Idylls of the King · Character
Balin
A knight of violent temper who takes the Queen's crown upon his shield as a vow toward gentleness, and finds the vow harder than any battle.
supporting
Also known as Sir Balin
First appearance: Balin and Balan
As a supporting figure in Idylls of the King, Balin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
A violent knight exiled for striking a thrall; returns to court, receives the crown shield, but is driven mad by Vivien's lies and kills his brother Balan.
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Balin comes to Camelot with a reputation for sudden wrath, and when Arthur asks what cognizance he will bear, he asks for Guinevere's own crown-royal, calling it not a shadow but a golden earnest of a gentler life. He…
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The fuller portrait of Balin sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Balin in Balin and BalanCharacter Web
13 connectionsA slice of how Balin sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Redemption and Conflict
- Protagonist
- Supporting and Minor Figures
- Love and Tragedy
+8 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Guinevere’s flight to Almesbury crystallizes…
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Balin appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Balin unlock in the free preview.
See Balin in Balin and Balan