NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Paris of France


The King of France in Welsh legend, who gave his name to the country’s capital. Paris was one of Arthur’s warriors.

Interestingly, the title King of France is given to two other warriors – Iona and Gwilenhin – in the same story. In Jean D’Outremeuse’s Ly Myreur des Histors, one of Arthur’s warriors named Paris of France is given the daughter and lands of the King of Saynes, whom Arthur conquers.

According to Sommer there is a Priant who is “le pere de Paris” (“father of Paris“), but gives no more information, if Paris is a king or warrior.

It is thought that Paris may be identical to the French King Paris mentioned in the Mabinogion story of Culhwch and Olwen who, along with another French king, Iona, was said to have been at Arthur’s court.


Sources
Ly Myreur des Histors | Jean D’Outremeuse, c. 1350
Culhwch and Olwen | Late 11th century