Le Morte d’Arthur · Character

King Ban

King of Benwick and father of Launcelot.

minor

Also known as Ban, King Ban of Benwick

First appearance: How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.

King Ban shows up with force in King Arthur Seeks Alliance with Kings Ban and Bors. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Receives Arthur's messengers and agrees to aid Arthur against his enemies.

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In King Arthur Seeks Alliance with Kings Ban and Bors: Receives Arthur's messengers and agrees to aid Arthur against his enemies. Later, in Of a dream of the King with the Hundred Knights: Councils Arthur to burn and…

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See King Ban in How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.

Character Web

35 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central tragic figures
Knights of conflict and loyalty
Royal and advisory figures

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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

King Ban appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

King Arthur Seeks Alliance with Kings Ban and Bors
Receives Arthur's messengers and agrees to aid Arthur against his enemies.
Of a dream of the King with the Hundred Knights
Councils Arthur to burn and destroy the countryside ahead of the northern host.
XV
King Ban makes ready with his shield and harness, showing great courage.
The Battle Against the Eleven Kings
Allied with Arthur, fights with great prowess, slays many knights, and receives a horse from Arthur after his own is killed.
XVII
Fights alongside Arthur and Bors; receives goods from the battle to reward his knights.
How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents
Joins Arthur and King Bors in rescuing King Leodegrance, then returns to his own country to resist King Claudas.
How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.
King of Benwick, at war with King Claudas, father of Launcelot.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together
Mentioned as Launcelot's father.
IV
Mentioned as Launcelot's father, the last of the seven kings.

Chapter companion notes

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See King Ban in How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.

See King Ban in King Arthur Seeks Alliance with Kings Ban and Bors