Gareth
Gareth of Orkney (Welsh: [ˈɡarɛθ]) is a Knight of the Round Table in the Le Morte d'Arthur version of the Arthurian legend. He is depicted as the youngest son of King Lot and the Queen of Orkney, King Arthur's half-sister, thus making him Arthur's nephew, as well as brother to Gawain, Agravain and Gaheris, and either a brother or half-brother of Mordred.
The author Thomas Malory created (and named) his composite character of Gareth by combining elements of similar figures from French sources (appearing until various names but originally known as Chrétien's Gaheriet and Guerrehet), specifically constructing him as the 'good' Orkney brother. Malory contrasted the virtuous and honorable Gareth with his morally imperfect or even villainous siblings, including Gaheris who is sometimes conflated with the 'Gareth' figures of the youngest brother in the earlier sources.
In Le Morte d'Arthur, where one of its eight volumes is named after and largely dedicated to a young Gareth, he is also known by his nickname Beaumains. This Fair Unknown style story tells of his quest on the behalf of the sisters Lynette and Lyonesse, ending in his marriage with the latter and earning his knighthood through both his martial prowess and humility. At the end of Le Morte, Gareth is accidentally killed by his mentor and friend, Lancelot, during the rescue of Guinevere from the stake, an event that leads to the doom of Arthur's kingdom.
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