Knights of the Round Table

Dear Yahoo!:

What were the names of the Knights of the Round Table?

Natalia
Bristol, England

Dear Natalia:

Well, that all depends on whom you ask. The mythical King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table have been the subject of tales dating back to the 1100s. Many of these stories were based on legends and historical accounts from as early as the 5th century. While some characters are common to most Arthurian fiction, details vary among versions.

Two of the most popular writings about King Arthur are the History of the Kings of Britain, written by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century, and Le Morte D'Arthur, written by Sir Thomas Malory in the 1400s. The works of French poet Chrétien de Troyes in the 1100s also contributed to Arthurian legend. A collection of romantic prose known as the Vulgate Cycle added to the Camelot stories in the 13th century.
Most Arthurian web sites collect information from these major works. The Knights of the Round Table mentioned most often include Sir Lancelot Du Lac, Sir Gawaine, Sir Galahad, Sir Geraint (also known as Erec), Sir Gareth, Sir Gaheris, Sir Bors, Sir Bedivere, Sir Percivale (also named Perceval), Sir Kay, Sir Lamorak, Sir Tristan (known for his tragic affair with Isolde), Sir Yvain (also called Ywain or Owain), and the brothers Sir Balin and Sir Balan. Mordred is also one of Arthur's knights, although he betrays the king in most versions of the tale.

The Timeless Myths site lists many of the lesser-known knights, such as King Pellinor (also named Pellinore) who became a Knight of the Round Table at Arthur and Guinevere's wedding. Minor knights mentioned by this and other sites include Sir Agravain (also called Aggravaine), Sir Sagremor, Sir Lionel, Sir Morholt (known also as Marhaus), and Sir Guinglain (also named Giglain or Gingalin).

The total number of Knights of the Round Table ranges from 13 to 1,600 in medieval chronicles. We hope the few noted here will suffice.