Bedivere
alternative names: Bedwyr (Welsh)
titles and positions: Knight of the Round Table
Arthur's companion from the earliest traditions. His name is probably
best known from the stories of the end of Arthur's life, when Arthur bade
him throw Excalibur in the lake. Bedivere could not bring himself to
fling the fabled sword into the water, and twice told the King he had
done so when he had not. When the King asked him what he had seen, he
replied, "Only the water lapping at the banks." Arthur knew from this
that he was lying. A third time the King bade him throw the sword into
the lake. This time Bedivere complied, and he saw a hand rise from the
water and catch the sword. He survived the battle of Camlann, along with
his brother.
Historical and Literary Sources:
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one of the earliest appearances of Bedivere is as Bedwyr in Culhwch and
Olwen, where Arthur and his companions help Culhwch chase after boars
and complete various quests.
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Last updated on July 27, 1999 by Merrie
Haskell.
Comments to merrie@umich.edu.