Wastes of Cornwall refers to a fictional or mythical region mentioned in some Arthurian romances and legends. It is described as a desolate and perilous area located in or near the region of Cornwall in southwestern England.
The Wastes of Cornwall are often depicted as a wild and untamed landscape, characterized by rugged terrain, dense forests, marches, and treacherous conditions. It is portrayed as an inhospitable and dangerous place where knights face challenges, tests, or encounters with mythical creatures and adversaries. In some Arthurian tales, the Wastes of Cornwall serve as a setting for knightly adventures and quests. Knights may venture into the Wastes in search of glory, to overcome obstacles, or to confront specific adversaries or challenges that await them within the region.
In Peredur, the Welsh romance which is a part of the Mabinogion, features the Wastes of Cornwall as a location where Peredur, the hero of the story, faces various challenges and encounters mystical beings.
In Gereint and Enid, Chrétien de Troyes includes references to the Wastes of Cornwall. It is the story of Sir Geraint, a knight who embarks on a quest and faces trials in the wilderness, including the Wastes of Cornwall.
In Queste del Saint Graal, the Wastes of Cornwall serve as one of the perilous regions that the Knights of the Round Table must traverse in their quest for the Holy Grail.
The Tale of Sir Gareth, by Thomas Malory, tells how Gareth embarks on a series of adventures that take him through various regions, including the Wastes of Cornwall.
Sources
Peredur | 13th century
Post-Vulgate Queste del Saint Graal | 1230-1240