Le Morte d’Arthur · Character

King Pelles

The Fisher King who keeps the Holy Grail in hidden keeping and schemes to bring forth Galahad, the perfect knight who alone may achieve it.

supporting

Also known as Pelles, King Pelles fleshly

First appearance: How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp a dolorous lady from her pain, and how that he fought with a dragon.

As a supporting figure in Le Morte d’Arthur, King Pelles is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Father of Elaine, facilitates the enchantment of Launcelot.

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King Pelles rules a mysterious country where the Sangreal is preserved, and he is the father of the maiden Elaine. He arranges for Launcelot to lie with Elaine by enchantment so that Galahad may be born, knowing the…

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See King Pelles in How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp a dolorous lady from her pain, and how that he fought with a dragon.

Character Web

5 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Supporting and legendary figures
Central tragic figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

King Pelles appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book XI
Father of Elaine, facilitates the enchantment of Launcelot.
How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp a dolorous lady from her pain, and how that he fought with a dragon.
The good and noble knight who greets Sir Launcelot after the dragon is slain.
How Sir Launcelot came to Pelles, and of the Sangreal, and of Elaine, King Pelles’ daughter
Hosts Launcelot, reveals the Sangreal, and conspires with Dame Brisen to have Launcelot lie with his daughter Elaine.
How Sir Launcelot was displeased when he knew that he had lain by Dame Elaine, and how she was delivered of Galahad
Father of Dame Elaine; his prophecy leads to the conception of Galahad.
How Sir Bors came to Dame Elaine and saw Galahad, and how he was fed with the Sangreal
King of Corbin, welcomes Sir Bors, warns him of the dangers of the castle, and advises him to be confessed before staying.
How Sir Bors Departed; and How Sir Launcelot Was Rebuked of Queen Guenever, and of His Excuse
Makes great joy of Sir Bors at Corbin before Bors departs.
How Sir Launcelot was known by Dame Elaine, and was borne into a chamber and after healed by the Sangreal
Father of Dame Elaine; arranges for Launcelot to be brought to the Sangreal chamber
How Sir Launcelot, after that he was whole and had his mind, he was ashamed, and how that Elaine desired a castle for him.
Grants Launcelot the Castle of Bliant and provides ladies and knights for his daughter and Launcelot.
How Sir Launcelot Came into the Joyous Isle
Rides with ten knights to the Castle of Bliant, hosting Sir Launcelot in the Joyous Isle.
How the Old Man Brought Galahad to the Siege Perilous
Mentioned as Galahad's grandsire, to whom Galahad sends his regards.
How King Arthur Shewed the Stone Hoving on the Water to Galahad
Mentioned as the grandfather of King Arthur who received the dolorous stroke from Balin.
IV
Mentioned as the father of the daughter on whom Launcelot begat Galahad.
How Sir Launcelot told his advision to a woman, and how she expounded it to him
Mentioned as the father of Eliazar, who was clothed in white at the tournament.
How King Pelles was smitten through both thighs because he drew the sword, and other marvellous histories
The maimed king who drew the sword and was smitten through both thighs, never to be healed until the coming of Galahad.
XVI
Welcomes Launcelot at Carbonek and informs him of his daughter's death.
How Sir Launcelot returned towards Logris, and of other adventures which he saw in the way.
Tells Launcelot tidings of his brother before Launcelot departs.
How Sir Percivale and Sir Bors met with Sir Galahad, and how they came to the castle of Carbonek, and other matters
Hosts the knights at Carbonek; recognizes the fulfillment of the Sangreal quest.
The Holy Grail Appears to Galahad and His Fellows
Departs at the beginning of the chapter.

Chapter companion notes

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See King Pelles in How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp a dolorous lady from her pain, and how that he fought with a dragon.

See King Pelles in Book XI