# Sir Gawain — Idylls of the King character guide

> Sir Gawain in Idylls of the King by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Gawain, O Gawain

**First appearance:** 0003-gareth-and-lynette

## Who they are

A proud knight of the Round Table whose fierce loyalty to Arthur's fellowship makes him both its brightest ornament and its most vulnerable target.

## In the story

### [The Holy Grail](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/idylls_of_the_king_se/chapters/the-holy-grail)

Swears the vow but admits the quest was not for him; found a pavilion with maidens instead.

### [Pelleas and Ettarre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/idylls_of_the_king_se/chapters/pelleas-and-ettarre)

Offers to help Pelleas win Ettarre but betrays him by seducing her.

### [The Passing of Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/idylls_of_the_king_se/chapters/the-passing-of-arthur)

Appears as a ghost to Arthur in a dream, warning him of his impending death and the hollow nature of worldly delight.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/idylls_of_the_king_se/characters/gawain
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/idylls_of_the_king_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/idylls_of_the_king_se/characters