NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Corsabrin


A Saracen knight who loved the daughter of King Baudac. The lady did not return Sir Corsabrin’s love, so Corsabrin began telling people that she was insane. Baudac’s daughter convinced Palamedes (Palomides) to fight Corsabrin, hoping to get rid of him. The combat was held during the tournament at Sorelois. Palamedes defeated Corsabrin.

In the Prose Tristan, Corsabrin commits suicide rather than surrender, and a devil takes away his soul. In Malory, Palamedes cuts off Corsabrin’s head, and a horrible stench emits from his body as his soul leaves, for Corsabrin had not been christened. The knights and lords at attendance took this as a sign, and begged Palamedes to be christened, but Palamedes said he would not until he had completen

seven true battles for Jesus's sake.

Corsabrin was the son of Aristot and brother of Rechaux the Strong. A paynim and

a passing felonius knight.


See also
Baghdad | The Legend of King Arthur
Bandes’ Daughter | The Legend of King Arthur


Sources
Prose Tristan | 1230-1240
Le Morte Darthur | Sir Thomas Malory, 1469-1470