Priamus the Saracen
A Saracen knight who fought Gawain during Arthur's war against Rome before converting to Christianity and joining the Round Table.
Introduction#
Priamus is one of the most remarkable foreign knights in the Arthurian tradition. Originally a Saracen ally of Emperor Lucius during the Roman War, he became an ally of Arthur after his combat with Gawain and later joined the Round Table. His story combines themes of chivalry, conversion, reconciliation, and heroic tragedy.
Epithets | Saracen Knight, Duke of Lorraine
Affiliations | Knight of the Round Table
Alternative Names | Pryamus, Pryan
The Roman War#
During Arthur’s campaign against Emperor Lucius of Rome, Priamus fought among the emperor’s eastern and Saracen allies.
The romances describe him as a ruler of immense inheritance, descended from legendary and biblical heroes including Alexander the Great, Hector of Troy, Joshua, and Judas Maccabeus. He is said to have been rightful heir to Alexandra in Egypt, Africa, and many distant isles.
Priamus’ Sword and Balm#
Priamus possessed both a powerful sword and a miraculous healing balm. Wounds inflicted by his sword could not be properly staunched except through the use of the balm itself.
Priamus encountered Gawain in Italy, where the two knights fought fiercly and wounded one another nearly to death. After the combat, Priamus used the ointment to heal both knights within the space of an hour. The remedy was said to work together with water from the four rivers of Paradise, giving it a sacred and almost miraculous character. Mutual admiration replaced hostility between Priamus and Gawain.
The episode contributes to Priamus’ role as a foreign and extraordinary knight whose knowledge and powers differ from those of Arthur’s court.
Some traditions compare the balm to other healing ointments in Arthurian romance, including those associated with Lynette and Morgan le Fay.
Conversion and Service to Arthur#
Impressed by Arthur’s knights and their conduct, Priamus converted to Christianity and entered Arthur’s service.
He became a companion of the Round Table and was granted the title Duke of Lorraine.
His conversion follows a recurring Arthurian pattern in which worthy foreign knights are incorporated into Arthur’s realm through honor rather than humiliation.
Death#
Priamus later died during the rescue of Guenevere from execution, when Lancelot and his allies stormed the rescue at Camelot.
Like many noble knights caught between loyalties, his story ends tragically amid the collapse of Arthur’s fellowship.
Sources#
Alliterative Morte Arthure | c. 1400
Le Morte Darthur | Sir Thomas Malory, 1469-1470
