Le Morte d’Arthur · Character

Balan

Brother of Balin, who unknowingly kills him in combat.

minor

Also known as anon Balan

First appearance: i

Balan shows up with force in How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Prophesied by Merlin to be the other knight who will slay the eleven kings alongside his brother Balin.

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In How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents: Prophesied by Merlin to be the other knight who will slay the eleven kings alongside his brother Balin. Later, in Book II:…

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See Balan in i

Character Web

20 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Supporting and legendary figures
Knights of conflict and loyalty
Central tragic figures

+15 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Sir Launcel…

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In the story

Balan appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents
Prophesied by Merlin to be the other knight who will slay the eleven kings alongside his brother Balin.
Book II
Brother of Balin, meets a tragic end alongside Balin.
How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor, slew herself for love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.
Balan meets Balin unexpectedly, expresses joy at his brother's deliverance, and agrees to join him against King Rience.
VII
Present with Balin when the dwarf and King Mark arrive.
VIII
Identifies Balin as the Knight with the Two Swords and departs with him.
How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took King Rience and brought him to King Arthur
Balan, Balin's brother, assists in the capture of King Rience and is praised as a good knight of great prowess.
How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to death.
Balan, the younger brother, mistakes Balin for another knight due to his shield and mortally wounds him before recognizing him.
Book IV
Engages in a tragic duel with his brother Balin, resulting in both their deaths.

Chapter companion notes

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See Balan in i

See Balan in How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents