Alternative names: Gauvain, Gauwain, Gayain, Gwalchmai (Welsh, "hawk of may"), Walganus, Walewein, Balbhuaidh, Gwrvan, Gwallt-avwy ("hair like rain"), Gwallt-advwyn ("fair hair"), Gwallt-avwyn, Gwalchaver, Gwalchaved
A solar hero...
Guinglain
The son of Gawain and Ragnell. He appeared at Arthur's court ignorant of his name, so he was called Le Bel Inconnu ('The Fair Unknown'). A damsel turned up with a dwarf and asked for a knight to rescue her mistress, a princess, with 'the daring kiss'. Arthur sent Le Bel Inconnu. After a couple of adventures they came to the Golden Island where a fairy, Pucelle aux Blanche Mains, offered him love, but they went on to the palace of the princess. There, Guinglain defeated a knight with a horned and fire-breathing horse, and darkness fell everywhere. A snake appeared and kissed him and he heard a voice tell him his name and that he was Gawain's son. He fell asleep and when he awoke a princess called Blonde Esmerée was there. She told him she had been the snake, whom he had released from enchantment by receiving her kiss. After a sojourn with Pucelle on the Golden Island, Guinglain married the princess.
Back to Camelot
Back to thee heart of my land, thee main page
| |