Palamides

Palamides or Palomides was a Saracen, a mighty man and noble knight. (8,ix) His brothers were Safere and Segwarides and they were all christened. (7,xvi)

After the death of king Pellinore, he continued the hunt of the Questing Beast. (1,xix)

Palamides was in Ireland and well cherished with King Anguish and the Queen. Every day he approached their daughter, La Beale Isoud, whom he loved much and offered her many gifts, and intended to be christened for her sake. All these noticed Tristram, who was hosted by the King and also loved Isoud, and had great despite at him and there was great envy between them. (8,ix)

Anguish announced a great tournament and jousts; Palamides came with a black shield, and the very first day he overthrew many knights, such as Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus, Kay, Dodinas, Sagramore, Gumret, and Griflet; all the people had marvel of the "Knight with the Black Shield" as they called him, and had great worship and all knights were afraid of him. (8,ix)

The next day Palamides made him ready again to come into the field; and there he smote down the King with the Hundred Knights, and the King of Scots. Then a new knight showed up in a bright white armour; as soon as Palamides saw him, he feutred a spear unto him; but there Palamides was smiten down, and the people made a great noise: some said Sir Palamides, some said the Knight with the Black Shield fell. Isoud was happy and even Gawaine and his 9 fellows wondered what knight made him fall. Palamides was very ashamed, and attempted to withdraw discreetly from the field; but the white knight (who was Tristram) noticed him and overtook him and told him to turn back to try him better before he leaves. Palamides turned and lased at each other withtheir swords, but at the 1st stroke he got a stroke on the head that he fell down. He was bade to yield and do his commandment to save his life. Seeing his countenance, he was afraid of his hits so he yielded. Tristram charged him to forsake La Beale Isoud forever, and for a year to not bear any armour or harness. Palamides sware in shame, and out of despite and anger, he cut off his harness and threw them away. (8,x)

## In Cornwall

Much later he was in Cornwall where Isoud also came to marry King Mark. One day he found a woman in the forest tied feet and hand to a tree, whom someone had tied 3 days earlier. He released her and brought her to a nunnery nearby to recover. Soon later he saw Queen Isoud moaning near a well and heard her complaints missing her maid Bragwaine. He talked to her asking for a reward, if he could return Bragwaine to her safe and sound, and in her desperation she agreed. Trusting to her promise, he told her to wait for half an hour and rode forth to the nunnery; she reluctantly followed him back to the queen who was happy to see her again. Then Palamides reminded her promise; Isoud said she won't do anything evil as his reward, and Palamides said that she will know his desire before her husband King Mark. (8,xxix)

He rode after her on their way to Mark, and when he came before him, he said that he requires from him his right. (8,xxix) Palamides said about his covenant to bring Bragwaine to Isoud in exchange of a boon, which without grudging or advisement she agreed. Seeing that Isoud gave her promise in haste, the king obliged her to fulfill it. Palamides' request was to have the queen to lead and govern her. Mark gave his permission, warning him that he won't enjoy her long, nonetheless Palamides accepted. He took her by the hand and told her to not grudge, as he wants nothing other than her promise. Isoud said she is not afraid, sure that she will be rescued. Palamides paid no heed, set her behind him and rode his way. (8,xxx)

### Battle with Lambegus

Then he saw a knight approaching them, and he left the queen to ask if he is Tristram. He said that he is Lambegus, his servant. Palamides was disappointed, as he'd prefer to meet Tristram, and the knight said that his hands would be full with Tristram. Then they hurtled together and broke their spears, pulled out swords and hewed, until he wounded Lambegus and he fell down. Then he saw that Isoud was nowhere and he was never so heavy. (8,xxx)

### Battle with Adtherp

Soon a knight attacked him, but he wounded him easily. He forced him to tell why he attacked him, and he revealed that he had found and rescued Isoud in his castle. Palamides ordered him to lead him there or die, but the knight was too wounded and just told him the way to reach it. (8,xxx)

Indeed, he rode until he came to the castle, but Isoud had seen him and made the gates to be shut. Seeing that he could not enter, he put off his bridle and saddle, and let his horse to pasture. HE set him down at the gate like a crazy man. (8,xxx) When Tristram came to the castle, he was sitting at the gate sleeping and his horse pastured before him. Tristram's servant Gouvernail came and told him to get up and take his harness to fight, but Palamides didn't react. Tristram sent him again, and Gouvernail pushede him with the butt of his spear saying to prepare himself, as his mortal foe is there. (8,xxxi)

### Battle with Tristram

He rose silently, took his horse and saddled and bridled it, lept upon and got his spear. They feutred their spears and hurtled fast, and was smitten over his horse's tail. He put his shield before and drew his sword. A strong battle started, fighting for the love of Isoud. More than two hours passed and wounded each other sore, Palamides more. (8,xxxi)

Then Isoud came down and asked Tristram to spare him, not wishing him to die unchristened as a Saracen. Tristram complied and she charged Palamides to leave the country while she is there. Palamides reluctantly obeyed, and Isoud sent him to the court of King Arthur to recommend her to Queen Guenever, with the word that Tristram and Isoud are the only other lovers except her and Launcelot. (8,xxxi)

## Joust with La Cote Male Taile

2 days away from King Arthur's court, Palomides saw La Cote Male Taile riding out with a damosel. There he jousted with the knight, and there he smote him so sore, that horse and all fell to the earth. The knight prepared to battle him with swords, but Palomides refused to fight on foot. (9,iii)

## Tournament

He heard the call for a tournament on the Assumption of our Lady and they went to the Castle Dangerous to fight for Lady Lionesse. (7,xvi)

When he came out of the castle, Sir Gawaine encountered with him, and both were hit so hard that they fell with thier horses, then knights of either party rescued them. (7,xxvii)

Then there was a drawing of swords and began a strong battle against Bleoberis. (7,xxix)

## Arm

His arms date to the 13th c.[1]

Chequy argent and sable.

* C: lion's head guardant chequy argent and sable.
* S: Two lions passant guardant chequy argent and sable.
* M: "Pour celle poy."