Alexander’s Greek Companions
A company of Greek noblemen who accompanied Alexander of Greece to Arthur's court, where they were knighted and fought in the campaign against Count Angrs of Windsor.
Introduction#
Alexander’s Greek Companions were a company of noble Greek warriors who accompanied Alexander of Greece from Constantinople to the court of King Arthur in Cligés.
From Greece to Britain#
The companions accompanied Alexander on his journey from Constantinople to Britain, where they were welcomed at Arthur’s court.
Their arrival reflects the international character of Cligés, in which Arthur’s kingdom forms part of a wider world extending to the Byzantine Empire.
Knighted by King Arthur#
At the beginning of Count Angrs’ rebellion, Arthur knighted Alexander’s companions, allowing them to fight beside the king’s own household knights.
Together they helped suppress the rebellion and proved themselves worthy members of Arthur’s host before returning to Greece.
The Companions#
The companions named in Cligés are:
- Acorde the Insolent
- Acoriondes
- Calcedor from Africa
- Cornix
- Ferolin of Salonika
- Macedor
- Nebunal of Mycenae
- Neriolois
- Nerius
- Parmenides
- Pinabel
- Tor the Strong
Literary Significance#
Alexander’s companions illustrate one of the distinctive features of Cligés: the close relationship between Arthur’s Britain and the Byzantine Empire. Their presence broadens the geographical scope of Arthurian romance, showing Arthur’s court as a meeting place for knights and nobles from distant lands.
Although several of the companions receive only brief mentions, together they demonstrate the international prestige of Arthur’s court and the loyalty inspired by Alexander of Greece.
Sources#
Cligés | Chrétien de Troyes, late 12th century
