NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Tessina


A lady encountered by Tristan and Dinadan in the forest of Cerveroiche. Her father was named Federon the Red.

A knight named Pinabel fell in love with her, and her mother made Pinabel kill his own brother, Uriées (who had killed Tessina’s uncle, Garionne) as a condition of marriage. This sparked a war with Pinabel’s other brothers and sister that led to Pinabel’s death and to a death sentence for Tessina.

She was captured by Pinabel’s brothers at the Fountain of Valesca. Tristan arrived at the Ancient Tower where Tessina’s sister-in-law, Losanna, intended to execute her. Tristan defended her, slaying the brothers and freeing her. Dinadan, who felt that Tessina was deserving of death, broke with Tristan over this incident.

Tessina was later slain at the Castle Crudele, for she was not as beautiful as the castle’s lady.


Source
La Tavola Ritonda | 1325–1350