# King Arthur — Bulfinch’s Mythology character guide > King Arthur in Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Arthur, the famous King Arthur, King Arthur Constans, Arthur Chosen King Arthur, V Arthur, brave King Arthur, Shalott King Arthur **First appearance:** 0002-bulfinch-s-mythology ## Snapshot The sovereign who forged a kingdom from a summoned host, only to find his dearest knight and his queen set against him. ## Who they are Arthur commands the loyalty of dukes, earls, and the knights of the Round Table, but his authority fractures when Launcelot fortifies himself in Joyeuse Garde with the queen's partisans. He lays siege with Gawain at his side, declaring himself Launcelot's mortal foe even as the knight refuses to strike back. His refusal to yield—and Launcelot's refusal to shame him—sets the tragedy of Camelot's unraveling in motion. ## Relationships ### [Sir Gawain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/sir_gawain) _family_ King Arthur and Sir Gawain are nephew and uncle, with Gawain being one of Arthur's most trusted and valiant knights. ### [Tristram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/tristram) _professional_ King Arthur is Tristram's liege lord and king, with Tristram serving as a Knight of the Round Table. ### [Queen Guenever](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/queen_guenever) _romantic_ King Arthur and Queen Guenever are husband and wife, though their marriage is strained by Guenever's love for Launcelot. ### [Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/merlin) _professional_ King Arthur and Merlin are king and advisor, with Merlin serving as Arthur's wise counselor and prophet. ### [Sir Kay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/sir_kay) _family_ King Arthur and Sir Kay are foster brothers, with Kay serving as Arthur's seneschal and often teasing him. ### [Sir Owain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/sir_owain) _professional_ King Arthur and Sir Owain are liege and knight, with Owain being a loyal member of the Round Table. ### [Astolpho](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/astolpho) _social_ Astolpho and King Arthur are acquaintances from different legendary cycles, occasionally crossing paths in adventure. ### [Sir Gawain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/sir_gawain) _family_ King Arthur and Sir Gawain are nephew and uncle, with Gawain being one of Arthur's most trusted and valiant knights. ### [Queen Guenever](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/queen_guenever) _romantic_ King Arthur and Queen Guenever are husband and wife, though their marriage is strained by Guenever's love for Launcelot. ### [Astolpho](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/astolpho) _social_ Astolpho and King Arthur are acquaintances from different legendary cycles, occasionally crossing paths in adventure. ### [Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/merlin) _professional_ King Arthur and Merlin are king and advisor, with Merlin serving as Arthur's wise counselor and prophet. ### [Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/merlin) _professional_ King Arthur and Merlin are king and advisor, with Merlin serving as Arthur's wise counselor and prophet. ## In the story ### [King Arthur and His Knights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/king-arthur-and-his-knights) The central figure of the chapter, the legendary king who established the Round Table and sought to unite Britain under chivalry. ### [Introduction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/i-introduction) Mentioned as one of the nine worthies and a central figure in medieval romances, with his history drawn from Malory's Morte d'Arthur. ### [The Training of a Knight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-training-of-a-knight) Presiding knight who might confer knighthood in such ceremonies. ### [Romances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/romances) Selected as one of the two primary heroes of romance; his exploits were exaggerated from a Welsh prince into a conqueror of Europe. ### [Metrical Romances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/metrical-romances) Listed as the first Christian worthy in the excerpt from Morte d'Arthur. ### [Leir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/leir) Not present in this chapter; placeholder as no canonical character matches Leir or his daughters. ### [Lud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/lud) Referenced indirectly through the lineage of British kings in the Chronicle; Lud is an ancestor in the legendary line. ### [Armorica](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/armorica) The era of King Arthur begins after the Roman withdrawal from Britain. ### [III: Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/iii-merlin) King during Merlin's later years; sends knights to search for Merlin; charged by Merlin to undertake the quest of the Sacred Graal. ### [IV: Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/iv-arthur) Central figure of the chapter; draws the sword from the stone, is crowned king, marries Guenevere, and leads battles against rebels and Saxons. ### [King Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/king-arthur) Arthur is the offspring of Uther Pendragon and Igerne, born after Uther's deception, and destined to succeed his father. ### [Arthur Chosen King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/arthur-chosen-king) Elected king at fifteen, proves his right by drawing the sword from the stone, and leads victories against rebels and Saxons. ### [Guenever](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/guenever) Visits Laodegan's court, fights in battle, rescues the king, and wins Guenever's hand. ### [Arthur (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/v-arthur-continued) Central figure; leads military campaigns, slays a giant, obtains a sword from the Lady of the Lake. ### [King Arthur Slays the Giant of St. Michael’s Mount](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/king-arthur-slays-the-giant-of-st-michael-s-mount) The noble conqueror who personally confronts and slays the giant, showing compassion for the victims and ordering a church to be built. ### [King Arthur Gets a Sword from the Lady of the Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/king-arthur-gets-a-sword-from-the-lady-of-the-lake) Rides forth, rescues Merlin, fights a knight, loses his sword, receives a new sword from the Lady of the Lake. ### [VI: Sir Gawain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/vi-sir-gawain) King of the Round Table. He is captured by the grim baron and must discover what women most desire; he learns the secret from the loathly lady and promises her a husband. ### [Sir Gawain's Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/sir-gawain-s-marriage) Rides to right a lady's wrong, is captured by the grim baron, and must discover what women most desire; he secures the answer from the loathly lady and is bound to find her a husband. ### [VII: Caradoc Briefbras; or, Caradoc with the Shrunken Arm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/vii-caradoc-briefbras-or-caradoc-with-the-shrunken-arm) Presides over the court where Caradoc is knighted and where the beheading challenge occurs; also appears in the ballad of the Boy and the Mantle. ### [Launcelot of the Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/viii-launcelot-of-the-lake) Sovereign of the Round Table; Launcelot serves him faithfully, and Arthur hears the accounts of Launcelot's deeds from the rescued knights. ### [The Adventure of the Cart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ix-the-adventure-of-the-cart) Not directly present, but his court and the Round Table are referenced. ### [X: The Lady of Shalott](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/x-the-lady-of-shalott) Proclaims the tournament at Winchester and later discovers the Lady of Shalott's body. ### [XI: Queen Guenever's Peril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xi-queen-guenever-s-peril) Compelled to accept Sir Mador's challenge; rejoices when Launcelot wins and grants him La Joyeuse Garde. ### [XII: Tristram and Isoude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xii-tristram-and-isoude) Holds court at Camelot where Tristram participates in jousts and champions the King of Ireland. ### [XIII: Tristram and Isoude (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xiii-tristram-and-isoude-continued) Rescued by Tristram from the enchantment of the Lady of the Lake; later participates in the tournament and is thrown by Tristram. ### [XIV: Sir Tristram’s Battle with Sir Launcelot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xiv-sir-tristram-s-battle-with-sir-launcelot) Welcomes Sir Tristram to court and makes him a Knight of the Round Table. ### [XV: The Round Table](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xv-the-round-table) Leads Tristram to the perilous seat and reconciles Mark and Tristram. ### [XVI: Sir Palamedes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xvi-sir-palamedes) Holds court at Camelot with Queen Guenever; rejoices at Palamedes's baptism. ### [Perceval](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xviii-perceval) The king at whose court Perceval arrives seeking knighthood, and who later welcomes him. ### [XIX: The Sangreal, or Holy Graal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xix-the-sangreal-or-holy-graal) Presides over the Round Table at Camelot; expresses sorrow that the quest will scatter his knights forever. ### [Sir Galahad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/sir-galahad) Welcomes Sir Galahad to court, organizes a tournament, and sorrowfully bids farewell to the knights departing on the Sangreal quest. ### [XXI: The Sangreal (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxi-the-sangreal-continued) Found at Camelot by Launcelot after many knights of the Round Table have been slain. ### [Sir Launcelot (Resumed)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/sir-launcelot-resumed) Found at Camelot upon Launcelot's return; the court is glad to see Launcelot. ### [Morte d'Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxiii-morte-d-arthur) Mortally wounded, commands Excalibur be thrown into the lake, is taken to Avalon by three queens. ### [The Britons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/i-the-britons) Referenced in a personal triad composed by him, listing three heroes in battle, and in a triad about the three honorable feasts of the island of Britain. ### [The Triads](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-triads) Composer of a personal triad listing his three heroes in battle. ### [The Lady of the Fountain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ii-the-lady-of-the-fountain) Holds court at Caerleon upon Usk; sleeps while his knights tell tales. ### [Kynon's Adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/kynon-s-adventure) Presides over his court at Caerleon upon Usk, sleeps while his knights tell tales. ### [III: The Lady of the Fountain (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/iii-the-lady-of-the-fountain-continued) Present at court, awakens from a nap and asks about mealtime. ### [The Lady of the Fountain (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/iv-the-lady-of-the-fountain-continued) Grieves over Owain's absence and leads the quest to find him, eventually witnessing the combats at the fountain. ### [Gawain's Adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/gawain-s-adventure) Arthur is grieving the loss of Owain and leads the expedition to find him, eventually reuniting with Owain. ### [The Adventure of the Lion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-adventure-of-the-lion) Mentioned as the ruler of Caerleon upon Usk and the court to which Owain returns with the Countess. ### [Geraint, the Son of Erbin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/v-geraint-the-son-of-erbin) King Arthur goes hunting early in the morning, leaving Guenever asleep; he is mentioned as Geraint's lord. ### [VI: Geraint, the Son of Erbin (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/vi-geraint-the-son-of-erbin-continued) Hunts the stag, grants mercy to Edeyrn, and reluctantly allows Geraint to leave for Cornwall. ### [Kilwich and Olwen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xi-kilwich-and-olwen) Cousin and lord to Kilwich; provides aid and chivalry to help him win Olwen. ### [XII: Kilwich and Olwen (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xii-kilwich-and-olwen-continued) Leads the quest, summons warriors, and directs the rescue of Mabon. ### [Hero Myths of the British Isles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/hero-myths-of-the-british-isles) Central figure of British heroic myths, leader of the Knights of the Round Table. ### [Robin Hood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/robin-hood) Mentioned indirectly as part of the broader legendary context, but not directly appearing in this chapter. ### [Death of Rinaldo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/death-of-rinaldo) Referenced as King Charles (Charlemagne) who grants peace to Rinaldo and his brothers after their mother's intercession. ### [Ogier, the Dane (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ogier-the-dane-continued) Mentioned as living with Ogier in Avalon, awaiting a future return. ### [E](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/e) Owner of the sword Excalibur, mentioned in the final entry. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as son of Uther and Igerne. ### [K](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/k) Advised by Kadyriath. ### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/l) Helped by Merlin; subdued King Lot. ### [R](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/r) Associated with the Round Table and his lances Rhongomyant and Ron. ### [U](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/u) Mentioned as the son of Uther Pendragon, king of Britain. ### [Y](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/y) Uncle of Yserone, who is the mother of Caradoc. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/endnotes) Referenced in endnotes regarding his rescue by the Faery queen and the legend of Avalon. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/king_arthur - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters