Gareth

Sir Gareth of Orkney was the youngest son of King Lot and Margawse. He was was a noble knight, and a well-ruled, and fair-languaged. (7,xxxv)

## Early life

He was his mother's joy and bliss. (7,xxv) He followed his mother and brothers Gawaine, Gaheris and Agravaine to Carlion where she visited Arthur. (1,XIX)

After the Battle of Terrabil, Margawse came with her sons to the burial of King Lot in the Church of St. Stephen in Camelot. (2,xi)

He was grown to be marvellously witted, faithful and true of his promise. (7,xxv) When he came to Arthur he seemed a goodly and fair young man, large and long, and broad in the shoulders, and well visaged, with large and fair hands. (7,i)

## "Beaumains"

His mother sent him to Arthur well armed and horsed and with gold and silver to spend. (7,xxv) However he came with other 2 men and a dwarf to Kink Kenadon a little before the noon of the Pentecost; Gawaine saw the 3 dismounting and the 2 shorter men bringing Gareth inside. He appeared to Arthur's court during the feast in bad shape, leaning upon the shoulders of two well beseen and richly men, not able to bear himself. Silence and room was made and he was put to the high dais, then he pulled him aback and stretched up straight. He blessed Arthur and his fellowship of the Round Table and all others, and that he came to require 3 humble gifts, to be granted to him worshipfully and honourable, one at that time and the other 2 the next year. Arthur agreed, and Gareth asked to have meat and drink sufficiently for a whole year, when he'd ask the other two gifts. Arthur said that the gifts are too simple, while he seemed to Arthur that he came of men of worship, but Gareth wanted nothing more. (7,i) Many in the court marvelled of his desire and nobody could guess that he came of a noble house. Nobody recognised him, not even his brothers who were there. (7,xxv)

Arthur agreed, and asked his name, but Gareth refused to say, making him wonder. Then Arthur brought him to to Sir Kay the steward, and charged him to provide him the best food and drink and treat him as a lord's son, but Kay instead said it was not worthy, as he seemed to him of humble birth, and since he had no name, he called him Beaumains, Fair-hands, and decided to bring him to the kitchen to have fat brose. The two men departed and Beaumains was left to Kay who scorned and mocked him. (7,i)(7,xxiii) But this name came to be true to him, as Gareth was a fair handed man and well disposed. (7,xxv)

Gawaine and Launcelot were angry with Kay and asked him to stop mocking him, as Launcelot think he'd prove to be a man of worship; Kay believed he was raised poorly in an abbey. Kay told him to sit on a place to eat, and Beaumains went and sat to the hall door, and ate sadly among boys and lads. After meat Launcelot, and then Gawaine, invited him to his chamber to eat and drink enough but Beaumains refused and obeyed only Kay. So he was put to sleep into the kitchen as the kitchen boys. (7,ii)

He endured like this and never displeased man nor child, always being meek and mild. But he always tried to see jousting of knights whenever he could. Launcelot and Gawaine gave him gold to spend, and clothes. He was always nearby when there were masteries, "and there might none cast bar nor stone to him by two yards" and Kay would ask how they liked his kitchen boy. (7,ii) So he served at King Arthur's court for a year as a kitchen knave, fostered poorly and shamefully. (7,xxiii)

The next Whitsunday, a year after his arrival, A damsel came to King Arthur asking for a knight to rescue her lady from a tyrant. Beaumains came to them and thanked Arthur for his sustenance and that it was time to ask for the other 2 gifts; to grant him the adventure, because it belongs to him, and finally, to bid Launcelot, and none other, to knight him. Arthur accepted, but the damsel was offended to see that only a kitchen page would come with her and rode away. With that someone came and told Beaumains that his horse and armour came, and the dwarf brought all his gear with golden cloth trappings, surprising all the court. When he was armed he was one of the few goodly men, went to the hall and took his leave of Arthur, Gawaine and Launcelot, asking him to follow him, and rode after the damsel. (7,iii)(7,xxv) Many went after him to see how well he was armoured. Right as he overtook the damsel, Kay came behind him threateningly, and asked if he knows him. Gareth turned his horse and knew it was him who did all the despite, and said that he knows him for an ungentle knight of the court and threatened him. Kay ran towards him with a spear, but Beaumains came as fast with his sword, blocked his the spear and with a fon thrust him through the side, throwing him down. He dismounted and took Kay's shield and spear, as he had none, and gave Kay's horse to the dwarf, and rode his way. All this saw Linet, as well as Launcelot. Beaumains invited Launcelot to joust so they prepared, and came together that both fell down and were bruised sore. Launcelot stood up and helped Baumains from his horse, who challenged Launcelot to fight on foot, so they rushed together, tracing, rasing like boars, thrusting for an hour, and always his fighting was durable and perilous feeling more like a giant to Launcelot. He told Beaumains to not fight that dangerously because they don't have such a big quarrel and Beaumains replied that he likes to feel Launcelot's might while himself didn't show yet his uttermost. (7,iv)

## Knighthood

Launcelot gave him the order of knighthood; but Beaumains charged him to never reveal his true name until he required, so that his name won't be known by others. (7,xviii) The day he left a dwarf came suddenly and brought him a rich armor and a good horse, and all wondered whence that riches came, and started to suspect he was a man of worship. (7,xxv)

With Dame Linet the passed through dangerous roads and adventures. (7,xxii)

   At the water of Mortaise he fought with the brothers who kept the passage. He smote Gherard le Breuse on the head that he fell down and drowned, then slew his brother upon the land. Then he slew the Black Knight with a spear. (7,xxiv) He also defeated the Green Knight, the Red Knight and the Blue Knight and told them to yield to King Arthur. (7,xxiv)

Linet showed him his enemy, and at a window upwards her sister, and he asked to show him with her finger. He thought she is the fairest lady he ever looked and she will be his lady and the best reason to fight for her. Ever looking up to the window with glad countenance, she made curtsey to him with holding up both their hands. The Red Knight told him to stop looking, as he did many battles for Lionesse so she belongs to him. Beaumains replied that it was a waste of labour as she won't love him, and he is a fool to love someone who doesn't love him. He knew that she was glad that he came for her, so he'd battle for her, and judging by the siege the Lady already refused him. He warned the Red Knight that he loves her and will die to rescue her. The Knight pointed out the knights hanging from the trees; Gareth cursed him for saying or doing such evil, shaming the knighthood, and that no lady will love him of these wicked customs; and that he isn't scaring him at all, instead giving him courage and hardines against him, more than against a well-ruled knight. (7,xvi)

## Fighting the Red Knight

As the Red Knight stopped talking, Beaumains told Linet to leave. They put the spears in their rests, and came together with all their might smiting each other in midst of the shields; paitrelles, surcingles, and cruppers brast. Both fell down with their reins in hands and stayed there for a while that all seeing from the castle and the siege thought they broke their necks, and admired the strange knight, as none else before dared to match the Red Knight. Then they cleared off the horses and put shields before, drawing swords, and ran together like two fierce lions, exchanging hits on their helms that they reeled backward both two strides; they recovered, and hewed great pieces off their harness and shields with pieces falling on fields. (7,xvi)

The Red Knight of the Red Launds was wily and Gareth fell for it before he noticed it and became more wise. They fought until past noon they stood panting and bleeding. They rested and started fighting again, like boars or rams, hurtling together and falling down. They went on until evensong their armours forhewn. They agreed to rest and sat on 2 mole-hills, their pages nearby. They unlaced their helms and felt the cold wind. Gareth looked up to the window and saw Lionesse, and her countenance lightened his heart and made him happier. (7,xvii)

Then Gareth told the Red Knight to start again. The Red Knight waited him and smote him in the hand, losing his sword, and gave him a buffet on the helm. Gareth fell and the Red Knight on him to hold him. He heard Linet shouting that her sister weeps seeing him losing, he found his might and stood up, leapt and grabbed his sword, ran against the Red Knight and fought a new battle. (7,xvii)

He doubled his strokes, hitting so thick that the Red Knight lost his sword, and he smote him on the helm and Red Knight fell down, Gareth on him. He unlaced his helm to slay him, but the Red Knight yielded to his mercy; but Gareth thought the knights he had hanged shamefully and wouldn't let him keep his life. Then the Red Knight told his story and the cause why he kills knights. (7,XVII) Then came many earls, barons and noble knights and on their knees asked Gareth to save his life and take him a prisoner, being fairer to take homage and fealty and his lands; killing him would give no advantage and his misdeeds can not be undone, but he could amend all parties. Gareth agreed that his blame is not as big as he acted on a lady'srequest, so for the lords's sake he let him yield to Lionesse to ask forgiveness and make amends, and then ask mercy from Sir Launcelot and Gawaine. The Red Knight agreed. Then Linet tended their wounds and stinted their blood. (7,xviii)

They sojourned 10 days in their tents and the Red Knight made his lords and servants to serve Gareth. Later when the Red Knight went to Arthur, they marveled hearing the deeds of Beaumains, and Launcelot said that he is of full noble blood and few living have his might and hardiness and noble prowess, and that he supposes his name. (7,xviii)

## Courting Lionesse

After the Red Knight left, he asked Linet to see her sister, thinking he'd have good cheer with her; and Linet said that she'd be happy to see her sister. He wore his full armor, took his horse and spear, and rode straight to her castle, only to find outside many armed men, who pulled up the drawbridge and closed the port. Surprised he saw Lionesse from the window, telling him to go labour for a year to be one of the most worthy knights in order to win her love. Beaumains complained to see this strangeness, deserving thanks, losing his blood to win her love. Lionesse told him not to be displeased or hasty, she promised to always love and wait him, and his labour won't be in vain but will be for his honor.

He rode away making great dole, riding aimlessly. At night he was harboured at a poor man's house, continuing to wallow and writhe. On the morning he took his horse and rode until underne up to a broad water with a lodge nearby. He dismounted to sleep with his head on the shield and commanded his dwarf to keep his horse all night. (7,xix)

But Sir Gringamore came silently and abducted the dwarf and Gareth awoke by his cries, he leapt up lightly, and saw where he rode until out of sight. (7,xix) Immediately he put on his helm, buckled his shield, mounted his horse and rode after him. As he knew not the way, he took the shortest way in the woodness, so he rode through fields, dales, marshes and mires and many times his horse plunged over the head and were about to perish, until he came to a fair green way, and saluted a poor countryman whom asked about a black knight holding a sad dwarf. The man told him about Gringamore with amourning dwarf, whose castle was 2 miles away, but adviced him not to follow him unless in good will, as he is one of the most dangerous knights of the world. (7,xx)

Gareth came at the gate, sword in hand, crying angrily that all castle heard, calling Gringamore a traitor and demanding his dwarf, swearing to the order of knighthood to do all harm. Gringamore appeared in a window and refused. Gareth called him a coward and challenged him to win the dwarf. Gringamore agreed but hi sister intervened. Gringamore went down and asked for pardon and invited him into the castle. Gareth asked about the dwarf and Gringamore agreed to give him, and all pleasance he can, having learned his noble deeds. Gareth alighted, and there came his dwarf and took his horse, to whom he said he had many adventures for his sake. Gringamore took him by the hand and led him into the hall where his own wife was. (5,xx)

In the castle he was glad to meet a beautiful princess, and exchanged sweet words and manners, and wished that Lionesse was as fair as she. During games, plays, dance and song, the more he saw her, the more he loved her, and during supper he could not eat, having lost his mind. Later Gringamore told him to enjoy himself as his sister loves him as much as he does, and was glad to hear it. Gringamore invited him to sojourn with him and promised that she will be always with him, and Gareth agreed as Arthur and other knights will find him during the year he promised to stay there. Then he went to the princess, kissed her many times nad enjoyed each other. She promised to love him always and revealed that she is actually Lionesse; and that it was her who interrogated the dwarf, to learn Gareth's real name and kin. (5,xxi) Then she brought Linet to him and Gareth was gladder than before. They swore their love and faithfulness to each other and burned in lust. in order to fulfill their desire she told him to sleep in the hall, and she would come to his bed before midnight. (5,xxii)

Indeed, after supper they withdrew, and every lord and lady went unto his rest, but Gareth, as Lionesse told him, said that he preferred to stay in the hall, convenient for an errant-knight, and big couches with feather beds were brought to him. Then Lionesse came and lay beside her and he began to kiss her. Soon he noticed a knight with many lights near him arming with a long guisarme, making movement against him. Gareth leapt out and got his sword and leapt toward him. The knight smote him with a foin through the thick of the thigh opening a shaftment-broad wound cutting veins and sinews. Gareth smote him upon the helm and he fell grovelling, leapt over him and unlaced his helm, cutting off his head. Bleeding fast, he lay again on his bed and swooned. Lionesse and Gringamore stanched his bleeding. Then all saw as Linet came and with an ointment glued the knight's head who was brought back to life, and he said that he didn't thought she would done such things. And she replied that she did so to save their honour and worship, and to them all.

Whithin a while Gareth was healed and was merry, singing dancing and playing games, and was burning in love with Lionesse, and the 10th night after they made their covenant that she should come to his bed. That time, helaid his armour and sword by his bed. (7,xxii) Indeed she came, and soon after she warned Gareth that a knight came toward them. With her help he was armed and hurtled furiously about the hall, while there was a great light of 20 torches all around them, straining him, and his wound opened and bled again. But with his courage and fury he struck down the knight with great force, removed his helm and cut of his head. Then he hewd it in 100 pieces and threw them through a window into the ditches of the castle. He was so faint from bleeding that he could not stand, so he unarmed him and fell on the floor. Gringamore came and awoke him and gvae him a drink that healed him miraculously. (7,xxiii)

Then he complained to Linet that he didn't deserve all she did to him and she repeated that she did everthing for his honour. When his bleeding was stanched the healers said that the wound could not be healed but only by those who caused the stroke by enchantment. (7,xxiii)

## The tournament

After Pentecost, Lionese was with Gareth and Gringamore when a messenger came to Castle Perilous. She returned to them and told them all how King Arthur invited her to his court. Gareth understood it was something concerning himself. He prayed her to not reveal his whereabouts, and guesses that his mother and brothers will seek him. When Arthur questions her, she should announce a tournament on the feast of the Assumption of our Lady. Soon Lionesse returned to the Isle of Avilion and told them how she did. Gareth regretted that he is wounded and can't perform, but Linet promised to use ointments and salves to heal him within 15 days.

Sirs Persant and Ironside assembled their knights at Castle Perilous to prepare to fight against Arthur's. Gareth congratulated them but warned them that they will be matched with the most noble knights of the world and must recruit good knights wherever they can find them. So a cry was made all around Britain and other countries. (7,xxvi) Then came the harbingers from Arthur for to harbour him; Gareth prayed Lionesse, Gringamore, Ironside, Persant and bros to never tell his name, and treat him like the least knight, from the beginning to end. Out of love, Lionese gave him her magic ring to change his colors, and protect him from wounds, asking to take it back. Gringamore gave him a bay courser, armour and sword. (7,xxviii) Gareth'sarms were yellow and his helm says "This helm is Sir Gareth of Orkney" in gold letters. (7,xxx)

During the tournament Gareth came out from the castle with Ironside, and encountered with them Bors and Bleoberis de Ganis; the latter brake his spear on Gareth, but Bleoberis fell to the earth from that strike. When Galihodin saw that he bade Gareth keep him, and he smote Galihodin to the earth; Galihud gat a spear to avenge his brother, and in the same wise Gareth served him with the same spear, moving on to Dinadan, La Cote Male Taile, Sagramore and Dodinas; all with one spear. (7,xxviii) As he rode to and fro the ring changed his colour; one time he seemed green, while at his again coming he seemed blue, and neither king or knight could recognise him, except King Agwisance. He encountered with him, and Gareth smote him from his horse; then came King Carados and he did the same, as well as King Uriens and Bagdemagus; his son Meliganus, brake a spear upon Gareth. Then Prince Galahault cried to challenge him; Gareth heard him, got a great spear, and as the prince brake his spear, Gareth smote him upon the left side of the helm that he fell down. As Launcelot noticed to Arthur how that colorfull knight loved and was doing great labor for a lady, with many deeds (7,xxviii)

Then there was a drawing of swords. He recognised Launcelot fighting at once with Turquine and his brother, two perilous knights, and rode in with his good horse and hurtled them in-sunder, without striking Launcelot. From this Launcelot supposed that the colorful knight was Gareth. He rode here and there, smiting on the right and the left. By coincidence he met Gawaine, and put off his helm, and served 5-6 knights of the Round Table, and all said how he did his duty most than anyone. Then he rode out on the one side to amend his helm and drink, and his dwarf asked him to hold Lionesse's ring to not lose it. Then he wore his helm and rode again into the field, forgetting the ring. As he rased off helms and pulled down knights all saw well his yellow colors. (7,xxix) King Arthur's heralds were ordered to ride close to him and discover who he is. Indeed, they examined his helm and cried aloud, and other heralds hear him and spread the news that Gareth of Orkney is in the yellow arms. All Arthur's kings and knights stood to look at him and tried to appoach. Once he realized that he was discovered, he doubled his strokes and sote down again Sagramore and Gawaine, who was surprised to be hit by his brother; hearing his complaints he thrang here and there and escaped the crowd. (7,xxx)

He went to his dwarf and chastized him and took back the ring to disguise and everyone lost him, except gaiwaine. Seeing this, Gareth rode into a forest and lost him.

## Errant knight

He asked his dwarf for counsel and told him to return the ring to Lionesse; he had the dwarf return it to her, with the message to recommend him to her grace, and to be true and faithful until he is able to come. The dwarf did so and returned to him. Gareth and his horse had no rest and longed for a lodging. Then thunder and rain fell. He started riding long in the forest under the storm until night, until he reached a castle. (7,xxx)

He rode to the barbican and prayed the porter to let him in, who first denied, but gareth insisted to pray the lords of the castle to harbour him for the love of King Arthur. Soon after the lady of the castle appear over the gate and he cried that he takes no force and if he must fight to have harbour, he will after he rested, as he and his horse are weary. She replied that he is knightly and bold but warned him that her lord is an enemy of Arthur, and he can come inside with the condition that he will yield to him as prisoner wherever he sees him. He promised to do so,with the hope that he will do me no harm him, otherwise Gareth will release himself with his spear and sword. The Duchess agreed and let him in. He rode into the hall and his horse led to a stable as he unarmed, and said that he will stay there, and will be ready for whoever will have business with him. He had many good dishes and dined knightly and eagerly and some fair ladies said they never saw a goodlier man who eats so well, and made mirth.

On the morning he heard mass, brake his fast and took his leave thanking the duchess. Asked his name, he is Gareth, known as Baumains, and she recognised him as the champion of Lionesse.
He rode up into a mountain, and there met Sir Bendelain‎‎, who told him to joust or surrender. Gareth chose to joust, during which he smote him throughout his body. The knight fled to his castle where he died. Gareth rode behind him and thought to rest there, but the knight's men armed 20 men who assailed him. Gareth had no spear so he fought with his shield and the men broke their spears on him. (7,xxxi)

Seeing that they can't overcome him, they retreated and then slew his horse with spears, and assailed him hard. Even on foot, he managed to give to everyone a strong hit that they never recovered and slew one by one 16 of them, and the rest fled. Gareth took another horse of them and left.
He continued riding and by a castle he heard women mourning. A page came by him and asked about the noise, and was told that they are widows, because a knight waits daily upon the castle. Gareth refused to flee, and the Brown Knight came. Seeing each other, they ran and Gareth smote him throughout the body killing him. He rode into the castle and asked the ladies to rest; they told him to leave, but the page told him that he slew their enemy. Despite being poor, they made mirth for him.

On the moring he went to mass and he noticed the 30 ladies kneel and make sollow on the tombs of their lords. He invited them to the court of Arthur at the next Pentecost in his name, and they agreed. He departed and reached another mountain where a knight told him to stop and joust. He was the Duke de la Rowse whom Gareth recognised as his duchess lodged him in his castle and promised to yield to him. The Duke recognised him as the knight who fights with his knights. They ran against each other and Gareth once more he smote him down, but he bade him to fight with him on foot. They did a reat battle for more than an hour and were hurt, until Gareth brought him to the earth to slay him, but he yield. Gareth sent him to Arthur and the next feast in his name. The Duke agreed, and promised to do homage and fealty with 100 knights and do service all his life. (7,xxxii) Gareth stood there alone and saw an armed knight coming. He took the duke's shield, and mounted a horse, and without biding they ran together like thunder. Gareth was hurt under the side; they dismounted and fought with their swords, until their blood trailed to the ground. They fought for 2 hours until Linet came and told to the knight, who was Gawaine, to not fight with his brother. The knight disarmed and hugged him, asking for mercy. Gareth (who apparently didn't hear Linet shouting) asked who he is, who was so strong and now yields to him. Hearing that he is Gawaine, he unlaced his helm, knelt down and asked for mercy. They rose and hugged and cried without speaking, and both gave each other the prize of the battle, exchanging kind words. Gawaine praised him for sending so many knights to Arthur, a feat that only Launcelot had surpassed. Then came Linet and stanched their wounds, and as their horses were bruised, he was sent to bring King Arthur.

## Reunion

They were sitting on a little hill-side when Arthur and his fellowship came, glad seeing his nephew. They stood up and asked him to be of good comfort. He made piteous complaints to Gareth, weeping like a child. His mother also came who seeing his face fainted and stayed for some time until Gareth recomforted her that she recovered and made mirth and joy. Arthur camped there for the love of his nephews. Linet healed their wounds and they sojourned there eight days.

Arthur wondered why Lionesse isn't visiting him or Gareth who did so many labors for her, and Linet was sent to bring her. (7,xxxiii) When Lionesse came, Arthur came with other kings and the queens and asked Gareth if he wants the lady as paramour or as his wife. Gareth said that he loves her above all ladies, and Lionesse said the same and that Fareth would choose her if Arthur allows him. Gareth said that it's true and said that if he won't have her as his wife, no other woman will rejoice him. Arthur saw their love and gave his blessing, as did Margawse. (7,xxxiv)

It was decided that the weddings will be at Kink Kenadon on Michaelmas. Gareth summoned all knights and ladies that he had won in battle before, to be there. Lionesse with her siblings went to their castle and exchanged goodly rings with Gareth. Arthur and his fellowship rode toward Kink Kenadon, and Gareth brought his lady on the way, then he came to the king again and rode with him. Gareth and Launcelot made great joy with each other, as Gareth and Launcelot loved each other most than any other knights. Mostly he was with his company. Noticing how his brother Gawaine was vengeful and murderous, he hated his condition and withdrew from him. (7,xxxiv)

## Wedding

It drew fast to Michaelmas; and there came Lionesse and on Michaelmas Day the Bishop of Canterbury made the wedding of Gareth and the Lionesse with great solemnity. After the wedding, Arthur made his brethren, Gaheris to wed Linet, and Agravaine to wed her niece, Laurel.

Also there was great jousts 3 days. But as the French book says, Lionesse asked king Arthur that none that were wedded should joust, so Gareth was not allowed, because of his new bride. (7,xxxv)

## Arms

His arms are derived from Gawaine's:

* Purpure, a double headed eagle Or, a bar Gules.[1]