Gorlois
Gorlois
Duke Gorlois was the lord of the duchy Cornwall. A reluctant vassal of King Uther Pendragon, he was loyal to the king's brother and predecessor but seemed wary of Uther.
Contents
1 Appearance and Personality
2 Family
3 History
3.1 485
3.2 488
3.3 489
3.4 490
3.5 491
Appearance and Personality
Duke Gorlois was a grizzled veteran of many fights, battles, and wars. He was the first from Cornwall to support Aurelius Ambrosius, who honoured Gorlois with this dukedom, and has since defended it from Irish raiders and Cornish plunderers.
Gorlois was noted for his loyalty to his beautiful wife and his tremendous personal courage. However, he was getting old and has suffered many wounds — his sword was sharp, but his arm was weak, which likely led to his death at the hands of Sir William at the battle of Terrabil in 491.
Family
Lady Ygraine: Wife. The most famed beauty in Britain, almost 30 years Gorlois' junior.
Sir Cador: Son and heir. Disappeared after the fall of Tintagel with a number of Cornish knights.
Lady Margawse: The eldest daughter, known for having inherited her mother's beauty. Married to King Lot of Lothian in 492.
Lady Elaine: The middle daughter, overshadowed by her two sisters. Married to King Nantres of Garloth in 492.
Lady Morgan: The youngest daughter, a strange child whose intelligence belies her years. Is rumored to have been promised to King Uriens of Gore.
History
485
Ignored the muster for the Battle of Mearcred Creek.
488
Ignored the muster for the Frankland invasion.
489
Almost fought against King Uther Pendragon in Somerset. Only the last minute display of Excalibur made Gorlois consider yielding - in exchange, Uther confirmed his position as Duke of the lands and promised no reprisals.
490
Took part in Battle of Lindsey, leading the left flank which was the first to break through the front lines and reach the Saxon camp and brought low the giant Saxon King Eosa. Was a "prisoner of courtesy" at London during King Uther's winter court - left during the night, offending Uther and prompting promises of reprisals from the King of Logres.
491
Led the army of Cornwall when Prince Madoc attacked Castle Terrabil on the command of his father, King Uther. Slew Prince Madoc in single combat but died at the hands of Sir Wiliam.
Selon Nightbringer.se
Gorlois’ story is one of tragic love. Born to nobility, his early childhood is nothing extraordinary. In the year 457, he becomes one of the leaders in the Dumnonii migration to Brittany. Once arrived in Brittany, Gorlois befriends Aurelius (and tol- erates the younger prince, Uther, albeit barely). Gorlois follows Aurelius to war, and earns Aurelius’ trust in numerous battles with his cool head and combat prowess. The two men become as close as brothers. Finally, in the year 465, when Aurelius is ready to return to Britain but still lacking ships, Gorlois takes on the task of gathering a fleet from Soissons and the Franks. However, while sailing off the shore of Northern Gaul, a storm sud- denly comes up and Gorlois’ ship flounders and becomes shipwrecked against an island’s rocky coast. When he awakes he looks for other survivors. Finding some and pulling them to shore, he continues seeking other survivors when he sees a beautiful young lass rising from the waves. He rushes to her thinking her to be an angel coming to aid him. However, she is the daughter of the ruler of this island and together they pull many to safety. Gorlois, who had fallen instantly in love, then travels to meet her father and the shipwrecked survivors are entertained by the ruler of this island, her father. Gorlois spends many a day in Ygraine’s presence and eventually meets her father in a closed meeting. He de- clares his lineage, his prowess (to date and the father smiles), and his intention to marry her. In response, the father says he is also a king and his daughter is not mar- rying someone not her equal in status. Their conversation continues but eventually Gorlois walks away with a list of what he needs to do to get the father’s permission and the use of a magical fleet to help save Cornwall from the tyrant Vortigern. Gorlois returns to Brittany with a fleet of magnificent, beautiful beyond measure, ships which move effortlessly against the waves. With these new ships, the invasion of ten thousand is made possible. Gorlois is always at the front of the battles and Aurelius rewards him by making him the Duke of Cornwall in 468. In 470, Ygraine arrives and marries Gorlois as he has succeeded in accomplishing all tasks set by her father, thus winning her hand. Ygraine’s beauty, her stature, her demeanor, all help to win the Cornish over. Gorlois and Ygraine have three beautiful, intelligent girls together: Margawse (474), Elaine (476) and the youngest, Morgan (484). The death of King Riothamus of Cornwall leads to a war between Duke Gorlois and King Idres, the new King of Cornwall. Gorlois conquers Ascalon and Tintagel counties, adding them to Logres. However, this keeps him from assisting Aurelius against the Saxons, and Uther accuses Gorlois for the British defeats, further straining their relationship. Alas, High King Aurelius dies in 480, and Uther becomes the King of Logres. Uther and Gorlois finally reconcile at Merlin’s advice, but this proves to be the doom of Gorlois. As soon as Uther, a man who is ruled by his passions, lays his eyes on Ygraine, he is smitten and must have her, at any cost. Gorlois and Ygraine flee back to Cornwall, but the wrathful King pursues them with his army. Gorlois dies fighting to defend his wife and his land.Relationships
Coat Of Arms Sable, A Chevron Gules, Three Lions Heads Gules, Eyes Or, Two Over One
Full Name Gorlois of Cornwall
Culture Cymric
Region Cornwall
Social Class Duke
Land Owned Duchy of Cornwall
Year Born 429
Year Squired 444
Year Knighted 451
Year(s) Married 474 Lady Ygraine
Year Died 491
Heir(s) Sir Cador
Year of Birth
429 a.D.
106 Years old
Spouses
Ygerne de Tintagel
(spouse)
Siblings