also known as: Bragwaine / Lady Bragwaine / damosel Bragwaine · Family: Cornwall · Role: gentlewoman · First appears: Book VIII, Chapter XXIV

In Book VIII, Chapter XXIV, Dame Bragwaine went with La Beale Isoud as her “chief gentlewoman.” With Gouvernail, she received from Queen Isoud the drink intended for King Mark’s wedding day. In Chapter XXIX, while at the forest, she was bound to a tree for three days; Sir Palamides rescued her from death, brought her to a nunnery, and then returned her to La Beale Isoud. She was a close friend of Isoud, whom she loved best among earthly women because she had come with her from her own country, and she was also connected with Queen Isoud through a promise made for the love and joy of seeing her.

In Book IX, Dame Bragwaine carried La Beale Isoud’s piteous letters to Sir Tristram after his wedding. At Tintagil, she went with Isoud to see the man brought from the forest, and when the brachet revealed him, she told Isoud, “I see it is mine own lord, Sir Tristram.” Tristram then asked her to ride with him until the tournament at the Castle of Maidens was over, after which she was to bear letters and tidings; Isoud also sent her to ask after another woman’s welfare.

In Book IX, Chapter XXXV, Dame Bragwaine fled from Breuse Saunce Pité, who pursued her to kill her. Sir Launcelot told her, “Hold you nigh me,” and confronted Breuse, who fled when he recognized Launcelot’s shield.