Brandigant

Brandigan, Bardiga, Brandiganz, Prandigan

A beautiful British castle and town ruled by King Evrain.

The town was on an island, four leagues across, in the middle of a lake (or river), and possessed marvelous fortifications, partially because of its geographical setting. It was located about thirty Welsh leagues from Guivret the Little's castle of Penevric.

Brandigant was so strong and self-sufficient that Guivret assured Erec it needed fear no siege or attack whatever. The river alone would have proved a barrier equal to any assault, but Evrain fortified his castle because he thought it more attractive that way.

Evrain was a friendly and hospitable monarch, and seemingly much regretted that his nephew Mabonagrain guarded one of his gardens. It was the setting of a dangerous adventure known as the Joy of the Court; many knights died attempting it, and Brandigan became the new home of the slain knights' ladies. Erec eventually completed the adventure and brought a better mood to the castle.

In Wolfram's Parzival, Clamide (Clamadeu) is once mentioned as the King of Brandigan. It may be the origin of Bedegraine.

The similarity of Brandigant and Evrain to Gore and Bademagu in Chrétien's later romance Lancelot is hard to miss.