Arthur

Also known as: Arthur the Emperor / Emperor Arthur / King Arthur / the Emperor · Family: Arthur's Court · Role: king · First appears: THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN 1

As King Arthur, Arthur held court at Caerlleon upon Usk with Gwenhwyvar, his wife, and companions including Owain son of Urien, Kynon, and Kai, while Glewlwyd Gavaelvawr received guests. In The Lady of the Fountain, Owain son of Urien embraced him, later brought the Countess of the Fountain and rescued ladies to Arthur’s Court, where some remained and others departed. In Peredur, Arthur had Kai treated by physicians after his injuries and welcomed Peredur to his court, telling him, “With me thou shalt remain; and had I known thy valour had been such, thou shouldst not have left me as thou didst.” He also received homage from the grey man and his company, and Peredur used Arthur’s horse and arms to defeat a knight who had challenged him.

In The Dream of Rhonabwy, Arthur was Medrawd’s foster-father and uncle, sending messengers including Iddawc to seek peace before Camlan. He sat with Bedwini the Bishop and Gwarthegyd, consulted Caradawc Vreichvras, his chief counsellor and cousin, and assembled many counsellors when a truce was requested. When violence broke out, Arthur crushed the golden chessmen until they became dust, and Owain son of Urien lowered Gwres’s banner so that peace returned. Arthur was also the father of Llacheu, and his court included relatives, counsellors, servants, attendants, guards, huntsmen, and knights.

In Geraint the Son of Erbin, Arthur ordered the hunt for the extraordinary white stag and permitted Gwenhwyvar to attend. He regarded Geraint the son of Erbin as both cousin and lord, but advised him to return to his own dominions and defend their boundaries; after Geraint the son of Erbin recovered, Arthur allowed him to depart. Arthur gave Enid to Geraint the son of Erbin, and between her and the people of the court there was love and friendship. His household also included his son Amhar, as well as foresters, huntsmen, pages, guards, and stewards such as Madawc, Arryfuerys, Arelivri, and Odyar.