NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Marmyadose

Marandois, Marandoise, Marmiadoise, Marmydoyse, Marundois

A magnificent sword, forged by the Roman god Vulcan, and originally owned by Hercules. The sword was passed from heir to heir – Adrastus, Tydeus, Eteocles, Polynices, and others – until it came to King Rions (Rience), Arthur’s enemy.

Arthur captured the sword after defeating Rions at the battle of Aneblayse. Rience, the giant, demanded Arthur’s beard to add to his cloak, which was made from the beards of those men he had conquered and killed.

Since it was better than Excalibur, Arthur loaned the latter sword to Gawain.