Sir Agravain Pendragon

"He was a shadow cast by the sun, a silent shield against the storms of court. Agravain Pendragon lived for his brother, and in that love, he both shone and fell." - from The Brother and His Knight by bard Eadric the Gray

From Legends of the Round Table: A Chronicle of Chivalry and Tragedy

Introduction

Agravain Pendragon occupies a peculiar and oft-overlooked place in the chronicles of Camelot. Known as the quiet and stoic brother of Sir Gawain, Agravain’s life was defined not by glory on the battlefield, but by his unwavering devotion—to duty, to honor, and above all, to his elder brother. Though less celebrated than many of his peers, Agravain’s presence at Camelot was nonetheless a constant, shadowing the brighter stars of the Round Table like a silent sentinel. Yet beneath his calm exterior lay a storm of unspoken emotions—conflicts that would one day shake the very foundations of Arthur’s court.

Early Life: In the Shadow of Gawain

Born three years after his elder brother, Gawain, Agravain grew up in the shadow of his sibling’s warmth and charisma. While Gawain was beloved by all in the court of Orkney, Agravain was quieter and more reserved, watching from the edges of banquets and tournaments as his brother basked in the adoration of their people.
Agravain’s childhood was marred by the same tragedies that befell his family: the fall of Orkney, the death of their father King Lot, and the passing of his mother Anna Pendragon. Unlike Gawain, who turned to chivalry and charm as a means of coping with these losses, Agravain became withdrawn, retreating into himself and relying solely on his bond with Gawain for comfort.
When the two brothers fled to Camelot to seek asylum from their uncle, King Arthur, it was Gawain who spoke on their behalf, and Gawain who won the favor of the court. Though Agravain was also knighted alongside his brother, he refused all titles and honors, claiming, “I need no crown or sword to defend my kin.” This refusal would become emblematic of Agravain’s role within Camelot: ever-present, yet always on the periphery.

A Silent Protector

While Gawain flourished as one of Camelot’s most beloved knights, Agravain earned a reputation as the quiet defender of maidens—specifically those recently introduced to the court. While other knights pursued grand quests and sought renown in battle, Agravain devoted himself to the quieter, often overlooked tasks of protecting young women navigating the treacherous waters of royal intrigue.
Unlike his brother’s more exuberant approach, Agravain’s protection was subtle and understated. He was often found lingering at the edges of courtly gatherings, his keen eyes watching for any sign of impropriety or danger. Many young maidens spoke of Agravain’s kindness, noting how he would escort them through crowded halls or offer a sharp word to those who sought to take advantage of their inexperience.
Yet Agravain’s motivations for such acts were not entirely selfless. His protectiveness of maidens stemmed less from a sense of chivalry and more from a deep-seated jealousy. To Agravain, every young knight or lady who sought Gawain’s favor was a rival, a threat to the bond he shared with his brother. This simmering envy often went unnoticed by those around him, masked by his stoic demeanor, but it was a defining aspect of Agravain’s inner life—one that would ultimately lead to his undoing.

The Shadow of Jealousy

Despite his quiet and loyal service, Agravain’s life was dominated by a singular obsession: his brother, Gawain. To Agravain, Gawain was more than a sibling—he was a source of light, warmth, and meaning in an otherwise dark and uncertain world. This devotion, however, soon grew into something more dangerous: a possessive, all-consuming desire to keep Gawain’s affection for himself.
As Gawain’s popularity within Camelot grew, so too did Agravain’s jealousy. Every new squire, every maiden who sought Gawain’s attention, every knight who basked in his brother’s radiance was seen as a rival. Though Agravain never voiced these feelings aloud, his actions often betrayed his true emotions. He would speak coldly of Gawain’s closest companions, subtly undermining their reputations. At courtly feasts, he would position himself as close to Gawain as possible, glowering at those who dared to interrupt their private conversations.
The most notable expression of Agravain’s jealousy came during Gawain’s infamous quest to face the Green Knight. While the court celebrated Gawain’s bravery, Agravain remained conspicuously silent, his worry and envy manifesting in sleepless nights spent pacing the halls of Camelot. When Gawain returned not only alive but with the Green Knight as his lover, Agravain’s jealousy reached a fever pitch. Though he outwardly congratulated his brother, those closest to him noticed a change in Agravain’s demeanor—a quiet anger that simmered just below the surface.

Relationships

Date of Birth

3rd of April

Year of Birth

1133 EM 26 Years old

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