Mordred

Mordred is the bastard son of Arthur and his half-sister Margawse. He was conceived when she visited him in Carlion, without knowing they are siblings. (1,xix)

Merlin prophecized that his son will destroy the realm, and that Pellinore will reveal his name in the future. (1,xxiv)

Mordred was born on May-day, and by prophecy of Merlin, his mother was ordered to deliver him in June, and put in a ship; it drove unto a castle and foundered. (1,xxvii) Because of these her husband King Lot turned against Arthur again. (2,x) But Mordred was cast up and found by a good man and nourished him. (1,xxvii) During the interment of Lot, Merlin prophecized again that he will be against Arthur in a great battle beside Salisbury. (2,xi)

When he was 14 years old his foster father brought him to the court. (1,xxvii) (but apparently Arthur didn't know he was his son).

Often he had seen old proved knights to be rebuked and slain by young beginners they underestimated. (9,iv)

One time he joined the fellowship with damosel Maledisant who was riding with Sir La Cote Male Taile. They came before the Castle Orgulous, and according to its custom 2 knights came out against them. Mordred jousted with the foremost, and was smitten down off his horse, but La Cote Male Taile defeated both of them. (9,iii) While Breunor was in the castle, the damsel said to Mordred that he might have been captured or slain, when they saw him riding towards them, and said how he fought there and escaped. The lady didn't believe his words and sent her courier there to discover the truth; when he returned confirming his words, Maledisant fell silent. Mordred accused her for rebuking him, believing him a good and noble knight; he compared him to Launcelot, who at first was not good on horseback because of inexperience, but he was mighty with the sword; perhaps because of this Bleoberis and Palomides didn't fight him; as wily men of arms, they know a young knight by his riding, and how to hit him, but will not fight on foot, as young knights can be wight and strongly armed. (9,iv)

Sometime later Launcelot overtook them in order to help Breunor in his quest. When Mordred saw Launcelot, he left their fellowship and Launcelot continueed with them. (9,v)

## Tournament

One Tuesday he and other Arthur's knights, Mador and Gahalantine were with the King of Northgalis and fought in a tournament against hte knights of King Bagdemagus. Nobody could match those 3 and they for-fared Bagdemagus's knights. (6,iv)(6,vi)

The next Tuesday they were again in the tournament and stood by themselves. (6,vi) During the tournament they saw how 4 knights with white shields suddenly entered the tournament and attacked the knights of Northgalis. Mador noticed a shrewd guest (who was Launcelot in disguise) and told the others; he moved against him but had a sore fall, so Mordred decided to joust. But he broke his spear against Launcelot, who gave him a buffet, breaking the arson of his saddle; Mordred flew over his horse's tail, his helm butted to the earth more than a foot, almost breaking his neck, and he lay for a long time in a swoon. (6,vii)

The 3 were at Arthur's court around Pentecost and when Launcelot returned, they told all the truth of the great deeds of arms that he did in the tournament. (6,xviii)

## Future

As Merlin prophecised, Mordred will destroy the realm (1,xxiv) and will fight his father in the Battle of Salisbury. (2,xi)

## Arms

Differenced arms of Gawaine.

Purpure a double-headed eagle or and a chief argent.[1][2]

* C: double-headed eagle or.
* S: Two Moor women sable.
* M: "par adventure".

In 13th c. he bears Argent diapered gules.