Sir Kehydius

Also known as: Kehydius · Family: Brittany · Role: son of King Howel · First appears: Book VIII, Chapter XXXVI

In Book VIII, Chapter XXXVI, Sir Kehydius, son of King Howel and brother of Isoud la Blanche Mains, was severely wounded while sortieing from the town, so King Howel sought Sir Tristram’s help because “my son, Sir Kehydius, may not go into the field.” After the wreck of their barget at the Isle of Servage, where Isoud la Blanche Mains was injured, Sir Kehydius sailed with Sir Tristram’s wife to Brittany, where King Howel welcomed him. At Sir Nabon’s summons, he was brought to the joust with Sir Lamorak, Sir Tristram, and Sir Segwarides.

In Book IX, Chapter X, Sir Kehydius lost a joust in North Wales and was badly wounded above the chest. Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak carried him on a shield to a forester’s lodge and stayed with him for three days. Later, after meeting La Beale Isoud, he fell so deeply in love that “for very pure love he might never withdraw it”; he secretly sent her letters and ballads, and she answered with pity and comfort.

At that same time, Sir Tristram accused Sir Kehydius of falsehood and treason and drew his sword against him. Sir Kehydius escaped by leaping from a bay-window over King Mark’s head, then concealed the cause by saying he had fallen while asleep. La Beale Isoud later commanded him to leave Cornwall, and he departed sorrowfully, meeting Sir Palomides on the way and becoming his fellow. After King Mark excused him, they were friends. In Book X, Chapter LXXXVI, Sir Kehydius is remembered as having died for the love of La Beale Isoud.