Camaalis

Camalis

The pagan king who, according to the Arthurian romances, was the eponym of Camelot.

Pagan King of Camelot in the time of Joseph of Arimathea, according to the Post-Vulgate Queste del Saint Graal. He battled the Christians (led by Mordrains and Nascien) when they arrived in his kingdom and, defeating them, imprisoned them in the Giant’s Tower.

He then offered to settle the dispute in single combat with Nascien, who had been wounded in the first battle. Nascien was magically healed before the duel, however, and was able to defeat Camalis. Camalis and his kingdom then converted to Christianity.