Le Morte d’Arthur · Character

King Pellinore

A king and knight who pursues the Questing Beast.

minor

Also known as Pellinore, King Pellinore of the Isles

First appearance: i

King Pellinore shows up with force in XXIII. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The knight at the fountain who defeats Arthur in combat and nearly kills him.

In the storyXXIIIOpen this moment free

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In XXIII: The knight at the fountain who defeats Arthur in combat and nearly kills him. Later, in How Merlin saved Arthur’s life, and threw an enchantment on King Pellinore and made him to sleep: Pellinore is put to…

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Character Web

12 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

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

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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 Pellinore appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XXIII
The knight at the fountain who defeats Arthur in combat and nearly kills him.
How Merlin saved Arthur’s life, and threw an enchantment on King Pellinore and made him to sleep
Pellinore is put to sleep by Merlin's enchantment; Merlin prophesies he will serve Arthur and father two great knights.
How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat Excalibur his sword of the Lady of the Lake
Passes by Arthur on the road but does not see him due to Merlin's enchantment.
The Battle Against Nero and King Lot
Known as the Knight with the Strange Beast; strikes down King Lot, earning blame for his death, later avenged by Gawaine.
XIII
Named as the target of Gawaine's future vengeance for the death of King Lot.
How a poor man riding upon a lean mare desired King Arthur to make his son knight
Revealed as Tor's biological father, having begotten him before his mother's marriage.
How Sir Tor was known for son of King Pellinore, and how Gawaine was made knight
Arrives at court, acknowledges Tor as his son, and is assigned a high seat by Merlin.
The Wedding of King Arthur and Queen Guenever
Charged with rescuing the lady and dealing with the knight.
XI
Mentioned as Sir Tor's father who gave him an old courser for his quest.
How King Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight that led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and how he fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the first stroke.
Pursues the knight and lady, refuses to help a damosel in distress, and slays Sir Hontzlake in combat.
How King Pellinore Gat the Lady and Brought Her to Camelot
Wins the lady Nimue in a quest, shows chivalry by promising no shame to her, lodges with Sir Meliot, and later rests with the injured lady in a valley.
How on the way he heard two knights, as he lay by night in a valley, and of their adventures.
Overhears the plot, discovers the slain knight and lady, and arranges burial while taking the lady's head to Arthur.
The Quest of the White Hart and the Penance of King Pellinore
Returns to Camelot after his quest, is rebuked by Queen Guenever, and learns from Merlin that the lady he failed to save was his own daughter.
How Five Kings Came into This Land to War Against King Arthur
Arthur writes to him, praying him to raise men and follow in haste.
How the battle was finished or he came, and how King Arthur founded an abbey where the battle was
Arrives with a great host, salutes Arthur, and advises on choosing new knights for the Round Table.
How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and how Bagdemagus was displeased
Presents his son Sir Tor and Sir Bagdemagus as candidates for the Round Table, but refrains from praising Tor due to their relation.
The Ship of Faith
Mentioned as the father of Percivale and the damosel.

Chapter companion notes

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See King Pellinore in i

See King Pellinore in XXIII