Gwalchmai

Also known as: the son of Gwyar · Family: Arthur's Court · Role: knight · First appears: THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN 4

Gwalchmai, the son of Gwyar, is a knight of Arthur’s household. In The Lady of the Fountain, he fights Owain son of Urien as a rival, though they are cousins, and is deeply grieved when he sees Arthur in distress. In Peredur the Son of Evrawc, he travels with Geneir Gwystyl and Owain son of Urien, encounters Peredur, and later accepts his fellowship: “I am right glad to meet with thee, said Peredur, for in every country where I have been, I have heard of thy fame for prowess and uprightness, and I solicit thy fellowship.”

During the same tale, Kai speaks angrily and spitefully in his presence, while Arthur addresses him and later receives his fealty. Gwalchmai is accused of killing the earl’s father and is granted a year to answer the charge, promising, “I will come back unto this palace, and do one of two things, either acknowledge it, or deny it.” He and Peredur then take counsel and send to Arthur and his household, asking them to come against the sorceresses.

Gwalchmai is also identified as Arthur’s nephew and cousin. In Geraint the Son of Erbin, he stands surety with others for Edeyrn the son of Nudd, travels with Geraint the son of Erbin, clashes with him in combat, welcomes Enid, and gives Kai a horse and armour.