Meraugis de Portlesquez

Ameraugis, Maraghise, Meragis de Port les Gues, Meragys, Meralgis, Meranges de Porlenges, Meraugys, Porlesguez, Porlesquez

A Knight of the Round Table who is the hero of Raoul de Houdenc’s Meraugis de Portlesguez.

He vied with his friend Gorvain Cadrut for the love of the lady Lidoine, whom they both met at the tournament of Lindesores. A court of maidens, chaired by Guinevere, ruled that Meraugis, who loved Lidoine for her courtesy, was more deserving than Gorvain Cadrut, who loved her for her beauty.

At Lidoine’s behest, Meraugis embarked on a series of adventures designed to make himself worthy of her. During the adventures, Meraugis became separated from Lidoine, and rumors circulated of his death. He reunited with Lidoine in time to prevent her forced marriage to Sir Espinogres. Meraugis eventually reconciled with Gorvain.

The Vulgate Merlin lists him among Arthur’s companions who fought against King Rions and the Saxons. In the Post-Vulgate, we learn that Meraugis is the son of King Mark of Cornwall and Ladiana, Mark’s niece. Mark slew Ladiana after she gave birth, and he left the infant Meraugis hanging in the woods. A forester found and raised him, baptizing him with the name "Meraugis of Portlesguez" after a local knight.

Meraugis joined Arthur’s service and, during the Grail Quest, he helped Erec to avenge Erec’s father’s death by conquering the castle of Celis. He buried Erec’s body in Camelot when Erec was slain by Gawain. At Camelot, he took Erec’s seat at the Round Table and learned of his true lineage.

He embarked on more adventures with Galahad and Hector, with whom he conquered the Castle of Treachery. After Arthur’s death at Salisbury, he joined the Archbishop of Canterbury in a monastery. He was eventually slain by Sir Licanor the Great, who served King Mark.

The Vulgate says he is the brother of the wife of Minoras, the vavasour.