NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Gales

Gale, Galet, Galetz, Galez, Galles, Galoes, Galys, Glois, Walis, Walys

A kingdom which is usually identified with Wales, used by many writers, some of whom were confused into making it a kingdom separate from Wales. Gottfried von Strassburg, for instance, erroneously believed that it was populated by Saxons, and that the name of England (Engeland) was derived from it.

The Vulgate romances purport that the name came from its first king, Galahad, the youngest son of Joseph of Arimathea – prior to this, it was called Hoselice.


Sources
Tristan | Gottfried von Strassburg, early 13th century
Lancelot do Lac | 1215-1220