NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Galegantins the Welsh

Galegantins of Wales, Galegantin the Walsh, Galegantins li Galoi, Galegantis, Galeguadinz, Galegentix, Galerantis, Galeschins li Galois, Gallegantin li Galois, Galygantynis, Gallegantins, Guallegantins

One of Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table, from Wales. He is first mentioned by Chrétien de Troyes in line 1691 of Erec and Enide. He may be the origin of Hartmann’s Galagaundris and Ulrich’s Galagandreiz.

He takes part in the first and second quests of Lancelot.

He fought in Arthur’s wars against the Saxons, appears in a number of tournaments, and was imprisoned in both the Dolorous Prison and the Forbidden Hill (Le Tertre Deuee). He contracted an illness in the former and nearly died, but was healed by the Hermit of the Thicket. After participating in the Grail Quest, he was killed by Mordred at the battle of Salisbury.

He is perhaps identical with Galantins.


Sources
Erec | Chrétien de Troyes, late 12th century
Lancelot do Lac | 1215-1220
Vulgate Lancelot | 1215-1230
Le Livre d’Artus | Early 13th century
Prose Tristan | 1230-1240