Nightbringer | The Arthurian Online Encyclopedia

Trahan the Gay

Traans le Gays, Trahan li Gais, Trahans, Trahant le Gai, Traligans le Gai

Lord of the Gay Castle and father of Drian the Gay and Melian the Gay.

When Lancelot was newly knighted, Trahan was borne to Arthur’s court. His body contained two spearheads, and a piece of a sword was stuck in his head. By extracting these broken weapons from him, Lancelot swore to avenge Trahan’s injuries, which had been delivered by a brother of Caradoc of the Dolorous Tower.

Lancelot eventually killed Caradoc and his brother – saving Trahan’s sons in the process – but for reasons unconnected to this original oath.


Sources
Vulgate Lancelot | 1215-1230
Le Livre d’Artus | Early 13th century