# Perion de la Forêt — Domnei character guide > Perion de la Forêt in Domnei by James Branch Cabell. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Perion, Sire Perion, Messire de la Forêt, Messire, young Perion, writhing Perion, desirèd Perion **First appearance:** 0008-part-i-perion ## Who they are A young knight of Poictesme whose raids against the Emperor have made him notorious, and whose adoration of Melicent drives him toward impossible feats. ## Relationships ### [Melicent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/melicent) _romantic_ Melicent and Perion are passionate lovers, bound by deep romantic devotion and longing across trials. ### [Demetrios](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/demetrios) _rivalry_ Demetrios is Perion's fierce rival, often clashing over honor, power, and Melicent's affections. ### [Ambrogio Bracciolini](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/ambrogio_bracciolini) _friendship_ Ambrogio is a loyal friend and companion to Perion, offering wit and support in his adventures. ### [Orestes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/orestes) _friendship_ Orestes is a steadfast ally and fellow warrior to Perion, sharing bonds of brotherhood in arms. ### [Ahasuerus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/ahasuerus) _rivalry_ Ahasuerus is a mysterious and antagonistic figure who opposes Perion, driven by ancient grudges. ### [Callistion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/callistion) _friendship_ Callistion is a trusted confidante and helper to Perion, often aiding him with counsel and care. ### [Ayrart de Montors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/ayrart_de_montors) _professional_ Ayrart de Montors is a fellow knight and colleague of Perion, sharing martial duties and courtly obligations. ### [King Helmas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/king_helmas) _professional_ King Helmas is a sovereign who employs Perion as a knight, with a formal hierarchical relationship. ### [Comte de la Forêt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/comte_de_la_foret) _family_ Comte de la Forêt is Perion's father, a familial bond marked by duty and lineage. ### [Cardinal de Montors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/cardinal_de_montors) _professional_ Cardinal de Montors is a high-ranking church official who interacts with Perion in matters of faith and politics. ### [Melicent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/melicent) _romantic_ Melicent and Perion are passionate lovers, bound by deep romantic devotion and longing across trials. ### [Melicent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/melicent) _romantic_ Melicent and Perion are passionate lovers, bound by deep romantic devotion and longing across trials. ## In the story ### [A Preface](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/a-preface) The ideal knight whose image Melicent cherishes; his philosophy and love are central to the preface's argument. ### [Critical Comment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/critical-comment) Mentioned as the stubbornly desiring protagonist of Nicolas's Tale of Melicent. ### [Domnei](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/domnei) Central figure in the exploration of domnei and chivalric devotion. ### [Part I: Perion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/part-i-perion) The protagonist, tormented by his love for Melicent and willing to risk his life. ### [How Perion Was Unmasked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/i-how-perion-was-unmasked) Confesses his true identity as an outlaw and impostor to Melicent, revealing he stole the Vicomte de Puysange's identity to evade capture. ### [How the Vicomte Was Very Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/ii-how-the-vicomte-was-very-gay) Disguised as the Vicomte de Puysange, he laughs and mingles at the feast, inwardly gloating over the hunt for himself and despairing of Melicent's hatred. ### [III: How Melicent Wooed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/iii-how-melicent-wooed) Tormented by his past sins and unworthiness, he refuses Melicent's love and writes a letter proclaiming his innocence. ### [IV: How the Bishop Aided Perion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/iv-how-the-bishop-aided-perion) Guided by the bishop to escape, he is driven to challenge de Montors after hearing slander against Melicent, then stunned to discover the bishop is Melicent in disguise. ### [How Melicent Wedded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/v-how-melicent-wedded) Pledges his love to Melicent and accepts her wedding vow, then departs alone. ### [How Melicent Sought Oversea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/vi-how-melicent-sought-oversea) Captured by Demetrios and enslaved; seen by Melicent carrying logs in chains at Nacumera. ### [VII: How Perion Was Freed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/vii-how-perion-was-freed) Perion is freed from chains and set ashore near Megaris, where he receives emeralds and a taunting message from Demetrios, vowing to return for Melicent. ### [IX: How Time Sped in Heathenry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/ix-how-time-sped-in-heathenry) Perion is reported to have come with a Cypriot fleet to rescue Melicent, but the fleet is repulsed at sea. Melicent speaks proudly of his valor and swordsmanship. ### [Part III: Demetrios](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/part-iii-demetrios) Perion is portrayed as eager and lion-hearted in his pursuit of Melicent, unhorsed by his rival. ### [How Time Sped with Perion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xi-how-time-sped-with-perion) Ransomed from heathenry, ennobled as Comte de la Forêt, continues his duel with Demetrios, joins Theodoret's crusade, and kills a lord who insults Melicent. ### [XII: How Demetrios Was Taken](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xii-how-demetrios-was-taken) Captures Demetrios in single combat, sets Melicent as ransom, and swears an oath to protect Demetrios from Theodoret. ### [XIII: How They Praised Melicent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xiii-how-they-praised-melicent) Praises Melicent as a heavenly masterwork, finding joy in rendering love and service to her; speaks of her beauty in idealistic terms and vows to set new armies afield tomorrow. ### [XIV: How Perion Braved Theodoret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xiv-how-perion-braved-theodoret) Braves King Theodoret, demanding Demetrios's life to ransom Melicent, choosing hell fire over riches and honor. ### [How Perion Fought](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xv-how-perion-fought) Strikes Demetrios to test his resolve, then fights alone against Duke Sigurd's men, is wounded and captured. ### [XVI: How Demetrios Meditated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xvi-how-demetrios-meditated) Perion is the object of Demetrios's hatred and jealousy; Demetrios believes Perion has been killed or captured. ### [How a Minstrel Came](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xvii-how-a-minstrel-came) Imprisoned in the Castle of San' Alessandro and condemned to be torn apart by horses; Demetrios comes to rescue him. ### [XVIII: How They Cried Quits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xviii-how-they-cried-quits) Released by Demetrios; reluctantly allies with him to protect Melicent, sacrificing his beloved ring. ### [How Flamberge Was Lost](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xix-how-flamberge-was-lost) Accepts Flamberge from Demetrios but later casts it into the sea, choosing to rely on God rather than magic. ### [How Perion Got Aid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xx-how-perion-got-aid) Wanders in the Forest of Columbiers, meets Mélusine, and accepts her aid. ### [How Demetrios Held His Chattel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxi-how-demetrios-held-his-chattel) Perion is discussed by Demetrios, who admires his courage and skill, and Melicent's affection for him is evident. ### [XXII: How Misery Held Nacumera](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxii-how-misery-held-nacumera) Perion is mentioned as having married Mélusine and fathered two children, Bertram and Blaniferte, and now enjoys the opulence of Brunbelois. ### [XXIII: How Demetrios Cried Farewell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxiii-how-demetrios-cried-farewell) Revealed to have been the Frankish captain who fatally wounded Demetrios, and to have remained faithful to Melicent throughout. ### [How Orestes Ruled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxiv-how-orestes-ruled) Mentioned as near to Melicent in spirit, single of purpose and filled with love. ### [XXV: How Women Talked Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxv-how-women-talked-together) Mentioned by Melicent as her beloved, described as eagle-like and resolute. ### [How Men Ordered Matters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxvi-how-men-ordered-matters) Besieging Nacumera with his Free Companions; Orestes plans to trap and kill him. ### [XXVIII: How Perion Saw Melicent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxviii-how-perion-saw-melicent) Kneels in the grass, sees Melicent, and sings a waking-song to her, risking death. ### [XXIX: How a Bargain Was Cried](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxix-how-a-bargain-was-cried) Mentioned as a lord peerless in battle, but trapped by love; Ahasuerus plans to have him outflanked. ### [How Melicent Conquered](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxx-how-melicent-conquered) Perion defeats Orestes in the Court of Stars, then meets Melicent and experiences a transformative realization about love and change. ### [The Afterword](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/the-afterword) One of the two lovers whose story is concluded in the fragmentary chronicle. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/ii) Lover of Melicent, with earlier relations to Mélusina mentioned but not detailed. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/iii) Melicent figures toward Perion as an intermediary in the service of domnei. ### [Bibliography](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/bibliography) Referenced in titles such as 'Perion und Melicent' and 'Los Negociantes do Don Perion'. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/perion_de_la_foret - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters