Hiudan, Hodain, Hudenc, Idonia, Utant
Tristan’s dog.
In some texts, it is given to him by the daughter of King Faramon of France.
Several sources maintain that the hound licked some of the love potion that bound Tristan and Isolde, making him unusually loyal to the lovers. When Tristan and Isolde were forced to flee from Mark into the forest of Morrois, Husdent followed them. Tristan then trained him not to bark so that he would not attract attention.
When the lovers had to part again, Tristan gave Husdent to Isolde, and the hound later identified Tristan to Isolde when Tristan came to court disguised as a fool or insane. The dog died on top of the lovers’ grave three days after they were buried.
Sources
Tristan | Béroul, late 12th century
Tristan | Gottfried von Strassburg, early 13th century
La Folie Tristan de Berne | Late 12th century
La Folie Tristan d’Oxford | 12th century
Prose Tristan | 1230-1240
La Tavola Ritonda | 1325–1350
Sir Tristrem | c. 1300