Badbh
Sister of 'Morrighan' (See Morrighan) and 'Nemainn'.
Bador
Father of 'Andrivette'.
Bagdemagus
Warlord of Dorset, 'King of Gore'.
Balan
Brother of 'Balin' (See Balin). Believed to be the father of 'Sir Fierabras'.
Baldur
Husband of 'Nanna' (See Nanna) killed by 'Hodur'.
Balin
aka 'Balia of the Two Swords', 'Knight of the Two Swords', 'Balin the Savage'. Of Arthurian and Grail legend. He is also known as 'Le Sauvage', meaning the 'wild man, the savage', an indication that man struggles to conquer the animal within hinself to spiritually achieve a higher state of awareness and existence.
His name Balia of the Two Swords was developed by 'Malory' (See Malory). He reveals that Balin successfully undergoes a test of virtue, removing a sword that a lady has long worn, being forced to bear it.
Said to have killed 'Arthur's' cousin for which he was imprisoned. When Balin was released, he sought to kill the evil knight known as 'Garlon' (See Garlon) at his castle, the castle of 'King Pelles', Garlon's brother (See Pelles). His bravery here may be seen to be undermined as he set out to avenge the death of a Knight killed by Garlon who rode invisible. How he expects to achieve victory is the enticement. During the ensuing chase Balin is said to have grabbed the hallowed spear of 'Longinus' and accidentally dealt the 'Dolorous Blow' (See Hallows) to King Pelles.
Balin is the brother of 'Balan', two noble and yet tragic men. According to the writing of 'Malory, Book 2' (See Malory) the two brothers were responsible for each other's death when they fought having been loaned suits of armour and so did not recognise each other. Balin kept the sword he had retrieved during the test of virtue, but did not truly believe that the sword would cause the downfall of both him and his brother. A portent had been given telling that as the owner of the sword, he would kill the man he most loved, and be the cause of his own death. After their deaths, they were buried together by 'Merlin' (See Merlin). He also appears in 'Tennyson's' 'Idylls of the King' (See Tennyson). 'Lile, Lady of Avalon' (See Lile) foretells Balin's destruction in Malory's work.
Described as the father of 'Fierabras'.
Balor
One eyed giant, grandfather of 'Lugh' (See Lugh).
Ban
aka 'King Ban of Benioc', 'King of Brittany', 'King of Benwick'. Ban in Arthurian romances is reputed to be the father of possibly three sons; 'Lancelot du lac' (See Lancelot); 'Ector de Maris' and 'Bors de Ganis' (See Bors de Ganis). Although in some Grail romance legends Ban is said to be the uncle of Lancelot. Believed to be the husband of 'Helen of Gomeret' (See Elaine).
Banba
Of Irish origin, believed name of a Goddess, one of three Sovereignty Goddesses, the others being 'Eriu' (See Eriu) and 'Fodla'. (See Sovereignty).
Barinthus
aka 'The Navigator'. In Arthurian legend Barinthus is reputed to have guided 'Merlin' (See Merlin) and 'Tailiesin' (See Taliesin) on their journey in the sacred barque across to the Island in the Otherworld (See Otherworld) with the wounded 'Arthur' (See Arthur). Believed to embody the qualities of the 'Ferryman of the Dead'. He is mentioned in the early Celtic Church in relation to 'Brendan' (See Mystical-WWW Mystical Time : Dates, 16 May) advising Brendan before he set out on his journey.
Baudwin
Of Brittany, a Knight of the Round Table, survived the 'Battle of Camlan' (See Camlan) after which he lived as a hermit. Reputed to have been a surgeon of great skill.
Beaute
Handmaiden of 'Guinevere' (See Guinevere), lover of 'Gliglios' (See Gliglios).
Becuma
Wife of 'Conn Cetchathach'. (See Conn Cetchathach).
Bede
Monk of the early Celtic Church (See Mystical-WWW Mystical Time : Dates, 27 May for more information on Bede).
Bedivere
aka 'Bedwyr'. There are many stories surrounding this character in Arthurian legend. He is reputed to be 'Arthur's' foster-brother and counsellor (See Arthur), whilst also merely a butler. Also reputed in some legends to be the father of a son known as 'Amven ap Bedivere', Amven, son of Bedivere, and a daughter named 'Eneuavc'.
Sir Bedivere is most developed in Norman romance and nineteenth-century, believed to be the first Knight of the Round Table, being based on 'Griflet' (See Griflet). It has been suggested that the character of Bedivere was replaced by 'Lancelot' (See Lancelot) in later romances. Here like Griflet, and 'Kay' (See Kay) Bedivere was said to have been the last Knight to see Arthur alive before he enters the boat for 'Avalon' (See Avalon).
Belide
Princess of France, daughter of 'Pharamand'. She fell deeply in love with 'Tristran' (See Tristan) but her love was unrequited and she is said to have died of grief.
Bellieus
A Knight who appears in the early stories of 'Lancelot' (See Lancelot) in Arthurian legend. Bellieus finds his lady in bed with Lancelot! We are told that it was an accident - Lancelot had simply wandered into the wrong tent. Bellieus to defend his own honour challenges Lancelot but was severely wounded. Later we find that Bellieus is made a Knight of the Round Table.
Benesek
aka 'Benselek'. Married to 'Halwynna' (See Halwynna).Thought to be a bard and tutor of 'Taliesin' (See Taliesin).
Bernard of Astolat
Father of sons 'Lavaine' (See Lavaine) and 'Tirre' (See Tirre), and daughter 'Elaine de Astolat' (See Astolat).
Biausdous
Said in some legends to be a son of 'Gwalchmei' (See Gwalchmei), and is associated with the legend of the unsheathing of the sword known as 'Honoree'.
Birogue of the Mountain
Reputed to be a tutor of 'Morgan' (See Morgan le Fay) and one of the 'Sidhe' (See Aes Sidhe). Believed to be a friend of 'Medini ferch Elaine' (See Medini ferch Elaine).
Black Book of Carmarthen
'Llyfr Du Caerfyddin'. (See Merlin).
Black Knight
aka 'Percad', 'Esclados' (See Esclados), Guardian of the Magic Fountain of 'Broceliande' (See Broceliande) defeated by 'Owain' (See Owain). Believed to be the first husband of 'The Lady of the Fountain' (See Yvaine).
Percad was said to have been killed by 'Gareth' (See Gareth), and Esclados were said to have been killed by
Bladud
Father of Shakespeare's 'King Lear', and reputed, by Geoffrey of Monmouth, (See Geoffrey of Monmouth) to have built Bath, England, dedicating the medicinal springs to 'Minerva'. Bladud died by falling into the 'Temple of Apollo' (See Apollo) attempting to fly.
Blaise
Mentioned in Arthurian legend , and is associated with 'Merlin' (See Merlin), thought to be Merlin's teacher. Retired to Northumberland. Sometimes referred to as a hermit.
Blamore
Believed to be the son of 'Lancelot' (See Lancelot) and the brother of 'Bleoberis'.
Blanaid
Wife of 'Cu Roi mac Daire' (See Cu Roi mac Daire) beloved by 'CuChulainn' (See CuChulainn). She was one of the four 'Flower Maidens'. (See Flower Maidens).
Blanchfleur
aka 'Dindran', 'Dindraine'. Sister of 'Perceval' (See Perceval). She was defended by Perceval in the Arthurian Grail romances at the court of 'King of Clamadex', so defeating 'Aguigrenons' (See Aguigrenons). Reputed to have died in order to heal a woman of leprosy. Her body was taken to 'Sarras' (See Sarras) by the 'Grail Knights' (See Grail Knights).
Bleoberis
Reputed to be the brother of 'Blamore', and a son of 'Lancelot' (See Lancelot).
Blenzibly
In some of the legends of 'Tristran (See Tristan) and Isolde' (See Isolt), Blenzilby is described as his mother, and also the lover of 'Plegrus' and 'Kalegas'.
Blessed Isles
'Manannan' (See Manannan) was said the be the 'Guardian of the Blessed Isles' according to ancient Irish legend.
Blodeuwydd
aka 'Blodeuwedd', meaning 'Flower-face'. One of the four 'Flower Maidens' (See Flower Maidens). According to the Welsh legends and tales of the 'Mabinogion' Blodeuwydd was turned into an owl (See Owl) as punishment for attempting to murder her husband.
She is said to been made by 'Gwydion' (See Gwydion) with the help of 'Math' (See Math) for 'Llew' (See Llew) as his bride.
Boann
aka 'Boand', 'She of the White Cows', 'Goddess of the River Boyne', this lady is known to have been the mother of 'Angus mac Og' (See Angus mac Og) fathered by 'Dagda', although she is thought to have been the wife of 'Elcmar'.
Bodhmall
Female Druid who was entrusted with the care of 'Fionn' (See Fionn mac Cumhal) by his mother 'Murine', together with 'Laith Luachra' (See Laith Luachra) following the death of his father.
Bors de Ganis
aka 'Bors'. Son of 'King Ban of Benoic' (See Ban), 'Lancelot du Lac's' (See Lancelot) cousin or possibly brother according to some legends which indicate that Lancelot may be the son of King Ban.
A Knight of the Round Table, and according to Grail legends he was one of the three chaste Knights who achieved 'The Grail' (See Grail), together with 'Perceval' (See Perceval) and 'Galahad' (See Galahad), the location of which was thought to be the city of 'Sarras' (See Sarras). Believed to be the brother of 'Lionel' (See Lionel).
Bradiles
The uncle of 'Lovel' (See Lovel).
Brandiles
A Knight of the Round Table and uncle to 'Florence'. (See Florence).
Brangaine
aka 'Brangwen'. 'Isolt of Ireland's' hand maiden. According to Arthurian legend, Brangaine so loved her mistress it was thought that on the wedding night she was prepared to take the place of the new bride, now married to 'King Mark of Cornwall' (See Mark) in the marriage bed at her mistress's request (See Isolt). In some legends Brangaine is responsible for providing the potion which leads Isolt and 'Tristan' (See Tristan) into their fated enchanted affair.
Bran the Blessed
aka 'Bendigeid Fran', 'Brons, Guardian of the Grail'. Of Welsh origin, he is the brother of 'Efnissien' (See Efnissien), 'Nissien' (See Nissien), 'Branwen' (See Branwen), 'Manawyddan' (See Manawyddan) and son of 'Llyr' (See Llyr). One of the 'Grail Kings' (See Grail King). Known in Irish legend as a 'Sleeping Lord' (See Sleeping Lord).
The name 'Bran' itself means 'raven'. The story of Brans the Blessed has been seen to be similar to that of 'Cronos' (See Cronos), another Sleeping Lord. Bran has been thought to be a man of great strength and knowledge being associated with The Grail legends but has also been thought to possibly a giant.
He appears in the legend entitled 'Branwen, daughter of Llyr' where Bran is the owner of the 'Cauldron' (See Grail). When Branwen marries 'Matholwch, King of Ireland' Bran the Blessed gives them the Cauldron to make amends for the treatment they had endured from Efnissien. At a later date, Bran rescues Branwen from her husband's kitchen where she has become a prisoner. According to the legend Bran crosses the Irish Sea heading the British fleet to confront the Irish over the treatment of Branwen. Bran secures the assistance of the Irish in deposing Matholwch, in order to replace the King with 'Gwern', Branwen's son. Matholwych is deposed and Gwern becomes King. A fight breaks out during the celebrations and Gwern is thrown into the fire by Efnissien and the temporary peace breaks as battle resumes. Bran's 'Cauldron' is used to heal the Irish but a stalemate ensues. It is said that only 'seven' Britons survive together with the severely wounded Bran. Perhaps these are the same seven men who are spoken of in the poem 'The Spoils of Annwn' by 'Taliesin' (See Taliesin).
It is said that Bran knew his injuries were fatal and so requested that the seven men cut off his head which was done, his head later to become known as 'The Mystical Head', taking the place of 'The Grail'. Here legends conflict as some indicate that a period of eight years was spent in happy reflection upon Bran's death after his funeral when there was happiness and no shortage of food and drink for all that knew him, and especially for his funeral bearers. It has also been said that there were seven years of happiness which were spent at 'Harlech', then to 'Gwales', possibly in Pembrokeshire, Wales (UK), where The Mystical Head and the seven men stayed for eighty years. Whilst at Gwales the seven men were said to converse with Bran with the eighty years seeming to be no more than a short time. Whilst there, the men were told not to open a door to the hall but one does so and the men suddenly become all too aware of how many years have passed as they begin to age and fall prey to sickness.
It was said that 'Arthur' recovered Bran's head from the ground after it had been buried as a protection against attack. The Mystical Head was said by 'Friar Bacon', a scholar of the thirteenth-century, to have been buried at 'The Tower of London', under 'White Mount'.
Bran's cauldron of rebirth has been described as being very similar to the 'Horn of Bran' which provided any kind food in plentiful supply to the courageous as depicted in the Welsh Triads and the Mabinogion. It was considered to be one of 'Thirteen Treasures of Britain' (See Hallows of Britain) for which Arthur journeyed to 'Annwn' (See Annwn) to recover as told in the 'Spoils of Annwn' by 'Taliesin' (See Taliesin).
Branwen
Daughter of 'Llyr' (See Llyr), married to 'Matholwych, King of Ireland', mother of 'Gwern'. Sister of 'Efnissien' (See Efnissien), 'Nissien' (See Nissien), 'Bran' (See Bran the Blessed). The legend entitled 'Branwen, daughter of Llyr' is seen to be an allegory of the suppression of the Irish people and their troubles against the British, and the subject of Sovereignty (See Sovereignty). There is great deal of information on Branwen in the 'Mabinogion' (See Mabinogion).
Branwen was imprisoned by her husband when the Irish people became sick and tired of the insults directed towards them from Efnissien. Bran came to her rescue, as according to legend she tamed a starling which then flew to Bran and told him of her plight. She is said to have died of grief after the battle between the British and Irish. Buried in 'Anglesey', Wales in a 'four-sided grave'. The character of Branwen has been seen as cognate to Shakespeare's 'Cordelia' as her father is to 'King Lear'.
Brastias
Known as 'Warden of the North' following his personal involvement in the Arthurian legend concerning the successful transformation of 'Uther' (See Uther Pendragon) into 'Gerlois' (See Gerlois) to sleep with 'Igraine' (See Igraine) with the help of 'Merlin' (See Merlin) which led to the conception of 'Arthur' (See Arthur). Brastias is then considered to be someone on whom Merlin conspired with and could rely on. He is said to have been assisted by 'Ulfius' (See Ulfius) in achieving Uther's wishes.
Brendan
(See Mystical-WWW Mystical Time : Dates, 16 May).
Breunor
Brother of 'Dinadin'.
Breuse sans Pitie
Over the centuries the involvement and appearance of this nasty piece of work gradually disappeared in Arthurian legend. A Knight who feels no remorse, he is said to have killed many noble Knights and caused the downfall of many more. Breuse is portrayed in complete opposition to Arthurian values.
Brian des Illes
Aided by 'Kei' (See Kay), he is said to have attacked Arthur's realm (See Arthur), but his attempt was subdued. Said to also be enamoured of 'Esclarimonde' (See Esclarimonde) a woman of mystical powers.
Brigit
Irish foster-sister to 'Guinevere', also referred to as 'Bride', the 'Bride of Britain'.
Brisen
aka 'Brisane'.
'One of the greatest enchantresses that was at that time in the world living.'
Arthurian legend. Brisen is seen to be a powerful enchantress in the work of the writer 'Malory' (See Malory). One of her most notable feats, as governess of Elaine, was to plan the union of 'Lancelot' (See Lancelot) and 'Elaine de Corbenic' (See Elaine de Corbenic) leading to the conception of 'Galahad' (See Galahad) by trickery (drugged wine). Lancelot was convinced that he was in 'Guinevere's' chamber (See Guinevere) but in fact it was Elaine de Corbenic, daughter of The Grail King, known as 'King Pelles' (See Pelles).
Britomart
In the work 'Faerie Queen' 'Edmund Spenser' (See Spenser) reveals Britomart to be the wife of 'Artegall' (See Artegal) and daughter of 'Rience' (See Ryons). This female Knight of legend is said to have killed an Amazon queen.
Broceliande
It has been suggested that this was the name given to the Breton forest where many events associated with the 'Round Table' of Arthurian legends were set, but perhaps more importantly to a magic fountain. A 'Black Knight' would appear when water was poured onto a precious emerald at the brim of the fountain (See Colgrevance). On hearing the story of 'Colgrevance', 'Owain' (See Owain) became guardian of the fountain after defeating the Black Knight.
Brons
aka 'Bran the Blessed', 'Hebron', 'Guardian of the Grail'. Son-in law of 'Joseph of Arimathea', reputed to have been the grandfather of 'Perceval' (See Perceval) and one of the earliest 'Grail Kings' (See Grail King) who is said to have also been known as the 'Fisher King'.
Of all the Arthurian associations, the strongest evidence for Brons's true identity appears to be that he is the same as the Welsh 'Bran the Blessed' (See Bran the Blessed).
Brunnisend
Also known as 'The Fair Brunnisend'. Wife of 'Jaufre' as written of by 'Malory' (See Malory).
Bruno le Noir
aka 'Bruno the Black', 'Brunore the Black', 'La Cote Mail-Taile', 'La Cote Male Tailee'. (See Maledisant).
Brutus
aka 'Brut'. Of Latin origin. Father of 'Camber' (See Camber), 'Locrinis' (See Locrinis), 'Albanactus' (See Albanactus).
Son of 'Sylvius', grandson of 'Ascanius', great-grandson of 'Aeneas'. Grandfather of 'Lucrinis' and 'Sabrina'.
According to the mythological history of Britain he was the first king of Britain. When Brutus came from Troy, he was said to have led the enslaved Trojans, to the Island of Britain (before it was known as Albion), therefore inferring that the first Britons were of Troy. Whilst sleeping, Brutus is said to have seen the 'Goddess Diana' who gave him the direction to lead the people from bondage. Upon his arrival Brutus established 'Troia Nova' (aka Trinovantum), described as a second Troy, by the side of the River Thames (London, England UK). The fact that the Britons were believed to be of Troy has remained significant throughout the mythological development of Britain.
Brutus is reported to have defeated many giants including the two leaders 'Gog' and 'Magog'. 'Geoffrey of Monmouth' (See Geoffrey of Monmouth) was responsible for introducing the idea that 'Corineus' threw a giant called 'Gogmagog' into the sea. Brutus ultimately is reputed to be the 'ancestor of the Britons', hence there being the suggestion that the original Britons were of Troy.
'Taliesin' was believed to be a prophet of Troy (See Taliesin) according to Geoffrey of Monmouth and the legends of the Mabinogion due to his understanding of the people's fate as told in his poems of 'Maelgwn'. It is thought that Taliesin's association with Troy was influenced by Greek legend.
Bryn Myrddyn
'Merlin's Cave'. (See Merlin).
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