The Story of King Arthur and His Knights

Howard Pyle

84 pages 2-hour read

Howard Pyle

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1903

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

The young, biologically royal son of Uther-Pendragon and Lady Igraine who is raised in ignorance of his true lineage. He is innocent, honorable, and strongly associated with the Christian faith, often appearing in unmarked armor or disguised as a commoner to test others. As the destined King of Britain, he strives to become a model of chivalry and establish peace in his fractured country.

Key Relationships

Biological Father of Uther-Pendragon

Biological Mother of Lady Igraine

Half-Sister of Morgana

Foster Father of Sir Ector

Foster Brother of Sir Kay

Magical Guide to Merlin

Romantic Interest of Guinevere

Early Rival of Sir Pellinore

An ancient, immortal prophet and sorcerer who architects the rise of King Arthur. He possesses incredible magical foresight but harbors a dangerous weakness for beauty. He orchestrates the test of the sword in the stone and continually guides the young king through his early challenges.

Key Relationships

Royal Charge of King Arthur

Former King of Uther-Pendragon

Infatuation of Vivien

Magical Rival of Morgana

A highly skilled enchantress and half-sister to the king, possessing magical power second only to Merlin. She is deeply resentful of slights against her family and actively schemes against Arthur's court. Her knowledge of sorcery makes her a formidable opponent who prefers to operate through manipulation and magical proxies.

Key Relationships

Half-Brother of King Arthur

Mother of Lady Igraine

Husband of King Lot

Son of Gawaine

Apprentice of Vivien

Ancient Adversary of Merlin

The daughter of King Leodegrance and a woman of extraordinary beauty and compassion. She maintains a private, manicured garden where she observes a mysterious gardener's assistant. She represents the ideal of courtly love, demonstrating loyalty and humility while fiercely protecting the secrets of those she favors.

Key Relationships

Father of King Leodegrance

Suitor of King Arthur

Unwanted Suitor of Duke Mordaunt

Servant of Mellicene of the White Hand

Supporting Characters

Known as the Gentle Knight, he is a beloved member of Arthur's court who deeply values his chivalric duty toward women. His naive nature and strict adherence to honor often leave him vulnerable to deception and magic. He demonstrates immense physical strength in battle but struggles against courtly manipulation.

Key Relationships

Monarch of King Arthur

Queen of Guinevere

Love Interest of Lady Ettard

Rescuer of Nymue

Fellow Knight of Gawaine

The son of King Lot and nephew to King Arthur, known as the Knight of the Silver Tongue. He is a skilled fighter with a volatile temper that frequently leads him to act aggressively. His journey involves learning the true meaning of chivalry, often through difficult lessons and forced humility.

Key Relationships

Father of King Lot

Mother of Morgana

Brother of Gaheris

Uncle of King Arthur

Betrayed Knight of Pellias

Queen of Guinevere

Known as the Trustworthy Knight, he is a loyal and honorable man tasked with raising an adopted son without knowing the child's true royal heritage. He treats his foster son with strict but genuine affection, prioritizing duty and obedience above all else.

Key Relationships

Foster Son of King Arthur

Son of Sir Kay

Advisor to Merlin

Sir Ector's biological son and Arthur's foster brother. He is a capable fighter who initially attempts to take credit for drawing the sword from the stone. Despite this moment of weakness, he accepts his foster brother's destiny and serves him at court.

Key Relationships

Father of Sir Ector

Foster Brother of King Arthur

The Overlord of Britain who unites the realm with the help of magic. He relies heavily on prophecy and advisors to secure his lineage, ultimately choosing to send his infant son away to protect him from political rivals.

Key Relationships

Wife of Lady Igraine

Heir of King Arthur

Advisor to Merlin

A widow with two daughters who marries the Overlord of Britain. She is the mother of a complex, magically-inclined family whose children shape the future of the kingdom.

Key Relationships

Husband of Uther-Pendragon

Daughter of Morgana

Daughter of Margaise

A fierce enemy of the young king who initially refuses to accept the new ruler. He challenges knights to brutal combat, collecting the shields of his defeated opponents, but eventually transforms from a bitter rival into a trusted member of the Round Table.

Key Relationships

Young Opponent of King Arthur

Rival Knight of Sir Myles of the White Fountain

An incredibly beautiful fay woman associated with the natural world. She provides magical assistance, enchanted items, and healing to worthy knights, preferring the wilderness over structured human society.

Key Relationships

Champion of King Arthur

Patient of Pellias

A beautiful, cunning sorceress hungry for magical knowledge. She uses a charmed ring and false affection to manipulate older, wiser men, prioritizing her own power above loyalty or morality.

Key Relationships

Smitten Target of Merlin

Co-Conspirator of Morgana

The ruler of Cameliard and a target of aggressive neighboring lords. He provides the magical Round Table as a dowry, cementing his alliance with the newly crowned monarch.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Guinevere

Rescuing Monarch of King Arthur

Threatening Warlord of King Ryence

A remarkably beautiful noblewoman who uses her looks to command attention and manipulate others. She acts cruelly toward those she deems beneath her or those who fall under magical enchantments in her presence.

Key Relationships

Unwanted Admirer of Pellias

Personal Champion of Sir Engamore

Visiting Knight of Gawaine