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Erec is a noble and highly skilled knight of King Arthur's Round Table and the son of King Lac. He strictly adheres to the chivalric code, dedicating himself to honorable behavior and righting wrongs. While his martial prowess allows him to defeat formidable opponents, his intense romantic devotion sometimes conflicts with his duties as a knight, leading to court gossip about his capabilities.
Romantic partner of Enide
Son of King Lac
Knight of King Arthur
Companion to Queen Guinevere
Ally of Guivret the Small
Opponent of Count Galoain
Opponent of Count Oringle
Rival of Yder
Son-in-law of The Vavasor
Enide is the daughter of an impoverished vavasor who marries Erec after he champions her in a tournament for a sparrow hawk. She possesses unparalleled beauty and an impeccable, wise character. Her journey focuses on her internal struggles to balance obedience to Erec's strict commands with her deep instinct to protect him from danger.
Wife of Erec
Daughter of The Vavasor
Target of Count Galoain
Captive of Count Oringle
Protege of Queen Guinevere
Protected by Guivret the Small
King Arthur is the legendary monarch of the Knights of the Round Table. He governs with a strict adherence to moral correctness, refusing to go back on his word even when warned of potential conflict among his men. He functions as an ethical model for his knights and acts as an exceptionally generous host for tournaments and feasts.
Guivret is the master of a fortified castle who quickly turns from an opponent into a steadfast ally. Despite his small stature, he is a capable fighter who values knightly prowess. He offers his friendship and hospitality to traveling knights who prove their worth in battle.
Count Galoain is a local nobleman who hosts Erec and Enide during their travels. He operates on impulse and desire, immediately attempting to claim Enide for himself upon seeing her. His overconfidence in his own abilities leads him to pursue combat without proper armor.
Count Oringle of Limors is an opportunistic nobleman who comes across a vulnerable traveler. He attempts to use his wealth and status to force an immediate marriage, entirely disregarding the emotional state and clear refusals of the woman he claims to desire.
Queen Guinevere is King Arthur's wife and a respected figure of authority in the court. She offers pragmatic counsel to her husband, helping him navigate tricky court politics when his knights become overly competitive. She demonstrates generosity by providing Enide with proper court attire for her formal presentation.
Yder is a skilled knight who travels to a local town annually to claim a prized sparrow hawk for his maiden. He relies on his combat abilities to maintain his status but must eventually face the consequences of allowing his dwarf to violently insult members of King Arthur's court.
Sir Gawain is one of King Arthur's prominent knights. He serves as a voice of caution and strategy within the court, anticipating the potential conflicts that archaic traditions might cause among the competitive knights.
Kay is a steward in King Arthur's camp. He acts brashly and aggressively, demanding obedience from strangers without recognizing their true identities, which quickly leads him into physical altercations he cannot win.
Employee of King Arthur
Opponent of Erec
Cadoc is a knight who falls victim to two cruel giants. After being rescued from a torturous situation, he attempts to pledge his eternal service to his savior but is directed instead to carry news of the deed to King Arthur's court.
Rescued by Erec
Mabonagrain is a toweringly tall knight who guards a magical orchard. He is bound by a romantic vow to remain in the enclosure, defeating all challengers until someone can best him in combat and sound the horn of the "Joy of the Court."
Opponent of Erec
The dwarf travels with Yder and acts as his aggressive vanguard. He uses a whip to rudely rebuff anyone who approaches his master, triggering the primary conflict that sends Erec on his initial quest.