Kay of Estraus, Kay Destran, Kay d’Estranx, Kes, Keu, Keus, Keux, Kex d’Estrans, Key, Ques, Quex
– d’Estrangor, – d’Estrans, – d’Estraus, – d’Estraux, – d’Estrax
A minor Knight of the Round Table who first appears in Chrétien’s Erec. In the Vulgate Merlin, he is one of the young nobleman that Gawain leads against the Saxons; Arthur knights him in gratitude. In the Vulgate Lancelot, he is one of knights that Lancelot frees from the Dolorous Prison. He lived in the Valley of No Return, having pledged to his wife to remain there until the Valley was destroyed. The Post-Vulgate Mort Artu says that he was killed fighting Mordred’s army at the battle of Salisbury.
He is among Arthur’s knights in the list Chrétien de Troyes begins in line 1691 of Erec and Enide. Chrétien also menstions him again as fighting in the Noauz tournament, with a shield made in Toulouse but not otherwise described.
Kay of Estral is the uncle of Kehedin li Petit or le Biaus (Kahedins).
He should not be confused with Kay the Seneschal; I think, however, that he might be identified with Kainus le Strange.
Sources
Erec | Chrétien de Troyes, late 12th century
Lancelot do Lac | 1215-1220
Vulgate Lancelot | 1215-1230
Vulgate Merlin | 1220-1235
Post-Vulgate Suite du Merlin | 1230-1240