PlGar-1: [lacuna] Many guests come to attend Arthur’s splendid Whitsun festival which is held each year at a flower-filled plain bordered by the Prizzilian Forest. A deep river flows through the plain and on its borders stands the town of Dinazzarun, where the king always stays in May at Whitsuntide. King Arthur is very popular for his munificence: it is his custom to grant anything he is asked for. In his well-known book of the Knight with the Lion Hartmann of Aue (Hartman der Owaere) told the story of the abduction of Arthur’s wife. Once when the king was sitting at the Round Table eating with his knights a stranger rode up and asked for the queen. Arthur who is bound by his word allowed her to be led away. The knights of the Round Table started out after the stranger but they all were defeated one after the other. As soon as Gawan, the son of king Lot, who had been away at the time, returned to court he set out at once in pursuit of the abductor. Lanzilet was already chasing him at the king’s request and he was later to free her by defeating her captor in knightly combat.

Motif References:

R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted
W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 13 Customs connected with kings
M 223 Blind promise (rash boon)
P 634 Feasts
N 770.0.1 Feast as occasion for the beginning of adventures or the arrival of questers

PlGar-90: While Arthur is lamenting his loss a famous knight, Arthur’s relative, arrives who has all chivalric virtues and is widely known for his valiance: Sir Garel of the Blooming Valley (ze dem blüenden tal). When he has learnt what happened he hurries to find the king. Garel wonders that the King could give away the Queen so foolishly and says that if he cannot find the queen and her abductor he will never return to court. Arthur for fear of losing him tries to dissuade him. He should stay with him as his advisor. Garel tells the king not to give in to sorrow. He has long known of a similar misfortune that befell his father [Utpantragun], who lost his wife and never saw her again yet he preserved his honor to his death. A worthy man should show proper restraint in lamenting and not succumb to grief. The valor of the knight who abducted the queen will make him well respect her honor. Arthur takes the advice and Garel agrees to stay with him.

Motif References:

R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted
P 12 Character of kings
P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]

PlGar-218: Not long afterward a giant comes to see the king. He seems to be a courteous man. He is well armed with a good hauberk, a splendid surcoat and a gleaming helmet and carries a steel bar, a shield and a sword as weapons. When he arrives at the king’s tent he disarms and the king welcomes him. The giant’s name is Charabin. He falls onto his knees and brings his lord’s message to King Arthur: the lord of Chanadich renounces peaceful relations with Arthur for it was on his son’s advice that Arthur’s father once killed the father of the lord of Chanadich. Now he will avenge the deed and settle the matter with his army in a year’s time. Although the giant is a heathen he is well-mannered, wise and prudent. Arthur replies that he is not to blame for any injury of the giant’s lord, has never advised treachery and that he will defend his father’s good name. The giant then warns the king that his lord is Arthur’s bitter enemy and is enlisting powerful allies. Five mighty kings will bring many excellent troops (the kings of Kalde, of Nasseran, of Rivelanz, of Gandin and of Iserterre) and the king of Chanadich himself will lead many noblemen with a host of bold warriors. He will have the support of Charabin’s comrades, three giants much stronger than Charabin himself.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
F 531.4.5.2 Giant with iron bar as weapon
F 531.5.10 Giant as servant to man
F 531.4.7 Giant’s clothes
F 531.5.1.0.1 (Bm) Courteous giant
P 550.1.3 (Tu) Declaration of war
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war

PlGar-396: The king is not frightened and says that the lord’s might could fail him. God helped David (Davit), who was a small man, against Goliath (Golias). Arthur is sure to have God’s support. Then the giant takes leave. Arthur asks him to accept a messenger’s reward but the giant refuses: His lord is very generous to him and his comrades and if he accepted a gift from Arthur this would only earn him his lord’s anger. Then he takes leave, arms himself and departs. He finds his lord, king Ekunaver, in the town of Bovramunt and tells him that Arthur will defend himself and that there are many brave men in his service. Meanwhile Arthur is lamenting the loss of his queen and the declaration of war. Garel advises him to summon an army and to meet the enemy halfway. In the meantime Garel will ride after the giant and spy out the enemy. Arthur tries to dissuade him saying that Chanadich is a wild and dangerous country but Garel does not pay attention to his warnings.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
L 225.1 (Bm) Messenger refuses reward
P 557.2 Pledge with enemy to be kept

PlGar-595: Cay mocks Garel saying he would not have taken the queen from the stranger and that therefore he should ride at once to Chanadich and slay the four giants. When the queen was abducted Cay had suffered a humiliating defeat: he was left hanging on a branch. Garel who is a polite man approves of Cay’s rebuking and says no more. Then he arms himself, takes leave from the king and his retinue and rides after the giant. The king blames Cay for his evil habit of talking too much. Cay replies that munificence is a royal virtue but Arthur has exaggerated by giving everything he was asked. The king leaves in silence. Following the advice he received Arthur sends out messengers to announce his campaign and bid all the knights come to him. He tells them that war has been declared on him and asks for their help. They promise to support him and in return he offers them his services. King Arthur always has been very munificent and many left him with rich gifts. When the festival has ended the guests travel to their lands to wait until they are called to depart with his army. Arthur, the son of Utpantragun, stays in the town of Dinazzarun.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
M 402 Satire [satirist]
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war

PlGar-738: Meanwhile Garel follows the giant all day but cannot catch up with him. As evening approaches he enters a beautiful land which has been laid waste and burnt. On the top of a mountain he sees a strong and splendid castle. The castle is well protected by high mountains and by the sea. Before the castle gate Garel meets a beautiful old man in precious clothes sitting beneath a lime tree, who is the land’s sovereign. A sparrow-hawk is perched on his hand. The two pages run to welcome Garel and then the old man receives him. Then he leads him into the castle to meet the ladies. The lord’s beautiful and virtuous daughter disarms Garel and looks after him. Garel washes himself and puts on precious clothes brought to him. According to the host’s demand the girl kisses the guest. Then her mother too receives him by kiss. The ladies greet him and he greets the ladies. The guest and the maiden sit together in the hall and later on the host asks his guest to eat with the maiden. They wash their hands and the meal is served. The maiden cuts the food for Garel.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality

PlGar-916: After the meal the ladies say goodnight and the host sits to talk to his guest. He asks him about his journey and when Garel informs him of Arthur’s grief he is greatly distressed despite his own difficulties. Garel aware of the host’s own distress asks him about it. The host tells him that his old age forbids him defending his lands. Gerhart of Rivierz, a knight whom he rejected as suitor of his only daughter, has waged war against him. The lord summoned an army and left his lands and people to his son Kilpert who defeated the enemy. Yet he and his men were ambushed and defeated on their way back and Gerhart killed Kilpert. Then he ravaged the land with pillage and fire all summer. Only the approach of winter drove them away. This has been going on for ten years and now the enemy will lay siege to this castle until he obtains the lord’s daughter. All the lord’s friends lie dead and the old man is quite defenseless.

Motif References:

T 75.2.1 Rejected suitors’ revenge
T 104.1 Rejected suitor wages war
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
K 810.1 (Bm) Ambush

PlGar-1104: Garel offers to help the lord fight his enemy and the lord thanks him. The knights praise Garel as a valiant man. The host says goodnight and the knights lead Garel to his room. After they have drunk nightcaps they depart and Garel goes to bed. In the morning he dresses, hears mass and then asks for his armor. The maiden comes with her ladies and puts his armor on him. Her mother and father come up and greet him. They thank him for his service. Garel leaves the hall and takes his arms. The armor of his horse is covered with a fine red cloth and Garel jumps into the saddle without touching the stirrup which is praised by all who see it. 500 knights of his host’s retinue are waiting for him on the plain sheltered behind entrenchments. The ladies are watching from windows of the hall. Garel greets the knights and when he asks for their captain they beg him to lead them into battle. Garel has them stay behind while he goes to look at the enemy’s forces. He mounts a hill and comes upon count Rialt, a powerful knight who is a kinsman of Gerhart and is fighting in the service of Love. Garel unhorses him – the ladies praise him for this exploit –, and he has to swear fealty in order to save his life. He is sent to yield to the maiden.

Motif References:

P 58 (Bm) Knight aids man [woman] unjustly besieged [assailed]
R 75 Surrendering
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

PlGar-1412: In the meantime Gerhart has ridden out far ahead of his men and when he sees Garel on the lookout he hurries toward him. He is eager to fight him in front of the daughter of the old lord. He is well aware that he has much wronged her and that she hates him. He wants to win her esteem and welcome by force or die. Garel unhorses his adversary which has not happened to him before and forces him to yield. Garel refuses to take his oath of fealty saying he must give it to the host instead. For fear of his revenge Gerhart begs for mercy and Garel makes him swear never to harm the old lord again and to support Garel with his army whenever asked to, otherwise Garel will kill him. Gerhart wants to know his adversary’s name and errand for he has never been defeated before. Garel identifies himself and tells him the story of the queen’s abduction and the declaration of war. Gerhart promises his aid and they swear to keep peace and be friends. Garel then orders him to return home and wait for his messenger. Gerhart and his army leave, he tells his men that he has been defeated. The ladies who have watched the fight and all people praise Garel.

Motif References:

R 74.4 (Tu) Defeated king [nobleman, knight] becomes conqueror’s vassal
R 75 Surrendering
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
P 310.5 Defeated enemy turns true friend
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

PlGar-1650: Meanwhile Rialt whom Garel has sent to the maiden comes riding toward the castle. When he encounters the knights of Merchanie they at once recognize him for he is the best knight of Gerhart’s army and the marshal asks him about his mission. He tells them that a knight has defeated him and ordered him to come here and that this very knight was about to have a fight against Gerhart of Rivierz. The marshal fears they have lost the knight and is distressed. With his knights he hurries to find Garel. Garel sees them approaching and rises to meet them. He tells them that Gerhart has sworn fealty and vowed never again to harm this land. In the meantime Rialt has arrived at the hall and surrenders to the maiden who receives him well and has two squires take care of him.

Motif References:

P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)

PlGar-1808: Garel is much honored by his host and the people. The lord and the ladies have watched the joust from the windows. The host has been a valiant knight all his life but has given up knightly combat in his old age to devote his service to God. Now they all are very happy and the host rides to meet his guest. He unties Garel’s helmet and carries it as well as his shield. To repay him for his service the old lord makes his wealth, his people and his land subject to him. All are very grateful to him. His host leads Garel into the hall and toward the ladies who welcome him. Sabie and her mother kiss him. Then the maiden disarms him and sends for fine clothing. Garel washes his face. When they have a meal, Garel is seated beside the maiden, while the host sits beside his wife. After the meal the knight sits with the ladies who entertain him well. Garel rests for three days there and all wish that Garel would marry the beautiful maiden.

Motif References:

Q 53 Reward for rescue
Q 111 Riches as reward
P 320 Hospitality

PlGar-1997: When Garel asks his leave to depart they are all disappointed but wish him luck. The maiden puts his armor on him. Parting is painful to her for she secretly is in love with him. The host wants to give his people and land in Garel’s charge according to his promise. Garel refuses but asks him for his assistance against King Arthur’s enemy. The host promises to send him 1000 knights as soon as Garel sends his messenger. Then the knight asks the maiden to be merciful to Rialt and she will set him free. Garel takes leave from Sabie and her parents, the host’s knights and Rialt keep him company for part of the way. Finally Rialt and Garel take leave from the knights, Rialt returns to Rivierz and Garel continues his journey to Chanadich. Rialt and Garel part as friends.

Motif References:

P 310.5 Defeated enemy turns true friend
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war

PlGar-2130: Garel rides through a beautiful forest and comes to a meadow. From the trees beyond he sees a man riding toward him with raised spear. His tabard is richly decorated with jewels and gold, he has a green shield with a golden lion on it, with a buckle shining like a mirror. A long saddlecloth of green samite covers the iron armor of his fine horse. Garel prepares to joust. He has a splendid surcoat and saddlecloth, yellow like fire and richly ornamented with gold and jewels. His shield is covered with ermine and displays a panther of sable as his emblem, the boss of the shield is decorated with gems. The stranger is the duke Gilan of Galis. They fight and finally Garel overcomes his adversary. When he is about to kill him Gilan begs for his life and offers to become his liegeman. Garel lets him live if he gives his word to help him whenever asked for. Gilan promises his support and they sit and rest. Each of them praises the other’s valiance. Finally Garel releases Gilan from his oath and they pledge friendship.

Motif References:

R 74.4 (Tu) Defeated king [nobleman, knight] becomes conqueror’s vassal
R 75 Surrendering
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
Z 150 Other symbols
P 310.5 Defeated enemy turns true friend
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

PlGar-2345: Gilan asks Garel about the purpose of his journey and Garel tells him. Then he asks him for his help to avenge the king’s grief. Gilan will serve him with an army of 6000 men. Then they mount their horses and ride together over the heath. Gilan tells Garel of his own sorrow and Garel offers his support. The duke then tells him that once Sir Tristran came to his aid and killed a giant pillaging and burning his land. He gave him a little dog, named Petitcriur as reward which had been sent to him by a goddess/fairy as a token of her love. From the dog’s neck hung a little bell, the sound of which drove away the sorrow of anyone. In a castle nearby lives the duke’s sister with her virtuous husband. They have two sons, named Alexander and Floris, who are both knights and have been taken captive. Alexander rode out to seek adventure in this forest and encountered a knight named Eskilabon. The youth was defeated, had to swear fealty and go with him to the castle of Belamunt as a prisoner. When he got the news his brother Floris rode after his brother, jousted with Eskilabon on a meadow near Belamunt and was also taken prisoner. Gilan’s sister and his brother-in-law now are overcome with grief.

Motif References:

R 41.1 Captivity in castle
T 59 (Bm) Love tokens
R 75 Surrendering
H 82.3 Tokens between lovers
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
B 182.1 Magic dog
Q 196.1 (Bm) Marvelous dog as reward.
F 241.6 Fairy dogs
P 251.5 Two brothers
F 302 Fairy mistress
F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
F 531.5.11 Giant in contest [combat] with man
F 628.2.3 Strong man kills giant
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
D 1213 Magic bell
H 1221 Quest for adventure
D 1359.3 Magic object causes joy
D 1359.3.1.3 Grief dispelled by sound of bell attached to magic fairy dog.
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
H 1561.2.0.1 (Bm) Loser of single combat will become winner’s servant [subject]

PlGar-2531: Garel asks him to tell more about Eskilabon and Gilan says that he is a mighty prince who fears nothing. His land is called The beautiful Wilderness (ze der Schoenen Wilde), and he is called The Wild (der Wilde). When he saw Garel riding toward him Gilan thought it was Eskilabon. He wants to fight him. All men Eskilabon defeats must swear fealty and remain his prisoners the rest of their lives. They only will be set free when some knight conquers him. He holds four hundred knights prisoner who are bound to stay with him by their oath. But Eskilabon treats them well and they live as they desire and have whatever kind of entertainment they want (hunting, jousting, dancing, tournaments). Gilan has decided to try to overcome Eskilabon and free his nephews and the other captive knights.

Motif References:

R 41.1 Captivity in castle
R 50 Conditions of captivity
P 52 Knight jousts with all comers
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
R 110 Rescue of captive
H 1385.0.1 Unspelling quest: journey to disenchant (free) captives.
H 1561.2.0.1 (Bm) Loser of single combat will become winner’s servant [subject]

PlGar-2617: Garel asks Gilan why this noble knight began such an uncourtly practice. A knight should be merciful to the defeated. But Gilan knows nothing about it, only that he does it because something has made him angry. But in other respects Eskilabon is a virtuous and valiant knight. Garel who is provoked at such discourtesy wants to fight the man himself and make him release his captives. Gilan wants to go with him and Garel is glad to have his company. At Belamunt knights can fight in single-combat or in companies; each challenger will find his adversary. Gilan will show him the road to Belamunt. Only this forest separates his brother-in-law’s land from the Beautiful Wilderness. In front of Belamunt is a large meadow covered with flowers, where many knightly contests take place every day. There is a lime tree in a flower garden with all sorts of blossoms and fragrant herbs which is surrounded by a wall. Eskilabon fights anyone who picks the flowers for a garland, but the one who overcomes him will free the captive knights. Eskilabon’s garden is round and its wall is made of small marble cubes of different colors arranged in chessboard fashion. A sparrow-hawk is tied to a branch of the lime tree that the hero who has picked the flowers should untie. It will fly at once to the castle to let everyone know what happened. Eskilabon will come to fight the challenger. Garel and Gilan decide to fight Eskilabon the next day. They ride off across the heath. Their hate has turned to friendship that endures till death.

Motif References:

P 52 Knight jousts with all comers
B 291.1 Bird as messenger
P 310.5 Defeated enemy turns true friend
C 515 Tabu- touching (plucking) flowers
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
F 777 (Bm) Extraordinary wall
F 818 Extraordinary garden
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
H 1385.0.1 Unspelling quest: journey to disenchant (free) captives.

PlGar-2770: When they come to a beautiful castle Gilan tells Garel that the castle and the land are subject to his sister and they would be welcome. They are received joyfully. Gilan’s sister removes their armor and when they have washed and put on rich clothing the host asks his brother-in-law about his comrade. Gilan tells him how he was defeated and then released from his oath and how he became Garel’s friend. The old lord is delighted when he hears that Garel will challenge Eskilabon. Then he leads Garel to his wife who welcomes the knight and her brother by kiss. When the lord learns about Arthur’s troubles he tells him that he would be ready to help were it not for his own distress. Meanwhile the hostess is sitting with Gilan and asks him about the stranger and he tells her that he is a valiant hero who wants to fight Eskilabon. She is delighted and goes to thank him for it and he can just keep her from falling at his feet which – so he says – she should not even do before Arthur. They have an excellent meal and when they have drunk their nightcaps they go to sleep.

Motif References:

PlGar-3016: They get up at daybreak and hear mass. When they have finished their morning meal they ask leave to depart. The host however asks them to stay and they rest there for seven days. Meanwhile new shields and armor are prepared for them. Then one morning they ride to Belamunt for combat. Gilan is dressed all in green and his new shield displays a golden lion. Everything above his armor and that of his steed is green and decorated with shining golden lions with eyes of ruby and there is a lifelike golden lion with gaping jaws on his helmet as well. Garel’s splendid outfit is all red and ornamented with golden panthers, his shield’s covering is of ermine with golden studs and boss and a sable panther below the boss. A panther stands on his helmet. They ride into Belsalvasch forest and soon they come out onto a plain. It is a beautiful May morning. By mid-morning they see before them the splendid and strong castle of Belamunt. A deep river separates the castle from a field which is used for jousting.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
H 1385.0.1 Unspelling quest: journey to disenchant (free) captives.

PlGar-3170: Garel then sees the high wall and the garden before him where no one is allowed to pick flowers unless he seeks combat. In the garden stands the lime tree and on a branch is the sparrow-hawk that is to bring the news of the arrival of a challenger to the castle. The lord of the castle has stationed a squire who is in charge of the garden and the bird. He keeps the key to the garden’s gate. When the two knights approach the garden, they greet the squire who greets them too. Garel acts as if he had never heard of the adventure and asks the squire about the castle and its lord and about the garden. The squire tells him about his lord and the adventure he has arranged. The castle is Belamunt, its lord is named Eskilabon The Wild and he raises many flowers in the garden. Whoever seeks adventure only needs to pick some of these flowers. The squire has been in charge of the garden for one year. He advises Garel to leave the flowers alone for no one has taken any without being defeated by Eskilabon. Garel pretends that they are not eager to fight and then asks the squire about the fifty spears sticking into the ground beside the garden. The squire says that any knight looking for combat will find the spears waiting for him. But till now all challengers (four hundred or more) have been taken prisoner.

Motif References:

P 52 Knight jousts with all comers
B 291.1 Bird as messenger
C 515 Tabu- touching (plucking) flowers
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
F 777 (Bm) Extraordinary wall
F 818 Extraordinary garden

PlGar-3300: Garel says that this evil custom dishonors the lord, because his treatment of the defeated knights is most uncourtly and Garel for that reason is his enemy. The squire once again urges him to leave the flowers alone but Garel makes him unlock the gate. The heroes dismount and the squire holds their horses. Each takes off his helmet and makes a chaplet for it. Then Garel unties the sparrow-hawk that brings the news to the castle. Eskilabon is very pleased about the challenge. The two knights leave the garden and go to their horses. Gilan mounts his horse without stirrups – which is applauded by the squire – and Garel leaps onto it in like fashion. They tie on their helmets and the squire hands them shield and spear. Before leaving the knights express their gratitude for the squire’s courtesy. He says he would be glad to see them win, for many good men are victims of his lord’s misdeeds. God should grant them the victory but preserve Eskilabon’s life. Many noble knights watch from the great hall as the knights ride across the meadow.

Motif References:

P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
P 52 Knight jousts with all comers
B 291.1 Bird as messenger
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]

PlGar-3429: Eskilabon asks that his armor be brought to him. Meanwhile a beautiful maiden leads twelve other lovely and well-dressed maidens to the great hall where the knights are. She is Flordiane, the lord’s sister. Eskilabon goes up to her and welcomes her. She puts his armor on him. His surcoat is made of silk shining like a glowing coal in the night, his shield is blue with a golden eagle on it and a second golden eagle is fastened to the helmet, hovering above the crest as if it were alive. Flordiane kisses her brother and then he hurries down from the hall. In the courtyard he mounts his fine steed. His marshal who is a valiant knight is to fight Garel’s companion. They ride down to the landing and ask the ferryman to take them across. When Eskilabon goes ashore the ferryman leads his steed and hands shield and spear to his lord and the marshal. Garel and Gilan are waiting for them and challenges are given on both sides. The knights and ladies watch them from the great hall. Alexander and Floris take careful note of the challengers and Alexander recognizes his uncle by his coat of arms, the lion, but he does not know the other one carrying the panther as his device. The knights and the ladies all agree that they never have seen two men come to the plain so splendidly attired.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
H 126 Identification by coat of arms
Z 150 Other symbols
F 821.1 Dress of extraordinary material
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor
D 1645 Self-luminous objects.

PlGar-3542: Then the four knights come together in knightly combat. Gilan overcomes the marshal, who has to surrender. Gilan accepts his oath of fealty and spares him. Then he is confronted by another of Eskilabon’s knights. He forces him into submission, and then defeats a third one. Gilan has overcome the three best knights in the land. Meanwhile Garel and Eskilabon have used up all spears and reach for their swords. When the horses are exhausted the knights dismount and their struggle becomes even more fierce. Garel’s chaplet is destroyed and Eskilabon’s eagle is knocked down from his helmet. The shields are badly damaged by strikes. They both are strong and brave. The knights and ladies in the castle watch the struggle – they agree that they never witnessed such a fierce one – and when Eskilabon is about to gain victory the captive knights lament. The battle moves this way and that and those watching are distressed by the danger for the two warriors.

Motif References:

H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

PlGar-3706: Then Garel addresses his adversary and says he must release the captives to him. He presses Eskilabon with such force that he can no longer defend himself. Garel throws him down and pulls off his helmet and exclaims that he will not let him live. Eskilabon cries for mercy and promises to serve him as long as he lives. He will turn over his people, his wealth and his land to him and become his liegeman. Garel commands him to release the captives and Eskilabon gives his oath of fealty. Then the two men sit down together on the grass. Garel says that all fighting he did before was child’s play and asks him why he kept the knights captive.

Motif References:

R 9.10 (Bm) Release from captivity
R 74.4 (Tu) Defeated king [nobleman, knight] becomes conqueror’s vassal
R 75 Surrendering
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance

PlGar-3825: Eskilabon tells him his story: He serves a beautiful and virtuous queen in hope of love’s reward, her name is Claretschanze of Portigal. She commanded him to raise these flowers in her service. He had a wall built around the garden and the fame of the garden spread throughout the lands. He let it be known that he would give his sister in marriage to any knight who defeated him. Many warrior came there for the prize but they were all defeated. For more than five years no one overcame Eskilabon. The knights who were overcome and forced to swear fealty he sent to his lady with a garland of his flowers. He dispatched so many to her that the lady at last sent him a messenger who told him to end this adventure and stop fighting so much. She was afraid for his life but when a ruling prince came and picked the flowers she granted him one more combat. He should send this knight to her. Then his task would be completed and he would be rewarded with her love. He sends the messenger back with his promise to remain her knight all his life.

Motif References:

T 41 Communication of lovers
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
Q 58 (Bm) Obedience [in love-service] rewarded
T 68 Princess offered as prize
H 359 Other suitor tests
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

PlGar-3930: Yet he lost her favor later on: One day Frians, prince of Ponterteis, who obtained Gawan’s horse at Logreis by deceit, came and gathered flowers for a wreath. Eskilabon got the news by the sparrow-hawk and defeated the man who gave his oath of fealty. At Eskilabon’s question he said that he was a ruling prince. He was shown great esteem at the castle and sent to Claretschanze. Eskilabon sent a ring and a letter with him. Yet this dishonest knight broke his oath. Eskilabon who assumed that he was in Portugal went there and was received by his lady in a friendly manner. When he asked for his reward according to his service she said that he had not yet carried out her command. As he protested she accused him of boasting and denied him her favor. He swore to continue the adventure in his lady’s service as before and keep all defeated as captives. Thus Frians has cost him much esteem. Eskilabon made a condition: if someone overcame him, he would be subject to him and release his prisoners. Now he has been defeated and the captives will be free. Then Eskilabon wants to learn his adversary’s name, family and country.

Motif References:

M 108 Violators of oaths
M 166 Other vows about fighting
N 318 Accidental separation of lovers
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)

PlGar-4156: Garel tells Eskilabon about his family which has always been free of perfidy and shame since Mazedan’s times. King Gandin of Anjou (Antschaw) was his grandfather, his mother’s brothers were the noble Gahmuret and Galwes. Arthur and Gawan are his kinsmen as well as Parcifal, the lord over the Grail, who is his cousin. His native land is Styria (Stiger), his mother was Lammire (Lamiger) whom Gandin established as mistress of that country and his father is Meleranz, the renowned ruler of Styria. His name is Garel. When he was twelve years old his parents outfitted him and sent him off to King Arthur. He raised him and saw to it that he learnt courtly manners. When he wanted to return to his father’s land the king obliged him to stay until he would have knighted him. Arthur knighted him in splendor, giving him and his comrades rich outfit. The faultless King Arthur has many lands and is widely known. He invested Garel with one of his lands, an island in the sea that has a large castle called The Blooming Valley (ze dem bluenden tal), and he is known by this name. The king has thus provided for him, because the distance from Styria to Brittany is too great.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 53 (Bm) Obtaining knighthood
T 600 Care (education) of children

PlGar-4254: Then Garel tells Eskilabon why and how he came there from Brittany and laments Arthur’s misfortune. On his promise to give him aid in this matter Garel releases Eskilabon from his oath of fealty. Eskilabon will contribute a large army (1000 knights who are skilled swordsmen, 2000 foot soldiers, 1000 archers). Then he invites Garel up to the castle so that he can ask his captives for their aid as well. They walk together to where Gilan is sitting on the grass and Eskilabon welcomes him. The lord learns that Gilan has defeated the best knights in the land. Meanwhile the squire has cared well for the warriors’ tired horses. Eskilabon sends him as messenger to the castle to make preparations to receive his guests with honor. The captives are very happy. The hall is decked out in splendor and the ladies are dressed in their finest garments. The knights have their horses brought to the courtyard. The captive knights ride first from the castle while four trombones echo from castle, hill and valley. They carry shields displaying golden shackles on a black field to show that they are prisoners. The banners are of black samite to which ermine shackles with golden chains are sewn. Eskilabon’s men follow them under four snow-white banners in which a sable eagle hovers. The captives and the native knights have a bohourt on the meadow.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
M 166 Other vows about fighting
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war

PlGar-4432: Eskilabon and his guests cross the river and ride toward the castle. There is another bohourt between the two troops to welcome the guests. Eskilabon leads them to a room apart where pages carry away their armor and bring them precious garments. Their host removes his armor and puts on fine clothing as well and returns to his guests. To his dismay they stand up to greet him. Eskilabon thinks that he never beheld such a handsome man as Garel. One can tell by his looks that he is the descendant of a fairy. The host leads them to the splendid hall and politely insists that they enter before him. Then the lord’s sister comes up to the hall with fifty richly dressed maidens. She is splendidly dressed in precious clothes. Lady Flordiane is polite and wise and well-mannered. Her brother asks her to take good care of his guests and to kiss them. Garel and Gilan think that they have never seen such a beautiful maiden. At her brother’s request Flordiane takes charge of Garel. Eskilabon sits down with Gilan.

Motif References:

F 305.2 Offspring of fairy and mortal extraordinarily beautiful.
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 575.2 Handsome man

PlGar-4564: Floris and Alexander greet their uncle and he asks them why they were so foolish to undertake this adventure and if it was for the sake of women. Floris replies that no woman is to blame for his misfortune but only boyish fancy. He fought because of his brother who had journeyed to this land because of the adventure and had been captured. Alexander asks his uncle about his journey and Gilan tells them that he came to free them by combat and how he was overcome by Garel who then became his friend. He told Garel about the garden and so they both came here. He praises Garel, and since this account is spoken loud enough for all to hear the knights and ladies praise Garel highly. Eskilabon stresses Garel’s beauty, valor and courtesy. He says that Gilan’s defeat keeps him of being ashamed of his, for he knows well that he is one of the best warriors.

Motif References:

P 310.5 Defeated enemy turns true friend
H 1221 Quest for adventure
H 1385.0.1 Unspelling quest: journey to disenchant (free) captives.
H 1385.8 Quest for lost brother(s)

PlGar-4721: Meanwhile Garel is politely sitting with the ladies who are entertaining him. Then they have a meal and Eskilabon courteously assigns seats to each of his guests and to the knights and ladies. Garel is seated beside Flordiane and the host bids them eat heartily. When they have washed their hands meat and game is served. There is plenty of food and drink. Eskilabon urges the knight to eat heartily and pours him a drink. Then he begs his sister to take good care of him. He returns to his place beside Gilan and serves him himself. Many noble captives are sitting at his table, who came from foreign lands for adventure and Eskilabon’s sister and were captured. When the tables are removed many knights sit down with the ladies and Eskilabon has his fiddlers play for dancing. Garel dances with beautiful Flordiane. The host leads Gilan over to dance on the other side of her. Everyone enjoys the courtly dance – there are also knights dancing between two ladies.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality

PlGar-4881: When the dance has ended Garel and Gilan bring Flordiane back to her place. She bids them sit down with her. Some knights take places between two ladies and there may have been some talk of love. When night comes the host sends for wine and shortly thereafter the ladies go to their quarters. Garel and Gilan accompany Flordiane a short way beyond the door and then return to the hall. When the guests want to go to bed the host leads them to their chamber in which two splendid beds are ready for them. After they all have drunk their nightcaps Eskilabon and his knights take leave. Pages look after Garel and Gilan. In the morning they go to where a mass is sung, they pray and receive the blessing. Then Eskilabon and his guests go to the hall, where tables have been set up. The host commends Garel to his sister’s care and arranges the seating of the knights. After the meal Garel discreetly reminds Eskilabon of his promise to free the captives for his sake. The host will let them go and asks them to pardon him for his highly improper treatment of them. Then for the first time he reveals the reason why he took them captive and that it was Frian’s fault. Garel and Gilan ask the knights to renounce their anger against Eskilabon and they promise to do so. Eskilabon is forgiven and news about Frian’s fault is spread abroad.

Motif References:

R 9.10 (Bm) Release from captivity

PlGar-5089: Garel and his companion then ask leave of their host and the lady to depart. Eskilabon and the ladies ask them to stay longer until new armor has been made and they are fully rested. They then could take along the captives. Both consent. Eskilabon, Garel and Gilan decide to ask the knights to help Garel. The lord of the castle has wine brought to the hall and then asks them to help Garel. The knights promise to help him at once and Garel thanks them. Eskilabon entertains his guests well for six more days. The host gives costly steeds to his captives, their armor which has been kept in good condition now is returned to them and each of them is given a new shield. Garel’s beautiful armor (with gold and jewels) is brought up to the hall, his shield is covered with ermine, has a golden boss adorned with gems and shows a lifelike panther of sable below the boss. The shield strap and the rim are adorned with many jewels. Flordiane helps Garel with his armor and gives him a splendid surcoat of white silk with two sable panthers. She asks him to wear it for her sake. Gilan is brought a green shield with a raised golden lion and a green surcoat.

Motif References:

W 11 Generosity
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

PlGar-5260: When they are armed Eskilabon says that Garel by winning the combat also won his sister. Garel is happy about it, but asks the lord to keep her for him. For the moment he cannot stay but he will be faithful to her. If he dies it will be better for her not to have been his wife. Then he takes leave of Flordiane promising her to always be her knight. Gilan takes leave from her and the other ladies. Eskilabon accompanies his guests and the former captives across the plain with his own knights. Then Garel decides to go his own way. He takes leave from the former prisoners and begs them to keep their promise to help him. They should return there next Whitsuntide to wait for Garel’s messenger for otherwise he would not know where to find them. Then they all say goodbye. Garel, Gilan, Floris and Alexander ride on together.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 68 Princess offered as prize

PlGar-5382: Eskilabon returns to Belamunt. To increase his renown he has the shields of the former captives hung all around the walls of the hall. Written above the shields are the name and family of the owners, their lands, and how Garel brought the adventure to an end and freed them by combat. Each shield has its own emblem. The shields are displayed so that any stranger would know about the adventurers. Garel soon takes leave of his companions and sets off to Chanadich. Gilan and his nephews ride to the homeland of the youths. Gilan tells his brother-in-law what has happened at Belamunt.

Motif References:

Z 230 Extraordinary exploits of hero
F 855 Extraordinary image

PlGar-5454: Garel is on his way to Chanadich. His road leads him to a wild forest in which he rides until nearly evening. At last he comes to a narrow pass guarded by a fortress. A rude and evil giant lives there who watches the road and takes every traveler’s life and property. His huge and evil wife is called Fidegart. She is the strongest woman ever born. Her husband is named Purdan and he has killed many knights already. When Garel comes to the fortress Purdan is standing before his castle in full armor. He has a large, four-cornered pole of steel, a broad shield and a long sharp sword. His pointed helmet is of steel and has a nose guard. Seeing the knight approach he addresses him angrily and starts threatening him. Garel replies politely that he meant no harm and did not intend to offend him in any way. Scolding without any reason is unworthy of a man and therefore Garel challenges him. The giant is furious.

Motif References:

G 111 Giant ogre(s) possess(es) castle
F 531.6.10.2 (Bm) Giant as porter
F 531.4.5.2 Giant with iron bar as weapon
F 531.6.8.1 Giant in love with giantess
F 531.5.11 Giant in contest [combat] with man
F 531.6.3.1 Giants live in castles (raths, duns) (ruins of which may still be seen)
F 531.0.4 Giant woman

PlGar-5558: Garel charges the giant and gives him a thrust that leaves a piece of the spear’s shaft in the giant’s chest. Purdan pulls it from the wound. Then Garel strikes him a great wound and dashes away again. The giant strikes Garel’s horse with his pole so that it goes down but he fails to reach the knight who is saved by his quickness. He escapes by jumping behind a tree and shrewdly retreating into the forest. Purdan is weakened by loss of blood and the branches catch his swinging pole so that he cannot reach the knight who keeps attacking and wounding him. He strikes him again so that the giant can no longer stand and as he tries to fall on him Garel jumps away and the giant crashes to the ground like a tower never to rise again. His great cry resounds throughout the forest and is heard by his wife Fidegart. She puts on her armor, a steel helmet, takes a pole, a broad shield and a sharp sword and hurries to avenge her husband. Meanwhile Garel has chopped off the giant’s head. When he goes to his horse, he finds that it has been cut in two and is deeply troubled: He cannot continue on foot and it would be a great loss if he had to leave his armor behind. Then he notices the giantess approaching. She begins to scream when she sees her husband dead and attacks the knight. Garel fights boldly until she falls from his blows and he cuts off her head. Garel says that the giants have been fittingly punished for their arrogance.

Motif References:

F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
F 531.0.4 Giant woman
F 628.2.3 Strong man kills giant
F 667 Skillful fencer (swordsman)
H 1561.6 Test of valor: fight with giant [warrior, dwarf-hero, dragon etc.]

PlGar-5793: Garel goes to find out about the giants’ attendants. He cannot get away from there on foot in any case for he would starve in the forest. He finds no one inside the house. Above the gate he sees a great hall and on a large rock nearby a separate building, so high that no man could get to it. Twelve beautiful maidens have been held captive by the giant there. No knight was brave enough to rescue them by combat and the giantess refused to let them be ransomed. The giants oppressed two neighboring countries, taking a large yearly tribute from them. Purdan killed the lord of one of the lands and carried off his son to his stronghold where he imprisoned him. His vassals sent payments to make the giant spare his life. The giantess abducted a beautiful maiden from the other land, the daughter of the lord Amurat of Turtuse and his wife Chlarine. Her name is Duzzabel.

Motif References:

R 10.1 Princess (maiden) abducted
R 10.6 (Bm) Knight abducted
R 11.3 Abduction by giant [wild woman]
R 41.1 Captivity in castle
R 51.6 (Bm) Captive as hostage
G 111 Giant ogre(s) possess(es) castle
G 440 Ogre [giant] abducts person
P 531 Taxation and payment of fines and tribute
F 531.6.3.1 Giants live in castles (raths, duns) (ruins of which may still be seen)
F 531.5.19 (Bm) Giant’s prisoners

PlGar-5877: Garel wonders why the house is placed on the rock where no one can get to it and he does not know if it is occupied. As he walks around the rock he comes to a gate which is secured by an iron bar that twelve men could not lift and the rock is so high that Garel cannot even reach it. Only the giants could open that door. The prisoners were not well treated and often had neither food nor drink. Duzzabel’s father Amurat had promised to send a yearly tribute so that the giants spared the maiden’s life. No one dared to come to the prisoners’ aid. In the hall the knight notices a small window and opens it. In the room Garel sees a young man with shackles on his arms and a heavy iron band around his neck. He is fastened to the wall by a large chain. He wears little clothing. Garel asks him why he is imprisoned and the startled youth warns him against the two monsters who murder anybody. Garel tells him that he has killed the giants and the young man is very happy about the news. Then he tells him how to get into the room. But the door is shut by a bar that Garel cannot lift. He gets the giant’s sword and cuts the bar.

Motif References:

R 51.2 Prisoners confined in chains
R 51 Mistreatment of prisoners
F 531.4 Gigantic possessions of giant
F 833.3 Sword extraordinarily bright, sharp

PlGar-6118: The youth directs him to the place which holds the keys to the fetters and Garel unlocks his fetters. With the sword he cuts the nails holding the chain ring. The man falls to Garel’s feet, swears fealty and thanks God. Garel asks him to stand up. The youth is very weak and can hardly walk. Garel helps him into the great hall to a seat. At Garel’s question the man tells him how he was carried off by the giant who had killed his father. He has been a prisoner for ten years. A tribute from his father’s land had to buy his life. He identifies as Chlaris, the son of the Duke Elimar of Argentin. He wants to take Argentin as a fief from Garel and serve him. Garel accepts his service but will not have his land. Then he asks the youth why the house is empty and Chlaris tells him that the giants had no servant except some wilderness people. The giant oppressed them too and they had to obey his commands. The giantess was even more wicked than her husband.

Motif References:

R 51.6 (Bm) Captive as hostage
Q 53 Reward for rescue
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
P 531 Taxation and payment of fines and tribute
F 531.6.16.3 Man [dwarf] as servant of giant.

PlGar-6218: There is a horn hanging in the hall and if Garel blows it three times three dwarfs will come from the forest where they live in a mountain nearby. They brought food and wine and whatever the giant desired to him. Garel blows the horn and the dwarfs hurry to the castle with the food. Chlaris advises Garel to hide, in order to catch the dwarfs and make them promise to be subject to him. The three dwarfs lead three pack horses up to the hall and put the loads to the ground (tablecloth, bread, wine and a large golden goblet). Garel blocks the doorway and the sight of the warrior frightens the dwarfs. He asks them for whom they have brought the food. They tell him that they have been tributary for a long time to the giant and his wife. Garel should leave at once to escape Purdan and his wife, who is even worse than her husband. He asks them what would be their reward for freeing them from their oppressor and they say they would serve him forever. Garel tells them that he killed the giants and they think he must be joking. He says they could go and see the headless bodies.

Motif References:

Q 53 Reward for rescue
F 451.4.1.11 Dwarfs live in hills and mountains
P 531 Taxation and payment of fines and tribute
F 531.6.16.3 Man [dwarf] as servant of giant.

PlGar-6349: One of the dwarfs, a rich king, offers to be Garel’s subject and to serve him. Garel takes his oath as his liegeman, which is sealed by a kiss. Then the dwarf sends a messenger with the happy news to his companions in the forest and a large group of them comes to the fortress. The dwarf king says Garel should take off his armor, he would send for some rich clothes. He could well be trusted although he is one of the wilderness folk. Splendid clothes for the two men are brought after a time. Garel asks the dwarf about the house on the rock and the dwarf tells him that a noble maiden with twelve maiden attendants is imprisoned there. Fidegart seized her seven years ago. Garel wants to set them free and asks the dwarf for help. The dwarf sends for a ladder and rich dresses for the maidens. Then he has a messenger brought his ring and sword, which he gives to Garel. The precious stone in the ring gives the strength of twelve men and Garel will defeat anyone he wishes. The jewel is taken from the river Euphrates by the dwarf’s uncle, who was a skillful magician and had learnt much about necromancy. He could obtain anything from land or sea. He also made the precious sword, which pierces all armor. Garel thanks the dwarf.

Motif References:

Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
F 451.5.1.7 Dwarfs serve mortals
F 451.5.1.6 Other gifts from dwarfs
F 451.5.1 Helpful dwarfs
F 451.4.5.1 Dwarfs are ruled by a king
F 451.7 Possessions of dwarfs
F 610.4.2 Man with twelve men’s strength
D 812.12 Magic object received from dwarf
D 812.13 Magic objects gifts of magician.
F 826 Extraordinary jewels
F 833.5.1 Sword cuts cloth etc, as well as steel and stone
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)
D 1081 Magic sword
D 1335.5 Magic ring gives strength
D 1711 Magician
D 1830 Magic strength

PlGar-6572: Garel places the ring on his finger and climbs the ladder. Having twelve men’s’ strength the knight lifts the bar and throws it down from the rock. When he opens the door the maidens are frightened. Garel is afraid that they would be ashamed to be seen in their great need and does not enter: A person who used to live in great honor would be most ashamed to be deprived of it. Therefore he remains outside and tells them that he has come to their aid. The lady has one of the girls put on the best garment there and go to the knight to learn what has happened. Although embarrassed by her appearance she receives Garel for her mistress and brings him her lady’s greetings stressing the fact that the latter did not refrain to come through haughtiness but because of her poverty. They have been confined to this rock for seven years and no one has helped them and they had a wretched life. Garel tells her that the giants are dead and that they will be brought new clothes. She returns to her lady and tells her that their troubles are over, that a handsome and well-bred knight has rescued them and will take them home. Garel leaves the ladies until the next day. In the meantime the ladies are well cared for.

Motif References:

P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
R 51 Mistreatment of prisoners
Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
F 610.4.2 Man with twelve men’s strength
F 826 Extraordinary jewels
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)
D 1335.5 Magic ring gives strength
D 1830 Magic strength

PlGar-6692: The next morning a large company of dwarfs come with their ladies. Their queen and 100 female dwarfs ride up from the forest and after greeting Garel climb up the rock to the maidens. When they see their wretched state they weep. The ladies put on fine garments and come down from the rock to greet their rescuer. Duzzabel falls at Garel’s feet and he respectfully lifts her up. Then he goes with her to the great hall where they sit down in the company of the dwarf king and the little women who are most beautiful. The dwarf king asks what happened to Garel’s horse and Garel tells him the giant killed it and that he can hardly continue on foot. The dwarf offers him a fine steed, which was brought there by a knight who was slain by the giants. Garel thanks him for the gift. The dwarf, whose name is Albewin, replies that he need not thank him for he freed them from the giants who cruelly oppressed them. As it is mealtime they have excellent food and wine served. When the tables are removed Garel asks Albewin for advice how he could get the ladies back to their homeland. Albewin sends for palfreys to carry the ladies home. Then Garel has brought his armor and the ladies help him to put it on. The king advises him to test the sword and Garel cuts in two the thick iron bar that had locked the maidens on the rock. He is very pleased about the weapon.

Motif References:

F 347 Fairy advisor [advice from dwarf]
F 451.5.1.7 Dwarfs serve mortals
F 451.7 Possessions of dwarfs
F 451.5.1.6 Other gifts from dwarfs
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
N 810 Supernatural helpers
D 812.12 Magic object received from dwarf
F 833.5.1 Sword cuts cloth etc, as well as steel and stone
D 1081 Magic sword

PlGar-6879: When the horses are ready Duzzabel and her maidens take leave of Albewin’s wife and her attendants. Garel lifts them into their saddles and Duzzabel kisses him. Then the ladies courteously take leave of the warrior and ride off. Albewin sends with them three dwarfs who know the forest and soon brings them to their homeland Turtus. Count Amurat and Chlarine welcome them happily and bless the knight who rescued their daughter and her maidens. Garel takes council with Albewin and they decide that the fortress should be burnt down and that the dwarf king should carry away whatever he wants from the giant’s treasure and destroy the rest. Garel and Chlaris take leave of the dwarfs. Chlaris has received the fine armor and steed of a knight who had been killed by the giant. Garel gives him the sword that he brought there. Albewin and another dwarf show them the way through the forest and bring them to the land of Argentin. Garel promises to Albewin to avenge any harm that might be done to him and Albewin replies that he will have Garel as his liege lord. They part.

Motif References:

W 11 Generosity
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
F 347 Fairy advisor [advice from dwarf]
F 451.5.1.7 Dwarfs serve mortals
F 531.6.7.1 Giant possesses treasure
N 538.2 Treasure from defeated giant
N 810 Supernatural helpers

PlGar-7050: Albewin turns back to the forest. The dwarfs take the giants’ great treasure, then they burn the fortress and break down the walls. They take the armor and the swords of the giants into their mountain and work from them two mail stockings, a hauberk that no sword would cut and a solid helmet. These are intended for Garel and are taken to him by Albewin later on. Garel and his companion are well received at Argentin. All are very happy about their lord’s release and greet him and Garel with noisy merriment. The warrior is highly praised. Garel rests there fourteen days and all are sorry when he decides to travel on. Chlaris and many knights ride out with him and Garel tells his host the purpose of his journey. Chlaris and his knights promise him 1000 knights to help him. They take leave from each other and Garel rides away. Chlaris returns to his castle and takes possession of his father’s land.

Motif References:

F 451.3.4.2 Dwarfs as smiths
F 531.6.7.1 Giant possesses treasure
N 538.2 Treasure from defeated giant
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor
F 824.7 (Bm) Impenetrable hauberk.
D 1101 Magic [part of] armor
D 1381.10 Magic [part of] armor protects from attack

PlGar-7170: Garel resumes his quest to Chanadich. He enters a large forest and rides the entire day. In the evening he comes into a beautiful kingdom in which no people are to be seen. They all have fled from a sea monster [Wlganus] which has killed many people of the land. The monster hates all Christendom. The creature is half man, half horse and so large that no one dares fight it. It has a shield which displays a horrible head, and whoever looks at it drops dead. Many people in the land perished because of it. Garel does not know about this and rides on through the deserted land. At sunset he comes to a castle on a high rock and rides up to it on a narrow road. On both sides of the road a stone cliff drops down to the valley. He rides up to a deep moat in front of the stronghold and stops before the drawbridge which is up.

Motif References:

B 21 Centaur: man-horse
G 308 Sea-monster
G 346 Devastating monster.
D 581 Petrification [death] by glance
B 877.1 Giant sea-monster
D 2061.2.1 Death-giving glance.

PlGar-7326: A very beautiful and virtuous maiden named Laudamie lives at this castle which is called Muntrogin. The land is called Anferre. The maiden and her sister Anfole have been left the kingdom by her parents, king Avenis, and his wife Anfole. The sister died out of grief for the death of her knight Galwes who lost his life in her service. Laudamie thus became the sole heir of land and crown. She is up on the rock for five years for the sea monster besieges the castle. It has driven out the people of the land. When Garel asks to be admitted to the castle no one dares to look out for fear of the monster’s dreadful face. They have a look-out on a tower watching and warning people when the sea-monster comes near. He asks Garel who he is and sends word to the queen. The gate is opened and people welcome the stranger. Garel thinks it strange that they draw up the bridge in great haste and close the gates. He takes off his armor under a lime tree, washes himself with water they carry to him and puts on the fine clothing they bring him. He is very handsome.

Motif References:

B 21 Centaur: man-horse
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 211.9.1 Wife dies of grief for death of husband
P 252.1 Two sisters
G 308 Sea-monster
G 346 Devastating monster.
F 575.2 Handsome man
D 581 Petrification [death] by glance
B 877.1 Giant sea-monster
F 1041.1.2 Death from grief for death of lover or relative
D 2061.2.1 Death-giving glance.

PlGar-7453: A knight tells the queen that the stranger is a very beautiful knight and may well be a highborn nobleman. The queen receives the warrior and when Garel sees the queen he thinks she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Laudamie welcomes him with a kiss and the ladies bow politely. Garel falls in love with the queen and wants to serve her. While he is sitting beside the queen she asks him where he comes from and he tells her why he left King Arthur’s court and that he is heading for Chanadich to find out if their king is so powerful as they have heard. He keeps silent about the fame he won during the journey. When he tells her that he spent the previous night at Argentin she asks him if her cousin is still alive. He should be their ruler. Purdan killed his father, the duke Elimar of Argentin, and his mother Chlarine died from grief about her husband’s death. Chlaris was abducted by Purdan to his stronghold. Garel tells her that the two ogres are dead and Chlaris is well.

Motif References:

R 10.6 (Bm) Knight abducted
R 11.3 Abduction by giant [wild woman]
T 15 Love at first sight
T 211.9.1 Wife dies of grief for death of husband
G 440 Ogre [giant] abducts person
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 575.2 Handsome man
F 1041.1.2 Death from grief for death of lover or relative

PlGar-7627: Then Garel asks the queen who has caused her land to be forsaken and she tells him of her troubles: A sea monster, half man half animal, has come to her land, and nothing can oppose it and live, for on its shield it displays a dreadful head that kills whoever sees it, men and animals. Every day the monster comes to the castle and utters such horrible screams that mountains and valleys resound. It has lived in a cave by the sea for ten years and driven her people from the land. The queen starts weeping and Garel distressed by her grief promises to help her. She thanks him but tries to dissuade him from fighting the monster. Garel insists and asks her to lend him a messenger to send to Argentin. Garel sends word to his friend Chlaris to find king Albewin and ask him for help. The squire hurries to Argentin. Chlaris rides away at once to find Albewin whom he tells his errand. Albewin promises to come to Anferre the next day. Chlaris returns to his land and sends the squire back to Garel with the news.

Motif References:

B 21 Centaur: man-horse
G 308 Sea-monster
G 346 Devastating monster.
F 451.5.1.7 Dwarfs serve mortals
F 556 Remarkable voice
D 581 Petrification [death] by glance
N 810 Supernatural helpers
B 877.1 Giant sea-monster
H 973.3 Task performed by [with help of] dwarfs
D 2061.2.1 Death-giving glance.

PlGar-7840: Meanwhile Laudamie is caring well for Garel who is in love with her. Albewin and three dwarfs come to Anferre wearing cloaks that make them invisible. Garel is still in bed when Albewin enters his room and takes off his cloak. Garel greets him. He tells him that he has decided to fight the sea monster. The dwarf tries to dissuade him from fighting something that will surely kill him, but Garel insists for he has given his word. Albewin declares that he will risk his life for his sake and that he will return soon. Concealed by his cloak Albewin leaves. Albewin and his companions go to the monster’s cave which the dwarfs know well. They find the monster standing out front. It is clad in a fish skin, which is shining blue with red spots and harder than steel so that it cannot be cut by any weapon. The monster carries a large steel club and his head is covered by a horny skin, which is harder than a diamond. The creature has laid aside, face down, the shield with its frightful head that nothing can see and live. After a while the monster goes down to the sea hunting and leaves the shield behind for it is quite sure that no one would come there. Albewin and his companions take the shield and hide it in the forest. Then Albewin goes back to Garel and tells him what they did.

Motif References:

F 451.3.3.8 Dwarfs made invisible by magic caps [cloaks]
F 451.7 Possessions of dwarfs
D 581 Petrification [death] by glance
J 621 Destruction of enemy’s weapons
K 818.4 Deception by hiding weapons
F 835 Extraordinary club [pole]
F 839.2 Extraordinary shield
D 1344.9 Magic garment renders invulnerable.
D 1361.12 Magic cloak of invisibility
D 1381.3.2 Magic unpierceable (horn) skin protects against attack
D 1381.3.3 A protective garment which spears could not penetrate
D 1840.3 Magic invulnerability of ogres.
D 1980 Magic invisibility
D 2061.2.1 Death-giving glance.

PlGar-7981: Garel is still in bed for it is early in the morning. He thanks Albewin and gets up. Then the knight sends for his armor, shield, horse and spear and declares that he is going to fight the monster. He puts on his armor under the lime tree. Hearing that Garel is about to fight the sea monster the queen is greatly distressed. Meanwhile the squire who was sent to Argentin has told her that Garel has killed Purdan and rescued Chlaris and Duzzabel. She once again tries to dissuade him but Garel does not change his mind. He takes leave and she weeps for she already is in love with him secretly. They all give him their best wishes and blessings. Garel rides away to the cave on the road the dwarfs have told him. Laudamie takes a seat in a window in the hall to watch his depart.

Motif References:

N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

PlGar-8108: When the monster sees the knight coming it hastens to the cave for its shield. Not finding it the creature starts to scream loudly that land and sea resound. Then it runs at the knight to kill him with his club. Garel breaks his spear on the monster’s skin without piercing it. The monster comes at the knight as fiercely as a wolf falling upon sheep - that is why it is called Wlganus. It leaves nothing alive. Garel attacks the creature boldly but can strike no wounds. His good sword would cut horn, iron and steel but not the fish skin. Wlganus breaks the knight’s shield and his horse falls to its knees. Garel defends himself against the monster by his quickness and manages to escape its blows. Driven toward the cliff and being in great danger the knight prays to God to protect him. Only then he notices that the monster’s arms and hands are bare to the shoulder and he cuts off its right arm. Wlganus knocks him down, but Garel recovers at once and takes cover behind a rock. The club falls with such force that fires rises from the rock. The watching dwarfs begin to lament. Then Garel strikes Wlganus’s other arm and the monster gives a fierce cry. Garel attacks the armless monster which knocks him down with its hind feet. He recovers quickly, cuts off its hind legs and cuts off its head, which is so heavy that two men can hardly carry it.

Motif References:

G 512 Ogre killed
G 512.1.2 Ogre decapitated
F 556 Remarkable voice
Z 730 (Bm) Eponymous account of personal name
H 973.3 Task performed by [with help of] dwarfs
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
D 1344.9 Magic garment renders invulnerable.
D 1381.3.2 Magic unpierceable (horn) skin protects against attack
D 1381.3.3 A protective garment which spears could not penetrate
H 1561.6 Test of valor: fight with giant [warrior, dwarf-hero, dragon etc.]
D 1840.3 Magic invulnerability of ogres.

PlGar-8294: Albewin and his companions have caught Garel’s horse and now lead it up to him. Garel thanks the king for his faithfulness and would like to repay him but Albewin says that he did already. Garel asks him where he left the head. He would like to know as well where the monster got it and what it wanted to do with it. Albewin however does not know how the creature got the head but he tells him that the monster is called Wlganus. Garel is curious about the monster’s hard skin and they go to examine it. The skin is covered with shining blue hair and one can see bright red spots on it. Albewin asks Garel to give him the skin and the knight is happy to grant this demand. Albewin tells him that he will make a surcoat, a helmet and a shield from it which no weapon will cut. They take the skin off the sea monster.

Motif References:

F 451.3.4 Dwarfs as workmen
D 1344.9 Magic garment renders invulnerable.
D 1381.3.2 Magic unpierceable (horn) skin protects against attack
D 1381.3.3 A protective garment which spears could not penetrate
D 1840.3 Magic invulnerability of ogres.

PlGar-8408: Albewin reminds Garel that he has to decide where to put the dreadful head and the knight wants his counsel. The dwarf king advises him to return to Laudamie to tell her what happened. At night Albewin will bring the head and conceal it outside the castle gate. He should get the advice of those who suffered harm from the monster. Then Albewin asks leave to take Wlganus’s skin to his kingdom. Wearing his magic cloak he can travel very quickly. Garel rides toward Muntrogin and Albewin and the dwarfs carry home their booty. Then they return very quickly. Meanwhile Laudamie laments the knight’s misfortune for she thinks him dead. If he would have perished she too would have died. She sees an unarmed knight approaching the castle and looks out carefully for his device. She is overjoyed when she sees the man clearly and his coat of arms, two black panthers on white ground. Garel rides into the castle and dismounts under the lime tree. The entire retinue greets him happily. The queen welcomes him and leads him to the palace where she herself takes off his armor. He is given fine garments. After the knight has washed they sit at a window and the queen asks him about the monster and how he survived.

Motif References:

H 126 Identification by coat of arms
F 347 Fairy advisor [advice from dwarf]
F 451.5.1.7 Dwarfs serve mortals
F 451.7 Possessions of dwarfs
N 810 Supernatural helpers
D 1053 Magic mantle (cloak)
D 1520.6 Magic transportation by cloak (cape)
D 2122 Journey with magic speed.

PlGar-8554: Garel tells her that Wlganus is dead and Laudamie becomes white and red from joy. She kisses him and offers him herself, her crown, people and land. Garel is quite happy about it because he does not want to woo any other woman but her. Garel says that they could safely go down and see the creature for he has cut off its head. But he could not have survived without Albewin’s help who stole the dangerous head from the sea monster. He and his companions hid it in the forest and will bring it next morning. They will need advice what to do with it. All are very happy and praise the knight. The queen is delighted at his story and once again assures him of her gratitude. Ladies and knights come to the queen’s palace and all people of the household, and at their lady’s command declare themselves his subjects. The queen entrusts him with herself and her land which he gladly accepts. In the evening they have a meal and after it is over Garel advises Laudamie to send message throughout her lands telling people what has happened and bidding her vassals to come to her. Laudamie takes his advice and bids her kinsmen and friends to come to court.

Motif References:

Q 53 Reward for rescue
T 68.1 Princess offered as prize to rescuer
Q 112.0.1 Kingdom as reward
H 973.3 Task performed by [with help of] dwarfs

PlGar-8714: When night has come Garel shows his good breeding by postponing love-making and does not go to bed with Laudamie until after the arrival of the nobles. He conducts himself properly and accompanies the queen to her chamber. The queen and her ladies say goodnight and leave. He is led to his bed and well cared for. By moonlight Albewin brings the dreadful head, he has his companions dig a large hole, they lay the head in it and put a heavy stone on top. Love does not let Garel sleep and also Laudamie suffers from love. Albewin goes to Garel’s chamber and takes off his magic cloak. After the door has been locked and one of the dwarfs has barred it they sit down. The knight tells Albewin that the queen has offered him her hand and asks for his advice. Albewin says he could never find a better marriage than to this noble and wealthy maiden. Then Garel tells him that the queen has sent for her people and Albewin assures him that his affairs are going well. Garel is pleased to hear this.

Motif References:

P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
F 347 Fairy advisor [advice from dwarf]
F 451.5.1.7 Dwarfs serve mortals
F 451.3.3.8 Dwarfs made invisible by magic caps [cloaks]
F 451.7 Possessions of dwarfs
N 810 Supernatural helpers
D 1053 Magic mantle (cloak)
D 1361.12 Magic cloak of invisibility
D 1980 Magic invisibility

PlGar-8896: Garel asks him what he should do about the head. Albewin replies that he cannot dare bury it for should an evil man find it he would kill all the people with it and he should not burn it. Albewin recommends that he has a large amount of lead brought there and to order the head completely covered with it and thrown into the sea. Garel will do as he is counseled. Then he bids the dwarfs put on their cloaks. The servants appear with his clothing, he gets up and goes to hear mass. Garel and the queen have breakfast. Garel is well cared for until seven days later the queen’s friends and vassals arrive. Garel is highly praised for his brave deed. Laudamie takes council with her friends and kinsmen and they all agree that she should wed the knight. Then they all go to the great hall and Laudamie is given to Garel as his wife. A bishop confirms the marriage. Garel from then on has the land and the crown. There is a splendid feast and the two lovers then lie together. In the morning they hear mass, they stand there, wearing their crowns and receive the benediction. Then they have a meal. After the tables are removed the vassals receive their fiefs from Garel. They have a feast and the wandering minstrels become rich, they are given silver, gold, horses and clothing.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
T 100 Marriage
T 136.1 Wedding feast
F 347 Fairy advisor [advice from dwarf]
F 451.5.1.7 Dwarfs serve mortals
D 581 Petrification [death] by glance
P 634 Feasts
N 810 Supernatural helpers
D 866 Magic object destroyed.
D 2061.2.1 Death-giving glance.

PlGar-9110: At this time the duke of Argentin rides into the land to see his cousin and the hero who freed him from the giant. Garel and the queen receive him cordially and Laudamie asks him how he escaped the giant. Chlaris replies that Garel has rescued him and a pretty maiden from Turtuse with her twelve maids in waiting the giant’s wife had brought there. Garel slew the giant and his wife. On learning that Garel was the man who killed the two giants the lords praise him highly. The festival continues and all are well entertained. One morning the king asks his lords and vassals what they think about sinking the head in the sea. They all agree. The king is concerned about the danger from the head to the people and so he has it concealed deep in the earth. Then he has the head well covered with melted lead, has it lifted out, placed on a wagon and taken to the seashore. Garel sends for the best shipmaster. He pays him well and makes him swear to carry the head far away across the water and drop it. The man sails away and the king and his knights return to the castle. The shipmaster takes the head to a distant region called Satellege, where the four seas come together. There he throws it into the sea. As soon as it has sunk to the bottom mighty waves rage so fiercely that the master is barely able to escape. Some folks call the place where the head lies and shall remain until Judgment Day Wolfsatellege. The sea is always stormy there.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
Z 702 (Hi) Eponymous account of place name
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
D 866 Magic object destroyed.
D 900 Magic weather phenomena
A 1116 Origin of sea-waves
D 1540 Magic object controls elements

PlGar-9264: Nothing is lacking at Garel’s festival and all are well cared for. Garel is munificent so that all people love him and the queen sends many guests away with rich presents although her lands have been made desolate. The royal couple is as generous as King Arthur. Then the guests take leave. When those who have fled hear that Wlganus is dead they return home. The countryside is occupied and tilled. Garel has his land restored. He gives freely and makes the poor who want to live there rich until the land is fully peopled again. Garel remains with his wife until winter is over and May has come. Garel thinks it is time to set out for Chanadich. One night Garel lies sleepless beside his wife and wonders how he should leave. He is afraid of her tears and lamenting and decides to leave secretly. Laudamie is aware that something is troubling her husband. She asks him what worries him and offers to counsel him. Garel tells her that he has to ride to King Arthur but that he will soon return.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 12 Character of kings
T 200 Married life
P 634 Feasts

PlGar-9399: Laudamie wants to accompany him. Garel tells her that the king has lost his queen – Garel does not know whether she has returned – and that in a short time he must fight a battle with the king of Chanadich. He explains that he had left Arthur to win him military aid and that he now has to send for it. The queen advises him to announce a festival so that many bold warriors will come from foreign lands. He should then give costly gifts to all who desire them so that he would obtain their aid. And the knights in the land will be glad to serve him. She would like to keep him with her but she does not want him to neglect his honor. Then she begins to weep. He thanks her for her advice which proves her love and faithfulness towards him. In the morning they rise, hear mass and have breakfast. Then Garel announces that he would hold a splendid festival, which is to take place according to Arthur’s custom in the week of Whitsuntide.

Motif References:

P 20 Queens
T 200 Married life
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
P 634 Feasts
H 1224 Quest to distant king for military aid

PlGar-9495: The king and the queen receive their guests cordially. Garel sends word to those lords who have promised their aid that they should come to Anferre. They are already prepared to travel and come to help him. Gilan of Galis and the Duke of Pergalt arrive with their troops. Alexander and Floris are not with the duke, because they have left to join Eskilabon. Two large armies from the sea: one has been sent from the host Garel saved from Gerhart (they are led by a kinsman of the old king of Merchanie) and the second army is that of Gerhart of Rivierz. Garel rides to welcome him. Aware of the old enmity between Gerhart and Merchanie he has the two hosts taken to separate sites. Then Chlaris arrives with a large army. The ground soon is covered with many fine tents, each with a banner planted in front. In the morning the king and the queen look at the army from a window seat in the great hall and Laudamie asks her husband about the princes’ coat-of-arms. He tells her where they came from and he tells her the names of the lands and their rulers.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
H 126 Identification by coat of arms
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)[train]
H 1224 Quest to distant king for military aid

PlGar-9663: A large troop comes across the heath led by the Count Amurat of Turtuse whose daughter Duzzabel was rescued by Garel. The queen asks who they are, but Garel does not recognize their emblems. Then she notices a troop beneath a banner Garel knows well, an ermine eagle on a ground of black samite. Garel tells her that this warrior is called the wild Eskilabon. Garel has his marshal find camp sites for the two princes and then rides down himself with many knights to welcome them. The count thanks him for freeing his daughter. Eskilabon has come with many excellent knights. They display shackles on their armor and shields as a symbol of their captivity at Belamunt. Garel has many good warriors from his land too to ride forth to help Arthur. Garel invites the lords to come to the castle, hear mass and meet the queen. They put on fine garments and go with him. After the service is over they accompany Garel to the hall. The queen and her ladies stand there in splendid clothing and Garel asks his wife to welcome the guests by kiss. Tables are set and they have an excellent meal. Then the knights sit down with the ladies, many stories are told and at last goblets are brought in and everyone drinks. The princes ask leave to return to their tents and the king rides to the camp.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
H 126 Identification by coat of arms
P 320 Hospitality
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)[train]

PlGar-9907: Their needs have been well met but Garel rides to each of them to see how they are cared for. At last he goes to the men of Anferre. He sends for his vassals for he wants their advice as to whether he should dub Chlaris a knight in the morning and with him a hundred other squires. The vassals agree with their king and Chlaris is sent for. Garel will give him shield, saddle and fine clothing and give swords and steeds to the squires. The youth rides back to his camp and informs a hundred noble squires that they will be knighted with him in the morning. Then he orders a hundred more squires to prepare for knighting for he will bear this expense himself. Garel commands that arrangements be made to seat the princes. He inspects the entire area and sees to it that his guests lack nothing. In the evening he rides up to the castle. The queen is pleased with his arrangements. He sends Chlaris and his companions a hundred fine horses and Laudamie sends him three kinds of clothing for each of a hundred knights. Garel has considered this matter earlier and therefore weapons and knightly attire are to be had very quickly. Chlaris has brought from Argentin what he and his squires would need for he knew that Garel intended to make him a knight at the festival.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings
P 53 (Bm) Obtaining knighthood
P 320 Hospitality
P 551 Army
P 557 Military customs

PlGar-10028: At sunrise the queen and her ladies ride down to the tents, the king and the princes greet them courteously. Gilan lifts her from her horse and the other knights lift the ladies from their horses. A bishop sings mass. All the ladies are very pretty but none can equal the queen. After the mass is sung and the swords of the knights are consecrated and they all received God’s blessing the knights start a bohourt before the ladies. Eleven tables have been set up on the meadow, one for the queen and her ladies, two for the king and the lords of Anferre, the other ones for the princes. It is an abundant feast and neither the nobles nor the entire army lack anything. The air is filled with the sound of music of all sorts of instruments.

Motif References:

P 53 (Bm) Obtaining knighthood
P 561 Tournaments
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
P 634 Feasts

PlGar-10151: While they are enjoying their meal four richly clad dwarfs ride up to the king’s tent. They lead a horse that carries splendid armor and ask where the king is. They take two mail stockings from the pack horse, a fine hauberk, a shield, a surcoat and an excellent helmet which they carry to the king. Garel welcomes Albewin and his companions. Albewin has brought him his gifts to help him when he goes into battle. The armor and the weapons will protect him well. The helmet is made from Arabian steel, it is bright blue for it is covered with the blue fish skin that no weapon can pierce. At the top is a crown adorned with precious jewels. The surcoat has also been made from the fish skin and is ornate with gems. The hair of the skin with the red spots in it is so brilliant that nobody can look on it for long. The shield is covered with the fish skin as well. It is adorned with jewels, displays a white panther and has a buckle from Arabian gold shining in the dark. The king is delighted with the gifts and all who look at the armor are impressed by its splendor. Garel thanks Albewin who has saved his life by stealing the dreadful head of the sea monster and who has given him the ring of power and a sword that can cut any steel. He tells his marshal to look well after Albewin and his dwarfs.

Motif References:

F 451.5.1.6 Other gifts from dwarfs
D 812.12 Magic object received from dwarf
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor
F 824.7 (Bm) Impenetrable hauberk.
H 973.3 Task performed by [with help of] dwarfs
D 1101 Magic [part of] armor
D 1381.3.2 Magic unpierceable (horn) skin protects against attack
D 1381.10 Magic [part of] armor protects from attack

PlGar-10337: After the meal the king and the knights accompany the queen to her tent with a bohourt. Then Garel tells the princes that they should retire and honors each of them by riding politely with him to his tent. Then he goes to his army’s camp where he finds Albewin and his companions. They go to meet the queen. Laudamie has Albewin sit with her and Garel seats the other dwarfs in the midst of the ladies. Even though they are wilderness people, the dwarfs are well-mannered. The celebrating continues day and night with all kinds of entertainment and knightly sport. The festival lasts till fourteen days after Whitsunday. Then he asks the knights to come to his tent and asks for their assistance. He tells them that he is offering generous wages. They all give their oath to follow him to battle. The king has proclaimed the campaign throughout the camp and has the troops told to get ready in the morning. After taking council with the princes the king decides to travel openly for the army is very large. He has it announced that he would review the troops on the heath in the morning and then depart to assist King Arthur.

Motif References:

P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
P 634 Feasts

PlGar-10517: The festival ends joyously and the minstrels leave the country wealthy and pleased for Garel is a generous man. People are glad to serve him and he is well liked. Avenis, his father-in-law, has left him many jewels and a great treasure in Muntrogin and he shares his wealth. This wins him a large number of knights. The queen approves of his being openhanded. One must not be so fond of one’s wealth that one would rather have it than anything else on earth, as nowadays many do and are less esteemed because of it. A man should use his wealth in this world to earn the esteem of the world and the favor of God. Yet a man should not give in to excess but should be moderate in all things so that he may keep his power. Virtuous Garel knows how to give and live as a king should and his word is as good as his oath.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 12 Character of kings
J 689 Forethought in alliances - miscellaneous
F 899.4 (Li) Enormous treasure

PlGar-10608: In the evening they have a meal and before they go to bed they take leave of the queen to depart for their campaign. She commends them to God and begs them to watch over her husband. They promise to protect him faithfully. The king rides to each of the princes to see if they have all they need. Then Garel, the queen, the ladies and the dwarfs ride up to Muntrogin. At daybreak they hear mass. Then they go to the hall and Garel sends for a wise old prince, who is a kinsmen of the queen and completely loyal, and commits the queen, the people and the land to his care. The lord’s name is Imilot and he is known to be faithful. The king also entrusts his wife to Albewin. Then he kisses his wife and promises that he will be back soon. She weeps bitterly. He takes leave from Laudamie, Albewin, Imilot and the ladies, and rides down to the knights on the heath. The queen sits with her ladies, Albewin, the dwarfs and Imilot by a window to see the army depart. All the tents are taken down.

Motif References:

P 110.0.1 (Bm) Faithful steward [knight] as regent
P 551 Army

PlGar-10776: Eskilabon and his troops are the vanguard. His banner displays a hovering red eagle. The ladies in the castle watch as his army sets out with the blare of many trumpets. Four hundred knights, golden fetters on their shields and armor, ride ahead. The men of Merchanie follow Eskilabon: Their flag is blue and white and displays a blue leopard on white ground and a white leopard on blue ground. The next to leave is the duke of Pergalt and his men. His standard shows a black and lifelike unicorn on a white field. Gilan leads the fourth army. His banner is green with a golden and lifelike lion on it. Before it trumpeters are playing their music. Then come Amurat of Turtuse who carries a white swan on a black ground as his coat of arms, Gerhart von Rivierz with a red and white banner divided into four equal parts, and Chlaris of Argentin, whose troops have a red and white banner. Trumpets sound before him. The last to ride from the heath are the knights of Anferre who are divided into two parts with one red and one white banner. The banner of the land displays three shining crowns and is richly ornamented. The heath is radiant with the brilliant army. Garel rides with the second half and trumpets sound before him. His banner displays a black panther on a white field. Garel leads the huge army to Chanadich. Laudamie saddened by her husband’s departure prays to God to watch over him.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
P 552 Battle formations
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)[train]

PlGar-10977: There is a fortress in Chanadich that bars the way into the land and is called its lock. Garel and his troops make camp on a broad heath beside a splendid forest. As soon as Garel is quartered near a swiftly flowing river he rides to the circles of all the princes to invite them to a council in his tent for he requests their advice how they could take the stronghold. The lords join him at once. Garel will ride to the pass himself to assess the situation although the lords advise against it. A knight named Benemias got to know the land and the fortress well, for he rode there in search of adventure. In the stronghold dwell four men, who are greatly favored by their king and receive rich gifts from him. They are Zirigon, Zirdos, Malseron and Charabin. Malseron, Charabin’s cousin, is their leader and he is the oldest. They are well-mannered but very large. Their weapons are four-cornered steel poles and they guard the land.

Motif References:

P 14.15 King has champion to enforce respect
F 531.4.5.2 Giant with iron bar as weapon
F 531.6.16.1 Giant watchman
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war

PlGar-11075: Benemias advises Garel to watch out for the giants with much care for they are very powerful. The king tells them to remain on the heath until he returns and they find out where the king of Chanadich is. The princes take leave and retire to their camps. Early next morning Garel leaves the army and rides to the pass. The road is walled in by two high cliffs on both sides and the tower above the gate and the great hall beside it are of such height as is suitable for its inhabitants. Garel halts before the gate and calls loudly. Somebody up on the parapet asks him who he is and what he wants. He tells him to stop shouting for this could make his lord angry who would kill the stranger. Garel replies that they must wake their lord for he wants to know where the king of Chanadich is who challenged King Arthur. The squire advises him to hurry off at once before his lord sees him, but Garel says he does not care for the giant’s wrath.

Motif References:

F 531.4 Gigantic possessions of giant

PlGar-11217: Malseron hears this while he is still in bed. He gets up, dresses, goes down to the gate and sees the knight. The gate is opened and the giant walks out without his armor. The giant greets the knight asking him politely where he comes from and what his purpose in coming is. If he has come with good intentions he offers him his service and will allow him to enter the land. Garel tells him that he is in the service of Arthur, and has ridden here in search of adventure and to learn why the king did not come to Britain to avenge his grief on Arthur as a giant assured them he would do. A king should keep his word to be worthy of praise. The giant advises him not to question his lord’s honor. In a short time his lord will invade Arthur’s land. Garel replies that the giant’s anger means nothing to him and that he denies him greeting and friendly service. The giant should put on his armor for he wants to fight him and he never fights anyone unless he wears armor.

Motif References:

P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
H 1561.6 Test of valor: fight with giant [warrior, dwarf-hero, dragon etc.]

PlGar-11345: The giant goes into the fortress and puts on his armor. His steel pole is so heavy that twelve men could hardly lift it and its four corners cut through anything. His sword is large and sharp, and he has a fine helmet and a broad shield. When he sees Garel Malseron says that the hero now has to atone for his words. Garel replies he would not let him off without a fight if he had the strength of a dozen giants. Then they begin to fight. With his Angeran spear Garel gives the giant a great wound. Blood flows through the rings of his hauberk which were never cut by a sword before. The giant falls to the ground. The knight came so swiftly at his enemy that Malseron was knocked down before he could raise his pole. Garel dismounts at the edge of the forest and ties his horse to a branch. Malseron quickly recovers and runs fiercely at Garel. The giant swings his pole but the warrior jumps aside. The giant stumbles and falls.

Motif References:

F 531.4.5.2 Giant with iron bar as weapon
H 1561.6 Test of valor: fight with giant [warrior, dwarf-hero, dragon etc.]

PlGar-11472: Garel gives him mighty blows and strikes more wounds with his sword Albewin has given to him. Nothing can withstand this weapon. The dwarf’s ring gives Garel the strength of twelve men. The pole drops from Malseron’s hands and he draws his sword. The sword however cannot pierce the knight’s shield Albewin has given him. No weapon can cut the shield, the surcoat or the helmet that are covered by the blue skin. Garel cannot withstand the giant’s heavy blows for long and has to retreat. The forest echoes with the noise of the strikes sounding like claps of thunder. Malseron drives the knight deep into the forest. But his wounds trouble him and the heavy bleeding causes his strength to fail so that he falls senseless to the ground. Before he can recover Garel removes Malseron’s helmet and takes the weapons from him. The knight shows good breeding by not slaying the giant. He praises his valiance and courtesy and mourns his early death. Meanwhile Malseron becomes conscious and aware that the knight is sincerely lamenting his death. The giant begs him to spare his life and permit him to be subject to him. Garel makes him give his oath of fealty and accepts him as a vassal.

Motif References:

W 11.5 Generosity toward enemy
P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
R 74 Defeated warriors [adversaries] go into [are forced to join] the conqueror’s service
R 75 Surrendering
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
F 451.5.1.6 Other gifts from dwarfs
F 531.5.10 Giant as servant to man
F 610.4.2 Man with twelve men’s strength
D 812.12 Magic object received from dwarf
F 833.5.1 Sword cuts cloth etc, as well as steel and stone
D 1081 Magic sword
D 1335.5 Magic ring gives strength
D 1344.9 Magic garment renders invulnerable.
D 1381.3.2 Magic unpierceable (horn) skin protects against attack
D 1381.3.3 A protective garment which spears could not penetrate
D 1830 Magic strength
D 1840 Magic invulnerability

PlGar-11671: The giant asks Garel why he came to this land, who he is and where he was born. Garel identifies as Garel of Styria, king of Anferre and husband of queen Laudamie. Then he tells about Arthur – he is not sure if the giant has heard much of this mighty king – and praises his generosity, fine manners, faithfulness and uprightness. Garel rode from his court on quest for adventure and to learn the strength of Ekunaver who challenged Arthur. The knights of the Round Table are ready for combat, but it would disgrace them if they were just to wait for their enemy there. Therefore Arthur will lead his troops to meet the enemy halfway. Malseron tells Garel about his lord, who is generous and powerful and has many virtues. He has summoned a large army and five mighty kings have come to join him with their host: The valiant and wily heathen king from Kalde, King Helpherich of Nasseran, King Rubert of Gandin, King Ardan of Rivelanze, and King Angenis of Iserterre. Many brave knights have come to his aid and he has got a large army himself and three strong men, who are Malseron’s companions. Malseron now must renounce his fealty to his king and will get his relatives to leave him as well. Garel is highly pleased, says he is sorry to have harmed him and promises that he will share with Malseron everything but his wife.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)

PlGar-11841: Malseron replies that he is not ashamed of being vanquished by Garel for he has learnt that he accomplished wonders in combat by slaying Purdan and his wife and by killing Wlganus. Garel has been the first to overcome him and he is happy to have him as his lord. Then the giant asks him to have someone bring his salve from the fortress. It has been prepared by a mermaid and cures any wound. Malseron tells him a password to give to a squire and Garel soon returns with the salve. The knight removes Malseron’s armor, treats his wounds with the salve and binds them. The giant thereupon recovers completely and thanks him for having saved his life. Garel asks him to keep his companions from supporting Ekunaver. The giant promises that they will neither help nor oppose their king. Then Garel asks him how he and his lords should enter this land of which they know little. The giant replies that he will go to his king at daybreak and tell him what happened to him. Meanwhile Garel and his men should occupy the fortress so that they can move into the land. Malseron will inform Ekunaver that his enemy is coming and Garel should send a messenger after him to declare war for he should not attack him without warning. Garel thanks for his advice which he will follow and returns to his army.

Motif References:

W 34 Loyalty
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
N 812 Giant or ogre as helper
D 813.1 Magic object received from river nymph [mermaid]
D 1244 Magic salve (ointment)
D 1500.1.19 Magic healing salve.

PlGar-11993: Garel sends for all the princes and tells them of his success and the advice of the giant. He asks for their counsel and they all agree. Then Garel sends for a courtly and wise knight named Tjofrit and sends him as his messenger to Chanadich to challenge the king. He should also tell him that Garel has come with an army and that they intend to punish Ekunaver’s threat to King Arthur. Tjofrit soon hurries off with eleven of his men. In the meantime Malseron has returned to his house. He asks his brother and his cousins for the news from the court. Charabin tells him that in the next three days the king will set out with his army for Arthur’s land. The four of them must leave with him. Malseron tells them that he cannot join the king because he has been overcome by Garel and became his vassal. Garel who has slain Purdan and his wife and the sea-monster saved his life by binding his wounds with the healing salve and Malseron promised to dissuade them from supporting their lord in the war Garel intends to make on Ekunaver for Arthur’s sake. Charabin objects that they would be disgraced forever if they would forsake their lord and Malseron tells him that they are not supposed to aid his enemies but to support neither side. Malseron advises that they should hurry to the court in the morning to request permission to leave the king’s service.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
W 34 Loyalty
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
P 556 Challenge to battle
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war

PlGar-12275: The next day the four giants go to their king’s camp. Ekunaver is startled by the news. Malseron tells him that they want to be free of their allegiance to him. He gives him his best wishes and thanks them for the honors the king bestowed on them. All that they hold in fief from Ekunaver is given back to him. Malseron tells him that they will remain neutral in the war the king of Anferre will make on him. The king should take possession of the stronghold at the pass for the giants will no longer guard it. The king begs them to stay and offers them anything they wish but Malseron says they have to leave him. The giants turn to depart. The king is determined to carry out his plan since he does not have to worry about the four giants. Ekunaver sends for all the princes and tells them the news. The nobles ask if it is Arthur who is about to invade the land and the king tells them that Garel is their enemy. He asks them for advice if he should let him come into the country or meet him beyond the borders. Helpherich declares they should go to meet him and all are pleased with his advice.

Motif References:

W 34 Loyalty
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war

PlGar-12501: Tjofrit rides up and is directed to the king’s tent while the council is still in progress. The messenger tells him that Garel declares war on Ekunaver for the sake of King Arthur. Moreover he informs him of the enmity of the noble princes Duke Retan of Pergalt, Duke Gilan of Galis, Duke Eskilabon of Belamunt, Count Amurat of Turtus, Duke Chlaris of Argentin, prince Gerhart of Rivierz and Tyofabir of Merchanie. Then he tells him that all the princes of Anferre proclaim themselves his adversaries. Ekunaver replies that he is not concerned about the challenge. The messenger takes leave and the king offers him a gift that the knight declines. Tjofrit returns to his lord and brings him Ekunaver’s answer. He tells him that Ekunaver has a great army and names his allies. Garel summons the most distinguished of his men and repeats the message he has received. He tells them that they must not delay and that Eskilabon and Gilan will be in charge while Garel will go on ahead. Garel and his men hasten to the pass where they find the giants standing in front of the fortress. Malseron greets him and makes his lord receive his three companions as his vassals. Garel takes the giants into his service. He gives his word never to abandon them and the giants swear to be faithful to him. Later they serve him as long as they live.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
P 556 Challenge to battle

PlGar-12760: After the oaths are taken Garel asks the giants whether the fortress has been turned over to Ekunaver’s men and is told that no one has come yet to receive it. A short time later 400 knights arrive with orders from Ekunaver to take over the fortress. Galvan who is their leader rides to the giants and is given the fortress. The giants leave but turn back to watch the conflict which is to take place there. Garel and Galvan are facing one another. Then Galvan asks Garel who he is, where he came from and what he wants. Garel acting as if he were his own vassal says that he was sent to the fortress for an adventure and will keep it until his lord; the king of Anferre; arrives. Galvan hurries back to his men and tells them that those knights are enemies sent by the king of Anferre to seize the fortress. Galvan has 400 men, Garel 200 knights. Galvan leads his company in a charge against Garel and his men. Garel encourages his knights and gallops toward Galvan and unhorses him. The warriors on both sides fight fiercely. Many of Galvan’s knights are killed. Garel kills and unhorses many enemies. At last Garel splits Galvan’s helmet and head.

Motif References:

F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
K 1810 Deception by disguise
K 2350 Military strategy

PlGar-13009: Although they are alarmed at their leader’s death Galvan’s men show themselves undaunted. The struggle becomes more furious and finally Galvan’s troops are defeated. Those who do not flee are killed. The twelve who get away bring the news to Ekunaver who is greatly distressed. He summons his princes and tells them of his loss. The King of Rivelanze urges him to be more cheerful, for in war there must be losses but only those die who are fated to die. They should go forth to avenge Galvan. Ekunaver takes the advice and questions the knight about the enemy. He learns that the enemy had only two hundred men but they still won the battle. The knight praises the adversary’s courage and his beauty and tells them that he has a blue shield with a gleaming white panther on it. His surcoat and his helmet are blue as well and the helmet is adorned with a golden crown in which many jewels are set. He killed fifteen men and cut through the helmet of Count Galvan and his head down to his shoulders. Ekunaver thinks this knight might be Garel. The king decides to leave at once and the princes are soon ready. They set out in splendor and after a day’s journey make camp on a beautiful heath.

Motif References:

P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 628.2 Strong man kills men
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

PlGar-13201: In the meantime Garel occupies the fortress and sends word to his army to come quickly. Eskilabon and his troops are the vanguard, the others follow. The messenger tells them that Garel has not been hurt and that the fortress is taken. Eskilabon and Tyofabir arrive with a blare of trumpets, then come Amurat and the duke of Argentin. The lords of Anferre ride up under two banners, one displaying a lifelike panther the other three crowns. A mighty fanfare proclaims the arrival of each troop. The army sets up camp. Garel has the enemy given a proper burial and those of his men who have fallen are carried off on biers for burial. He orders that Galvan is taken to his grave on a very fine bier for he was a brave warrior. This done the king sends for the princes to get their advice. The king welcomes them and the giants formally receive them into the land. The nobles gaze at the giants in surprise for no one else alive equals them in strength, courage, and height. Garel asks them how to conduct their campaign and duke Retan counsels him who should stand watch at night, who should take the lead in the morning and who is to protect the army’s rear.

Motif References:

V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle
F 531.2.1 Extremely tall giant
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)[train]

PlGar-13463: Some men should be left at the fortress to defend it. If they would have to retreat they could wait here until Arthur comes with his army. Garel leaves 24 of his men who swear to surrender the fortress to no one except him and King Arthur. The giants stay there also but will be neutral in this conflict. Garel promises riches to them and should he be defeated they should not oppose King Arthur. The giants promise to do so. When they all have finished eating the troops in charge of guarding the army at night take up their positions. In the morning there is a great sounding of trumpets as the army moves out. They proceed with great splendor. The troops from Anferre display three golden crowns on their banner which are trimmed with many jewels. Garel takes leave of the giants and the guardians of the fortress. Malseron advises him to tell the vanguard to hurry forward and make camp beside a river for there is only one ford and he should pitch his tents beside it. Thus he will be safe at night. In the middle of the ford stands an iron lion which was cast with the aid of magic, and a banner projects from its gaping jaws. If the banner is removed there will come a loud roar from its throat that will kill whoever is nearby. Garel should protect his army from this noise. He sends a messenger to tell Eskilabon about the lion and warn him to be careful.

Motif References:

P 550 Military affairs
P 552 Battle formations
F 556 Remarkable voice
F 688.3 Voice heard over whole land
N 812 Giant or ogre as helper
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)[train]
D 1268 Magic statue (doll)
D 1380.0.1 Magic object protects a city [land]
D 1419.2 Magic object paralyses.
D 1620.2.4 Automatic statue of lion

PlGar-13632: Eskilabon is given the message, he decides to ride alone to the ford and free them from the danger. If the enemy is watching the ford they will not be concerned on seeing him all alone. Ekunaver has sent a company to protect the ford but they assume that the single knight is one of their own men. Eskilabon sees more than twenty thousand men on the opposite plain. Their leader is a warrior from The Flowers of the Wilderness (von den bluemen aus der wilde) who displays a red rose on his shield. He is called Ammilot and is the son of Ekunaver’s cousin. He has had many adventures in the service of ladies. Eskilabon seizes the banner and thrusts it and the staff down the iron throat so that the lion would not be able to roar. The staff breaks in two. Then the duke rides back to the shore.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
P 557.0.2 (Li) Spy. Messenger
D 866 Magic object destroyed.

PlGar-13698: Ammilot leaves his men behind and crosses the river to meet Eskilabon. They charge and begin to fight. Then Ammilot’s men see a banner moving over the plain which displays three fetters. Ammilot’s host rushes to the ford where Eskilabon has almost defeated Ammilot and saves him. Eskilabon withdraws from the ford toward his friends Floris and Alexander who gallop up having left their banner far behind. Their company appears, their standard-bearer is a warrior named Oigeones. They close on the enemy and the ground is covered with many good knights. Then the other banners arrive and charge into the battle. Tyofabir hews a path across the battlefield and the knights of Belamunt leave a trail of bodies too. Tyofabir and his troops turn toward Ammilot and his knights and cause their banner to fall down. Their war-cry is “Merchanie”, Eskilabon and his troops begin to shout “Belamunt”. Ammilot retreats to the river, pursued by Tyofabir and Eskilabon and their men. Many knights are slain in the narrow ford that soon becomes red with blood. Then the pursuers ride back to the plain. The knights of Turtus and Argentin appear, then come the knights from Anferre. They are told about the fight. Garel arrives with his troops and on learning of the success he rides happily to the tents of Eskilabon and Tyofabir to thank them for their labor. Gilan, Retan and Gerhart come with the rear guard.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
P 550 Military affairs
F 628.2 Strong man kills men
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

PlGar-14026: Ekunaver’s troops are seen arriving across the river. The king of Kalde rides up in splendor with a large army. His costly banner shows a flying image of his god Jupiter on a white field. The god also appears on his shield, that shows a crown of gold. Many elegant tents are pitched. King Angenis comes with his army from Iserterre by the sea. His standard displays a lifelike, crowned flying dragon that shines because it is adorned with gold and jewels. Next comes Helpherich of Nasseran, whose banner displays a dreadful serpent. They are followed by King Rubert of Gandin with a standard displaying a black stag, and by king Argan of Rivelanze whose banner shows a black wolf on white ground. They are followed closely by King Ekunaver. Ammilot has told him about his defeat. His costly banner displays a lifelike griffin hovering. Ammilot’s carries his banner which displays a red rose adorned with many jewels on a white field. This is Ekunaver’s ancestral emblem of Chanadich and he wears the rose on his shield because he is the duke of The Flowers of the Wilderness. The king rides to his tent. A large unit is sent to the ford to protect it and on the other bank the ford is also watched. At day’s end the mighty armies are fully settled on both sides of the river.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols

PlGar-14195: In the evening Garel sends for the chief nobles to take council how he should protect the troops until morning. Amurat and Chlaris will stand watch and with martial music they lead their men to the ford. The enemy knights sent to protect the ford arrive with music resounding before them. At daybreak the guard is changed on each side and there is a great din of music. After their morning meal the princes gather before Garel’s tent. The princes agree that Garel sends a messenger to Ekunaver to ask that if they wanted to fight this is also Garel’s wish. Garel would cross the ford with his army under a truce or would let Ekunaver lead his army over the water so that they could meet on equal terms on the heath. The messenger rides to Ekunaver’s tent who agrees to Garel’s proposal and will bring his army across the river under a truce. Then the knight rides back and delivers Ekunaver’s message. Garel gives his word that he will not attack until both armies are on the heath under like conditions and a truce is proclaimed throughout the army. After taking council with his princes Garel decides that all the troops should be pulled back so that the enemy can set up new quarters. Ekunaver moves his camp across the river.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
P 550 Military affairs
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
P 558 (Bm) Truce
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)[train]

PlGar-14419: The day after the army crossed the river the truce is revoked and Garel takes field with his troops. He has met with his princes and they have agreed on how to arrange their forces. Eskilabon is to lead the attack, Tyofabir rides under his banner, their war-cry is “Belamunt”. Gilan and the duke of Pergalt lead the second unit. Gilam politely has his standard removed insisting that only his brother-in-law’s should be raised. Their war cry is “Pergalt”. The third corps is commanded by Amurat, Chlaris and Gerhart, whose cry is “Turtus”. Then follow the men of Anferre. Their banner displays a beautiful golden crown and their war cry is “Anferre”. Garel assembles his own troops and gives them Arthur’s cry “Nantes”. When a lookout tells Ekunaver that Garel’s troops are ready the king arranges his forces. The advance is lead by King Salatrias, the troops of Angenis of Iserterre should follow. Then comes Helpherich of Nasseran, King Rubert of Gandin. The leader of the fifth corps is Ardan of Rivelanze, Ammilot leads the sixth unit. The king declares that he will lead the seventh unit and his war-cry would be “Chanadich”. The other war-cries ordered by the leaders to their troops are: Flore, Rivelanze, Gandin, Nasseran, Iserterre. The heathen king of Kalde makes his host call “Jupiter” who is one of their gods. They move to the plain.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
P 550 Military affairs
P 552 Battle formations
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war

PlGar-14606: Eskilabon rides forth with his men to martial music. Toward him comes Salatrias with his troops and is received with arrows and blows by Eskilabon and Tyofabir. Their banner displaying golden shackles is borne by Oigeones. They give the heathens a fierce battle and many warriors fall dead on the field. The host of the king of Iserterre moves against Retan and Gilan. Gilan charges Angenis riding ahead of his troops and they have a joust. Then they continue fighting with their swords. The warriors storm up and both sides suffer great losses. Helpherich and his men are confronted by the knights of Amurat and Chlaris. Helpherich and Chlaris break their spears in a joust and draw their swords. The troops gallop forward and many knights are unhorsed. Many an ornate crest becomes red with blood. Then the force of King Rubert, a high-spirited knight striving for the favor of ladies, joins the battle. He leads his men toward Laudamie’s troops riding under the banner with the three crowns.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
P 550 Military affairs
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

PlGar-14766: The air is full of the noise of battle and war-cries are to be heard. Count Elimar, the standard-bearer of Anferre, urges his men forward and crashes through the enemy ranks. The blood begins to turn the field red. Ardan of Rivelanze moves toward the banner with the bright panther. Garel riding ahead of his men approaches with his troops to martial music. Garel and Adan break their spears in a joust and draw their swords. Garel wounds his adversary who drops senseless to the ground and he would have killed him if his men had not come to his aid. The war-cry “Nantes” resounds over the field which is covered by lifeless bodies. The valiant warrior Garel hews a path across the battleground, leaving many dead and wounded behind him. There are severe losses on both sides. Garel and his men do great harm to the enemy. Duke Ammilot moves toward the conflict with his men following his banner with the red rose. He rides to where Eskilabon and Tyofabir are struggling against the heathens. When they raise their battle-cry “Belamunt” a third of the heathens have died and the rest begins to retreat.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
P 550 Military affairs
F 628.2 Strong man kills men
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

PlGar-14884: Ammilot comes to their aid and Eskilabon and Tyofabir are driven back. They are fighting fiercely against Ammilot and his men who shout “Flore”. Ekunaver approaches the conflict and hastens to bring support to Ardan who is near defeat. Ekunaver’s forces shouting “Chanadich” charge Garel and his men. Garel’s troops are driven back but he encourages them by shouting “Nantes”. The bodies of the warriors cover the field and the wounded horses lie on the dead. The struggle is desperate. Seeing that Gilan and Retan are driving through his troops king Angenis challenges Gilan to combat. Both strike the other’s helmet until sparks flow. At last Gilan kills the king. Many knights fall as the king’s men seek vengeance. Gerhart kills Angenis’s standard bearer. The men from Iserterre are disheartened, many are wounded or slain, the others take to flight. In the meantime Amurat and his men have nearly defeated Helpherich who defends himself fiercely and does great harm to Chlaris’s troops. Chlaris rides against Helpherich and they attack each other fiercely. He would have slain him but his men rescue him and lead him away. Helpherich’s troops are defeated and begin to flee. Amurat raises his cry of victory: “Turtus!”.

Motif References:

P 550 Military affairs
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

PlGar-15273: King Rubert of Gandin and his followers fight bravely and well and the knights of Anferre also struggle mightily so that the forces of Gandin are greatly reduced. Elimar, the standard-bearer, and the queen’s knights ride at will through the enemy troops. Eskilabon, Tyofabir and their men are fighting boldly against superior forces. Amurat and Chlaris come to support them against the heathens who have recovered well. In order to regroup “Belamunt” is shouted. Amurat kills Ammilot’s standard-bearer. Many heathens are killed and Eskilabon strikes king Salatrias dead to the ground. Salatrias was a virtuous, chaste, well-mannered and generous hero, and there will be widespread mourning for him. The Christian company presses forward boldly toward the heathen banner with the image of Jupiter. Benemias kills their standard-bearer, they shout “Belamunt!” and Ammilot begins to retreat. The battle continues and the host of Chanadich is still fighting with Garel’s troops. Ekunaver addresses his men in a speech to encourage them. Then he breaks through charging units and fells a large number of warriors.

Motif References:

P 550 Military affairs
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

PlGar-15473: Garel too has struck down many enemies about him with Albewin’s sword that cuts through everything. Ekunaver wants to avenge his friend Ardan who tells him that he has been wounded by the boldest man he ever saw. His helmet is adorned with a crown, his shield is blue and displays a white panther, his helmet and surcoat are also blue and have fiery red stars gleaming from them. His banner is a panther on a white field. Ekunaver says this is Garel. He rides through the battle in search of Garel. He charges him and they begin to fight fiercely. Ekunaver cannot harm Garel because no weapon can pierce his helmet, shield or surcoat. Garel wounds him – he is aided by Albewin’s ring that makes him strong as twelve men and the sword that nothing can withstand. Ekunaver becomes wild with rage but he is soon aware that his sword is useless against Garel’s armor. He tries to wrestle him from his horse. But Garel is much stronger and lifts him out of the saddle as if he were a child. Then he places him in front of himself on his horse. In this manner he carries him away as his prisoner. He gives the king of Chanadich into the care of his men who keep him in their lord’s tent.

Motif References:

Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
H 126 Identification by coat of arms
P 173.3 Captives from battle (sold as slaves)
F 451.5.1.6 Other gifts from dwarfs
F 610.4.2 Man with twelve men’s strength
D 812.12 Magic object received from dwarf
F 833.5.1 Sword cuts cloth etc, as well as steel and stone
D 1081 Magic sword
D 1335.5 Magic ring gives strength
D 1344.9 Magic garment renders invulnerable.
D 1381.3.2 Magic unpierceable (horn) skin protects against attack
D 1381.3.3 A protective garment which spears could not penetrate
D 1830 Magic strength

PlGar-15657: After the king is seized his men try to free him but fail. The fighting becomes even more intense and Garel’s forces suffer heavy losses. Garel rides through the enemy ranks and urges his men to gain victory. The men follow close behind. Garel rages among the foes and fells their standard-bearer. The host of Chanadich begins to withdraw and Garel and his knights raise a shout of victory: “Nantes!” The invaders have prevailed. There is a great din, with the battle cries of the victors sounding over the field as their banners sweep on. Many warriors are slain while fleeing and others are taken prisoner. Helpherich, Ardan, Rubert and Ammilot regroup and defend the ford so that their men can escape. Much blood is shed at the ford as the pursuers arrive there. Rubert kills Elimar, the standard-bearer of Anferre, but the banner is snatched up quickly by Elinot. The men of Anferre hold the battlefield. Many of the enemies drown. The river flows red with blood. Garel and his troops force their way to the shore and pursue the enemy. Many men are killed or taken prisoner and the rest of them flees. The defeat is complete. Then Garel orders that the pursuit is abandoned and Eskilabon heralds the victory by blowing his horn so loudly that the whole plain resounds. They cross the river and return to the battlefield.

Motif References:

R 260 Pursuits
P 550 Military affairs
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 628.2 Strong man kills men
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

PlGar-16004: Almost the entire army is overcome with sorrow for their friends and kinsmen killed in battle. Men ride over the battlefield seeking kinsmen and comrades. Garel orders that the slain knights are given a fine burial in the morning. The noblemen who are to be taken elsewhere are placed on biers. Since it is too late to find another campground they settle down on the battlefield for the night. Those whose health allows them to gather the booty lying about become wealthy. At daybreak Garel has a council with the princes and they decide to move their camp to some other place since the field is covered with dead and blood. Garel sends a messenger to the giants asking them to come and bring their salve for so many warriors have been injured. Garel has the tent and the wounded moved to a new site together with the biers of the noblemen. They have to travel gently. Garel orders Chlaris to form the rear guard.

Motif References:

V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 550 Military affairs
P 555.0.1 (Si) Booty. The spoils of war.
D 1244 Magic salve (ointment)
D 1500.1.19 Magic healing salve.

PlGar-16104: As soon as they are established on a beautiful meadow Garel sends for the princes to get their advice what he should do now. Retan says Garel should take Ekunaver’s oath of fealty and have him swear to accompany him to Arthur’s court. All enemy princes who have been captured are to travel with him. Garel gladly takes the counsel and asks Eskilabon and Gilan to ride with him to Brittany. The other princes join them. Then he sends for Ekunaver, Ardan and Helpherich, after Gerhart has given up his claim to the latter. Garel says that king Ekunaver is a widely renowned knight who always lived in honor but that he must atone to Arthur for the insolence of challenging him. He must face the king as his prisoner. Ekunaver replies that he has no other choice but do as Garel commands. He is unhappy and for the rest of his life will lament the death of so many noble warriors killed in his service. Moreover he is distressed by the fear that his queen Gloutite has died of sorrow. He would be relieved if someone could tell her that he is well. Garel releases him after he has taken his oath of fealty. Ekunaver gives his oath to follow Garel to Arthur’s country as soon as he has seen his wife. Ardan and Helpherich give their word to return for the journey.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
R 74.4 (Tu) Defeated king [nobleman, knight] becomes conqueror’s vassal
R 75 Surrendering
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
T 210 Faithfulness in marriage

PlGar-16282: Meanwhile the four giants have arrived and Garel goes to receive them cordially. He asks them to heal his men and friends that have been wounded. Gilan and Gerhart quickly recover due to the power of the salve, and Ekunaver, Ardan and Helpherich also are given treatment of their injuries. The four giants are truly sorry that Ekunaver is a prisoner and lament the king’s misfortune. Ekunaver hopes that they will hold no ill will if he did anything to trouble them while they were in his service. The giants thank him. Then Ekunaver, Helpherich and Ardan take leave of Garel in order to look for their fallen kinsmen and subjects. Garel asks Ekunaver to see that all the dead are buried and asks them to return soon. They give their word and ride off.

Motif References:

W 34 Loyalty
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle
N 812 Giant or ogre as helper
D 1244 Magic salve (ointment)
D 1500.1.19 Magic healing salve.

PlGar-16374: They find the bodies of many of their friends on the battlefield. Ekunaver laments the death of king Salatrias whose shield displays his god Jupiter. They carry him to the green plain and cover him with his shield. Helpherich finds the king of Iserterre and Ekunaver mourns him. Helpherich admonishes Ekunaver to be more moderate in lamenting which would do the dead warrior no good. They should carry him up to the plain and commend his soul to God. Ekunaver should go home, console his people and comfort his queen, who think he has perished. No one can overcome his troubles by wailing and he should let everyone see that he is indeed a man. They have suffered great losses but must have hope. Yet Ekunaver says he cannot help but mourn his kinsmen and vassals. Ardan declares that one can recognize the resolute man by the manner in which he deals with misfortune. Ekunaver’s distress will cause many to despair because of their losses and therefore he should cease to lament and try to console his people. They carry Angenis from the battlefield, lay him on the grass beside Salatrias and cover him with his shield. Then they ride to the ford and when Ekunaver finds great numbers of his people lying slain there he again cries out in grief.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
W 26 Patience
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief

PlGar-16582: Ekunaver then sets out for Bovramunt, his capital. In the meantime Rubert, Ammilot and the queen have decided to ride forth to learn what has happened to the king. The queen is very worried. When the king sees his wife unharmed he is very pleased and Rubert, who recognizes the three riders coming toward them comforts the lady. She is delighted and love causes her to flush, then turn pale and she forgets all her grief. She swoons from love and slips unconscious from her horse. Ekunaver lifts her up, kisses her and tells her to be cheerful. The queen says she would have died if he had not returned. Then the queen greets Helpherich and Ardan with a kiss. When she hears that the king has to travel at once to Brittany she is unhappy and weeps. She asks her husband to allow her to go with him for she is sure that Arthur will make amends for the great distress she suffered when her sister died of grief for the death of Arthur’s son Elinot. Ekunaver objects that it is a long and difficult journey but she insists and he gives in. They ride on together. Ekunaver tells them that Salatrias and Angenis are dead and they are distressed by the news.

Motif References:

T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love
T 24.2 Swooning for love
T 210 Faithfulness in marriage

PlGar-16790: In a short time they enter the city of Bovramunt where there is great mourning because so many knights have died in the battle and because no one has news of the king. When they hear that Ekunaver, Helpherich and Ardan have come they begin to rejoice. Helpherich and Ardan go to their camps and their men are delighted to see the kings. They lament the host of friends, kinsmen and knights that have fallen. Ekunaver orders his people to find all the slain warriors and bring them together; they should carry back the highborn noblemen on biers, the others are to be buried with honor. Angenis and Salatrias and many princes are embalmed and sent off to their homelands. This done Ekunaver prepares to depart. Helpherich and Ardan send their men home. Rubert and his knights take leave and return home. Ekunaver places his castle and land in the care of his cousin Ammilot. Then the king and the queen, Helpherich and Ardan leave with their stately train.

Motif References:

V 60 Funeral rites
P 110.0.1 (Bm) Faithful steward [knight] as regent
P 683 (Bm) Embalming

PlGar-16925: Ammilot rides with them as far as the pass where they find Garel encamped with his army. All knights that were wounded have been healed by the power of the giants’ salve. When Garel is informed that the king of Chanadich and his queen have arrived with Ardan and Helpherich he orders that they be shown a place for their tents somewhat removed from the others. Then he sends for the princes to ask them to ride with him to pay their respects to the queen. They attire in splendid apparel and ride with Garel to Ekunaver’s tent. Garel has sent word to Ekunaver to ask if he could meet the queen and Ekunaver replied she would be glad to see him. Ekunaver admonishes her to receive him in a friendly manner and she promises to do as he wishes. When Garel and the princes ride up to the tent Ekunaver, Helpherich and Ardan welcome them without malice. Ekunaver then takes them to the queen and she receives them cordially. Then he asks Garel to take a seat beside the queen and makes the other princes sit with the ladies. Then he assigns seats for Helpherich and Ardan and sits down himself.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality
D 1244 Magic salve (ointment)
D 1500.1.19 Magic healing salve.

PlGar-17144: The queen does not forget her grief and says that Garel’s invasion has caused her much grief. Besides she has suffered much distress from King Arthur: Her sister Florie chose Arthur’s son Elinot to be her sweetheart. He lost his life in her service, and she died of grief. Her sister was queen there and after her death Gloutite inherited the land. Kinsmen and vassals urged her to marry but she wanted to avoid the fate of her sister and renounced love. Her sister is only one of many women who have died of love and love has also caused many men to perish. The princes demanded a lord to rule the land but allowed her to choose whichever noble she wanted. She chose Ekunaver and was very happy until he declared war on King Arthur because of his father’s death. She hopes Arthur will forget his anger and treat them kindly. She begs Garel to be gracious to her husband. Garel promises her that Ekunaver will not be harmed. He tells her that Arthur and the queen still mourn the loss of their son and all are very unhappy at his early death brought about by his love for her sister. Garel promises to help her husband leave Arthur’s court with honor.

Motif References:

P 28 Marriage of queen
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 211.9.1 Wife dies of grief for death of husband
T 311 Woman averse to marriage
F 1041.1.2 Death from grief for death of lover or relative

PlGar-17276: Garel takes leave of the queen and the princes take leave of her and the other ladies. Helpherich, Ardan and Ekunaver ride with them to Garel’s tent. There they say goodnight and ride to their circles and the kings return to their quarters. Garel’s heralds announce to the army that they should get ready to leave in the morning. At daybreak they set out to Brittany. As Garel is about to leave he sends for Ekunaver and asks him to resume control of the fortress. Ekunaver places Ammilot in charge of the fortress, who moves into it and orders that it be well defended. In the evening they make camp on a plain. Garel takes counsel with the princes and it is decided to send word to Laudamie to tell her of their success and that he should dispatch those who were wounded to stay with the queen until they have recovered. A valiant count named Olivier agrees to be the messenger. He should tell Laudamie that her husband is in good health and how the campaign turned out. He should give his best regards to Imilot and Albewin. Garel sends with him a letter and a ring as token. Laudamie will believe the ring for she gave it to Garel when he left her. Those who were wounded in the battle go with the messenger to Anferre to wait for Garel there. The messenger sees that they are well cared for.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
H 82 Identifying tokens sent with messenger
H 82.3 Tokens between lovers

PlGar-17440: Olivier is cordially received at Muntrogin by Laudamie, King Albewin and Imilot. He delivers Garel’s message to the queen. The queen is delighted to hear that her husband is well and has been successful. She recognizes the ring and reads the letter which gives a loving greeting to her. She puts the ring on her finger and asks about the princes. He tells her that they are all well except Elimar who is dead. The ladies lament bitterly. As a messenger’s reward the queen will give him a thousand marks of red gold. The count is pleased and thanks her. Then Olivier takes leave and arranges for the wounded to get good care. In the meantime Garel and the princes move on toward Brittany and in the evening make camp by a river. They travel in comfort and eat well. All have become wealthy in Chanadich.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
H 82 Identifying tokens sent with messenger
H 82.3 Tokens between lovers

PlGar-17606: Arthur is very happy for Ginover has returned. Lanzilet won her back in combat with Meliakancz who had abducted her. The king’s army is encamped and waiting for the order to depart. His kinsmen and vassals have joined him at Dinazzarun. Gawan has brought many men from Terre Marveile in his duchy of Logereis. King Gramoflanz and Beachurs of Norway have come with a mighty host each. King Erech of Charnant has led many valiant warriors from his land of Testregeis. Yban of the Fountain, King Melians of Liz arrive with many fighters, Lanzilet brings many men from his lands of Gamwis and Todone. In addition a large number of troops come to Dinazzarun from Arthur’s three lands: Brittany, England and Lover. Arthur sets out with this army to meet Ekunaver halfway as Garel has counseled. He takes leave from the queen and sets out for Chanadich. They do not know how Garel fared after he left to follow the giant.

Motif References:

R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted
R 111.1 Princess (maiden) rescued from captor
R 169.1.1 (Bm) Knight rescues abducted lady.
P 550 Military affairs
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)

PlGar-17716: As Arthur’s army is about a league away from Garel’s the Breton is told that Ekunaver’s host is near. He sends for the princes and has a council. Cay obtains the king’s permission to ride forward to spy on their foes. He says that he hates those men who, unlike him, assume a task that they cannot complete: Garel has shamefully deserted them. All those sitting with the king maintain that it is disgraceful of Cay to question Garel’s honor and Gawan tells him that he should speak better of him for Garel did much for him. Arthur who thinks that he has lost the valiant warrior mourns him. Cay declares that he thinks Garel is only bold with words and that he possibly returned home to his father. Arthur says that Cay dislikes an upright man more than an evil one and that this will cost him salvation. Cay has his armor brought to him. Although in ill repute as a scoffer he is one of the boldest of Arthur’s men.

Motif References:

W 32 Bravery
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
K 2129 Slanders - miscellaneous

PlGar-17838: When Garel learns that Arthur and his army are not far away he has a council with his princes. He tells them that he will ride off to look at the king’s forces and asks who would accompany him. Eskilabon, Gilan, Chlaris, Tyofabir, Gerhart, Floris, Alexander, Benemias, Liander, Oigeones and the four giants join him. Garel asks Amurat and Pergalt to remain behind. Then Garel and his companions go to a hill so that they can see Arthur’s camp. When Garel sees Cay approaching with raised spear he tells his companions who this man is and that he detests him because of his bad manners and his lack of shame. Cay is Arthur’s seneschal and he distorts everything good. Garel asks his comrades to remain behind as he rides toward Cay. They joust, Cay breaks his spear on his foe but is thrown from his horse. Garel leads Cay’s horse away.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
W 187 Insolence [Self-conceit]
L 400 Pride brought low
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

PlGar-17980: Returning then to Cay he asks him from which land he has come. Cay will only tell if Garel dismounts. Garel refuses and will let him walk home in disgrace. Cay says that if he does not fight him on foot he will consider him a coward and he will spread the news far and wide. Garel dismounts and ties his horse to a branch. Cay orders him to bring back his horse or he will take Garel’s. Garel laughs and says he is not afraid of him. Cay threatens to kill Garel, who is amused about this. Cay then dashes at the knight but Garel throws him to the ground and takes his helmet and sword. When Cay realizes that his foe is standing over him and that his sword and helmet are gone he decides to deal carefully with him and offers to swear fealty. He begs him to overlook his acting foolishly. Garel replies that if Cay had defeated him he would have heard nothing but scorn. Cay protests and says he would have treated him well. Garel would prefer death to needing Cay’s kindness for ridicule would be heaped upon him. He spares him, but Cay will have to walk back, not ride. He once again asks him where he came from and Cay says he rode there from Arthur. Garel sends Cay back to tell Arthur that he defeated him. Cay wants to know his name and Garel tells him that if someone asks him he should say that he is the man who won his horse.

Motif References:

L 400 Pride brought low
K 1831.0.2 (Bm) Disguise by refusal to reveal name

PlGar-18257: Garel rides back to his companions and tells them what has happened. Meanwhile Cay brings Arthur the news of Ekunaver. Garel asks his companions how he should let Arthur know of his return and they advise him to send a messenger who should also take Cay’s horse, helmet and sword with him. Malseron offers to be Garel’s messenger. Garel promises that as a reward his land and wealth will always be at his disposal and that of his three companions. Garel tells him that he should assure Arthur of his devotion, return Cay’s horse, sword and helmet, and ask Arthur to help him appease Cay. He should also give his regards to the knights of the Round Table. Malseron takes leave of Garel and sets out to find Arthur. He is given a squire to lead the horse since he himself is too tall to do so. His head reaches the treetops and he walks so swiftly that the squire can hardly keep up. They soon come to Arthur’s camp which is very large. Never was a mightier or more splendid army seen and the best knights of all lands are with Arthur.

Motif References:

P 10 Kings [King’s famous court]
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
Q 40 Kindness rewarded
F 531.2.1 Extremely tall giant
F 531.2.7 Giant so large he cannot be carried by a horse
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)[train]

PlGar-18384: Meanwhile Cay has returned to Arthur who asks how he lost his horse and sword. Cay says that he saw ten men stop at an outpost and four very large and tall men with them. One of the ten came riding toward him and defeated him. He led away his horse. As he returned Cay asked him to dismount and fight. The stranger threw him to the ground without even drawing his sword, took his helmet and his sword, and when he regained his senses Cay begged for mercy. But the knight spared his life with no conditions. He made him go back in disgrace and when Cay asked him who he was he told him that he was the one that took Cay’s horse. Cay says that this proves that Garel lied to them for the giants are all alive. None of the knights sitting before the king like the seneschal and they are not sorry that he has been humbled. The king asks for the stranger’s emblem and Kei replies that it is a white panther on blue ground, his surcoat and helmet were blue as well and he wears a crown with many jewels on his helmet. Arthur thinks this might be the emblem of Garel who inherited the panther of Styria.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
H 126 Identification by coat of arms
Z 150 Other symbols

PlGar-18550: In the meantime Malseron has come to the plain where Arthur and his allies are encamped in state. Many of the men who see him are greatly frightened by his size. As large and tall as the giant is there is nobody on earth so well-mannered. He asks where the king is to be found and is directed to the place. Arthur leaves his tent and the giant is received cordially. Malseron lies down his iron rod, the sword, his helmet and his shield and kneels down before Arthur. Then he says that the king of Anferre who offers Arthur his faithful service has sent him with the horse, the helmet and the sword. His lord is ready to make amends if he has offended him and he requests to give him an escort to guard him from Cay’s anger for he desires to come to see the king. The giant offers his lord’s service to the members of the Round Table. Arthur asks for the name of the giant’s lord and Malseron says that it is Garel. Then he tells how the warrior has gained help and that he defeated Ekunaver in Chanadich, whom he has brought together with two kings as a prisoner. Arthur learns that Garel won the queen of Anferre, slew Purdan and his wife, freed Chlaris and the daughter of the count of Turtus, captured the fortress at Chanadich and vanquished Malseron himself in combat.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
F 531.2.1 Extremely tall giant
F 531.5.1.0.1 (Bm) Courteous giant

PlGar-18676: Arthur is happy about the news and thanks the giant for his report. Then he asks Malseron which helpers Garel has brought with him and the giant gives him their names and the lands in which they were born. Arthur offers to arrange quarters for Malseron if he will stay but the giant is in a hurry to return to Garel. Arthur asks him to tell Garel to come to see him at once and that he need not be concerned about Cay for he himself will be his escort. The knights all rejoice at Garel’s good fortune and the seneschal becomes the object of general derision. If Cay could feel shame he would leave the company of knights but he pays little attention to the ridicule. Then Gawan asks the giant to urge Garel not to delay. At the giant’s question he names himself and Malseron says that much has been related about his great merit. All of the other knights wish to send their best regards to Garel and Malseron is glad to bear their messages. As the giant is taking leave Arthur says he should tell Garel that Lanzilet has won the queen back in combat from the knight who took her away. The giant hurries back to his lord.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
R 169.1.1 (Bm) Knight rescues abducted lady.
W 187 Insolence [Self-conceit]

PlGar-18833: Garel has returned to his companions. They have seen that Arthur commands so great an army that he certainly would have defeated Ekunaver. Garel, the kings and the princes hear Malseron’s message. He brings him the greetings of King Arthur and his knights and tells them that the queen has come back. Malseron will have a rich reward for the good news. Then Garel tells Ekunaver that he will have to go to Arthur and swear fealty the next morning and that Ardan and Helpherich will go with him. They promise to do his bidding. Garel sends heralds forth to make known throughout the army that they are to prepare to travel the following day. At daybreak Garel eats his morning meal when Ekunaver, his queen and his companions set out for Arthur’s camp. Arthur has sent for his lords to advise him on how to best receive Garel. They advise him to ride forth to meet the warrior.

Motif References:

Q 111 Riches as reward

PlGar-18961: As the vanquished kings dismount the knights greet them and the lady cordially. Gawan lifts Gloutite from her horse. They go to Arthur’s tent and the king welcomes Gloutite. She begs him to be merciful to them. Ekunaver, Helpherich and Ardan give their oath of fealty and Arthur welcomes them. Then the king tells Ekunaver to go with his lady to their quarters and keep his word not to leave until he has met his conditions. The king promises and once again laments his great losses in the war. He asks Arthur to overlook his offenses and Arthur renounces all anger for the sake of Gloutite. A marshal comes with a snow-white banner displaying a sable panther on a white field. He rides up with a large number of squires who want to set up camp. Arthur tells his marshal to show them where their quarters should be.

Motif References:

R 74.4 (Tu) Defeated king [nobleman, knight] becomes conqueror’s vassal
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

PlGar-19142: Then comes a banner with three golden crowns and the marshal of the knights of Anferre takes quarters next to those of their lord. They are followed by Eskilabon’s marshal, who carries a banner displaying an ermine eagle on red ground, and Tyofabir’s emblem, which is blue and white and shows two leopards. With Tyofabir’s men comes a banner with three shackles. Then comes a green banner displaying a golden lion, followed by a white one with a unicorn, and a third banner with four red and white squares, which belongs to the forces led by Gerhart. After they have pitched their tents two more banners arrive, one standard has a white swan on red ground, the other, that of Chlaris, is red and white. Arthur sends word to the noblemen of his army asking them to ride with him. They ride out onto the plain to meet Garel. Soon they see their banners approaching and Arthur welcomes each force as it passes. At last Garel appears and with him duke Retan, Gilan, Eskilabon, the count of Turtus, Chlaris, Gerhart and Tyofabir. With Garel are many knights of Anferre.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms

PlGar-19233: Arthur welcomes Garel and the princes and greets each one in courtly fashion. He welcomes the giants too and then all the knights. They all ride to Garel’s tent. Arthur says he will be back as soon as Garel has seen to his comfort but Garel replies that it would be more fitting for him to come to Arthur. As soon as they have put on fine clothing Garel and the princes ride to Arthur. The king and the knights of the Round Table welcome them in front of the royal tent. They sit down on the grass and Arthur insists that Garel introduces the princes that have come with him. Arthur thanks them but they say that he need not do so for Garel forced them through combat to swear fealty to him. Only Amurat, duke Retan of Pergalt and Chlaris came of their own accord. Amurat says that he served Garel for he rescued his daughter, and Chlaris tells that Garel killed Purdan. Arthur takes counsel with his knights. He wants them to ask the princes to return with him to his land, for he would like to hold a festival there. They all agree to journey to Brittany. Arthur sends a messenger to tell the queen that Garel has defeated Ekunaver and that he would soon return for a celebration.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
Z 230 Extraordinary exploits of hero

PlGar-19396: The queen prepares the feast to be held before Dinazzarun and she orders that a special circle be reserved for a splendid Round Table that is made at great cost. When the table beside Prizzilian Forest is ready Arthur and Garel set out for Dinazzarun. Arthur sends his marshal to arrange for the princes to be well lodged. The queen sends for all the highborn ladies of the land. Ginover is a noble and virtuous lady without any fault. When the king rides into the land with his friends the lords come to their lodgings on the plain. Arthur asks them to come to meet the queen as soon as they are settled. Then he rides to the queen. Garel is visited by many who are greatly pleased about his exploit and that Cay’s ridicule has ended. Garel has cared well for his army and his troops are camped in splendor and eating well. Torn banners, battered helmets and shields tell that they have won against a mighty host.

Motif References:

P 19.0.1 (Li) King Arthur as leader of outstanding chivalric society (Round Table)
Z 201.9.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous possessions - Arthur’s Round Table
P 320 Hospitality

PlGar-19554: The king has decided to hold a festival in the morning according to the tradition of the Round Table and knight four hundred squires in Garel’s honor. The queen gives each one three outfits of clothing. The kings and princes ride up to Arthur as he requested and Ginover greets them and Gloutite. Ekunaver begs the queen ask the king to be gracious to them and Ginover pledges her aid. The two queens sit together and Ginover laments Gloutite’s distress. Ginover promises to intercede with Arthur so that Ekunaver might go free. In the meantime Arthur has brought Garel and his knights and princes. They dismount before the tent and Arthur leads Garel to Ginover who welcomes him by kiss. Arthur asks her to kiss the princes who came with Garel and the queen gives this greeting to all of them. Then she welcomes her friends in the same manner, Lanzilet, Gawan, Beachurs, Iwan, Erec, Gramoflanz, Meljanz and the other noblemen. Arthur asks Garel to take a seat beside Ginover, Ekunaver is sitting on the other side and next to him is Gloutite. Arthur suggests that the rest go to the other ladies.

Motif References:

P 53 (Bm) Obtaining knighthood
P 320 Hospitality
P 634 Feasts
N 837 Queen as helper

PlGar-19716: Ginover thanks Garel for winning the victory at Chanadich for Arthur’s sake. Garel says he will serve the king and the queen to the end and the queen promises that his loyalty will be rewarded. Then Garel asks her what they should do to avoid blame with respect to Ekunaver and his companions. Ginover replies that they should entreat the king to renounce his anger toward Ekunaver the next morning when the king conducts the rites of the Round Table. At last wine is brought and after the princes have drunk they take leave of Ginover and the ladies and ride to their quarters. Arthur accompanies Garel to his tent. He rides to the ring of each of the princes to see how they are being cared for and orders that they be looked after and given anything they might lack. After Arthur has visited all the kings and princes he returns to his tent.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality

PlGar-19832: The next morning every knight dresses in bright and elegant garments. A great number of knights ride with the ladies to Arthur’s ring where the king’s chaplain is to sing a mass. After the benediction Garel rides up with twelve mighty princes and many knights to present a petition to Arthur. Garel asks the king to reward his loyalty by admitting those knights worthy of the honor to the company of the Round Table. The king agrees. Many banners approach in splendor and knightly bohourt begins. A large group of beautiful ladies ride with the queen to the ring where they are to sit and eat. Then Gloutite and Ekunaver, Garel and the princes he brought with him and many knights and other noblemen ask Arthur to be gracious to Ekunaver for the sake of the queen. Arthur forgives whatever harm Ekunaver has done him and he invites him to become a member of the Round Table. He insists that Ekunaver, Helpherich and Ardan renounce all enmity toward Garel and those who helped him. They promise peace and will live to his command.

Motif References:

P 19.0.1 (Li) King Arthur as leader of outstanding chivalric society (Round Table)
Z 201.9.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous possessions - Arthur’s Round Table
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)
P 561 Tournaments
P 634 Feasts

PlGar-19984: Arthur then summons the knights to sit at the Round Table who by often enduring danger for honor’s sake have earned their place. Many ladies and knights ride there with the queen. They take their seats and are served an excellent meal. Nothing is lacking. The king orders that the army too should be well supplied. When they have finished eating the knights decide to have a bohourt and even Arthur shows his skill. After the bohourt they go back to the queens and the ladies and sit down with them. The king then sends for some good fiddlers and there is a dance. The noble company has a merry time and everyone can choose what pastimes or sports he wishes. There is plenty of string music and all sorts of things to watch. The festival lasts two weeks. When it ends Arthur bestows rich presents on the kings and the princes and no one leaves empty handed. The queen makes many rich with her gifts.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 19.0.1 (Li) King Arthur as leader of outstanding chivalric society (Round Table)
Z 201.9.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous possessions - Arthur’s Round Table
P 561 Tournaments
P 634 Feasts

PlGar-20148: Then the guests take leave and return to their homelands. Ekunaver and Gloutite say goodbye to the king and the queen. Ginover recalls the grief because of Gloutite’s sister for her son Elinot has lost his life in her service. She laments and begins to weep. Gloutite replies that his death brought about that of her sister. Both ladies weep and are sad. Ekunaver and his queen again take leave of the queen and Ginover insists that Gloutite accept some presents from her, a belt, a brooch and a ring and she has a gift of each of the ladies with her. Ardan and Helpherich take leave from Arthur and Ginover. Arthur, Garel and many knights ride with them and Ekunaver for a distance. Then each of the three kings journey to his own land. Ekunaver renounces his anger because of the death of his father. Arthur rides back to the queen.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
T 211.9.1 Wife dies of grief for death of husband
F 1041.1.2 Death from grief for death of lover or relative

PlGar-20284: When Garel decides to depart with his troops the princes who have come with him also take leave of the king and the queen. The royal couple is unwilling to let Garel go but Garel asks leave for he must return to his land. Ginover asks Garel to come back soon and bring his wife with him. With a messenger she sends Laudamie rich gifts. The princes of Garel’s army take leave and are given fine presents. Arthur and his knights ride along with Garel and the princes for some distance. Before they part Arthur promises Garel to come to his aid if he would ever be wronged. When the four giants take leave of the king, Arthur gives them great riches as a reward and asks them to take care of Garel for his sake. Arthur rides back to Dinazzarun.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
Q 111 Riches as reward

PlGar-20401: Garel and his helpers set out for home. When they enter the land of Merchanie Tyofabir hurries ahead and tells the prince that Garel has returned. The lord welcomes him and Garel and those who are with him spend the night there. Gerhart does not want to stay, for the old lord who has suffered much from his raids is not glad to see him. Therefore he takes leave of Garel and his companions to travel on to his homeland. Garel tells him that he will be at his disposal whenever needed. Tyofabir makes Garel see his wife and his daughter Sabie. Garel persuades them to give Sabie in marriage to Floris, the son of duke Retan. The princes agree that Sabie should wed Floris. It is a splendid wedding. The old lord transfers the care of the land and its people to his son-in-law. The festival ends without mishap. Garel again takes counsel with the princes and they decide that Eskilabon should give his sister to Alexander, Retan’s other son. Vows are made. Garel then advises Amurat to give his daughter to Chlaris and Amurat follows the counsel. Then Garel takes leave of the prince of Merchanie and his wife, of Sabie and Floris.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 17 Succession to the throne
T 53 Matchmakers
T 61 Betrothal
T 136.1 Wedding feast

PlGar-20557: Garel rides on with his army, accompanied for a way by Tyofabir and Floris. Then they part and Garel moves on toward Pergalt. Eskilabon and Gilan ride toward Belamunt to get Flordiane, while Alexander hurries on ahead to tell his mother that her husband will soon come home. Retan sends word to his wife that Flordiane is coming and that everything should be ready. The army sets up camp below the castle. Garel is most cordially received. Eskilabon and Gilan soon arrive with the maiden who is given in marriage to Alexander. A splendid marriage festival follows. Then Garel takes leave of his hosts and Flordiane. Both parents thank him for making such an excellent match for their son. Gilan says goodbye to his sister. Retan, his son, Eskilabon and many knights accompany Garel for some distance as he departs with his army. Then Garel thanks Eskilabon and takes leave of him. Eskilabon rides off toward Belamunt. Garel thanks Retan for his aid and the lord says he will be always glad to serve him because he set his sons free. Alexander and Retan take leave of Garel and Gilan.

Motif References:

T 136.1 Wedding feast
P 634 Feasts

PlGar-20717: The army leaves the country in stately fashion. When Gilan asks for leave Garel says he will be at his disposal as long as he lives and Gilan thanks him. Then he says goodbye to Garel, Amurat and Chlaris and returns to his homeland. The army travels on but at the request of the count Amurat it stops at his castle in Turtus. Duzzabel is given to Chlaris and Amurat insists that Garel rest there for three days. Duzzabel and her mother thank him for freeing her from Purdan. When Garel travels on Duzzabel’s mother rides with them as far as her daughter’s land. Chlaris sends a messenger ahead to tell his people that Garel is with him and that everyone should come to their lord’s wedding festival. Garel and his knights travel into the land of Argentin and king Albewin hastens toward Garel with four other dwarfs to receive him. Garel asks him if the queen is well and the dwarf says that she is in good health and the most beautiful woman ever born. Albewin politely greets the princes and ladies who have come with Garel. Chlaris is well pleased with his bride. Soon they come to his castle and many tents are pitched. Garel is well received. Chlaris’s festival lasts for seven days and Garel is shown every honor by his host.

Motif References:

T 61 Betrothal
T 136.1 Wedding feast
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
P 634 Feasts

PlGar-20920: Garel and the knights of Anferre take leave of the countess and Duzzabel. The princes say goodbye to the ladies. When Garel departs Chlaris, Amurat and many noblemen ride with him for a league. Then Amurat says goodbye and Garel thanks him for his loyalty which he will repay. Amurat says he is grateful for Garel freed his daughter and his land from Purdan. Garel and his men take leave of Chlaris. Garel thanks him for his aid and Chlaris promises to serve him for he has life and wealth because of him and he is his kinsman. They promise true loyalty to each other. Chlaris and his father-in-law turn back toward Argentin while Garel and his men ride into Anferre. Laudamie is very happy to see her husband and she gives them a joyful welcome. Garel sends his men away with rich presents, he is very generous. After the nobles have left Garel makes Malseron and his companions his chief officials. He gives them a fief in his land with a large income and tells them to defend his honor. The king thus rewards them as an upright monarch should reward worthy people. Highly respected, Garel lives without misfortune to the end of his life.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 12 Character of kings
P 14.15 King has champion to enforce respect
P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
M 246 Covenant of friendship
P 311.5 Covenant of friendship

PlGar-21039: Ekunaver and his queen have returned to his kingdom where they get a loyal welcome. The land has been in grief for their king was led away as a prisoner and many knights have lost their lives. Ammilot rides to meet Ekunaver and the queen. The king tells him that he has made peace with Arthur. Ammilot rejoices but the king laments the loss of his men. The king soon decides to have a splendid hospital built on the battlefield in honor of Our Lady and he also gives a fine endowment for the monastery church. He and the queen give a thousand marks to the monks who should care for the souls of those who died in the conflict. The king tells the monks to dig up the dead, bury them in the churchyard and remember their souls in prayer every day. Fifty masses are sung daily for them. Thus the king wants to help them into heaven. Ekunaver and his queen live in splendor till death.

Motif References:

V 60 Funeral rites
V 85 Religious pilgrimages
V 118 Monasteries [cloisters, abbeys, nunneries]
V 400 Charity

PlGar-21115: Garel brings happiness to his country. When he hears that Ekunaver has established a monastery on the site of the battle he sends him a message. He tells him that the king has even won greater esteem through the founding of the monastery and asks to be permitted to give alms to the cause. Ekunaver agrees. The monks are delighted and their abbot rides to Anferre where he is well received. Garel tells him that he will give the same amount to the monastery as king Ekunaver but he asks that they increase the number of masses and pray also for the souls of those who died in his service. The abbot promises to have fifty more masses sung each day. The monastery becomes rich and the masses there are more beautiful than elsewhere. Before the abbot leaves Garel gives him a thousand marks. Garel lives as a noble king should. The knights he has sent back to Anferre are now fully recovered and Garel sends them home with fine gifts. Garel and Laudamie live in splendor in their land which they rule in an upright and generous fashion. In the end the author asks courteous people to show their good manners by wishing good fortune to the poet who has not yet fully mastered the art. He is called The Playaere. In the end he prays to God to make people enjoy His bliss in heaven.

Motif References:

P 10 Kings [King’s famous court]
W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 12 Character of kings
V 118 Monasteries [cloisters, abbeys, nunneries]
V 400 Charity

Matière de Bretagne

Pleier, Garel von dem Blühenden Tal (<1270) Walz, M.(ed.): Der Pleier, Garel von dem blühenden Tale. Freiburg i. B. 1892.

Pleier, Garel von dem Blühenden Tal (<1270)
Walz, M.(ed.): Der Pleier, Garel von dem blühenden Tale. Freiburg i. B. 1892.