Cornix
Introduction Cornix was one of the noble warrior companions who accompanied Alexander of Greece from Constantinople to the court of King Arthur’s in Chrétien’s Cligés. Cornix is distinguished from the...
Introduction#
Cornix was one of the noble warrior companions who accompanied Alexander of Greece from Constantinople to the court of King Arthur’s in Chrétien’s Cligés. Cornix is distinguished from the other companions as especially dear to Alexander.
Affiliations | Alexander’s Greek Companions
A Trusted Companion#
Cornix belonged to Alexander’s company of Greek noblemen, who journeyed to Britain in search of knightly honour and adventure. Arthur knighted the companions at the outset of Count Angrs’ rebellion, welcoming them into his service during the conflict.
Chrétien singles Cornix out as being particularly dear to Alexander, suggesting a close friendship or long-standing bond of loyalty between the two men.
The Rebellion of Count Angrs#
During the campaign against Count Angrs, Cornix was not among the companions who accompanied Alexander into Windsor during the final stages of the conflict.
Unlike some of Alexander’s followers, who perished in the fighting, Cornix survived the rebellion. The romance, however, offers no further account of his adventures or later career.
In the Arthurian Tradition#
Although Cornix plays only a minor role in Cligés, his close association with Alexander helps illustrate the loyalty and fellowship shared among the Greek companions. His brief appearance contributes to the broader portrayal of Alexander’s retinue as a company bound together by friendship as well as knightly service.
Sources#
Cligés | Chrétien de Troyes, late 12th century
