The Close Friends and Family of Arthur Pendragon - Final Lineup with Descriptions
Arthurian Legends Redesigned is a project I worked on in college, tasked with taking a traditional legend or folktale and putting it within a new context. I chose the Arthurian legends and decided to put them within a Dungeons and Dragons-adjacent fantasy setting, along with fleshing out a lot of the other unmentioned characters within the story.
King of Camelot, ruler of the Round Table, beckoner of the Golden Age. Known throughout the lands for his fairness and honesty, leading with a sturdy hand and sound mind. Married to Guinevere, adopted Gawain and Gareth, his nephews, after the death of his sister.
Became boy-king after he was given Excalibur by the Fey queen beneath the lake, and has been in power almost his entire life. An incredibly competent ruler, although a bit emotionally deaf.
The eldest of Arthur’s sons. He idolizes his father, being raised on stories of his earlier days as both a king and warrior. Would love to be just like him- although his easygoing and almost sloppy personality keeps that dream at an arm’s length.
Like his father when he was young, he spends most of his time out questing and adventuring, oftentimes ending up causing the problem to grow worse. Despite his shortcomings, remains confident and self-righteous.
The youngest of Arthur’s sons, and Lancelot’s squire. Kind, simple, and emotionally-driven, with a big heart and an urge to help. Due to his older brother being his father’s focus, he spent less time with his family and more time spent training and assisting Lancelot.
Because of this, he’s much closer with Galahad than Gawain, the two having a very close, brotherly bond. Idolizes Lancelot as his hero and roll model.
Arthur’s wife. Never seen outside of the castle walls. Although the marriage was originally one of love, Arthur’s dedication to his job has lead to her feeling unappreciated and sidelined. Her primary source of comfort for those feelings is Lancelot, who she’s grown to love more than her husband. Their affair is what sparks the gradual collapse of Arthur’s rule.
Born and raised in the Fey realm under the lake, Lancelot is seen as Arthur’s most trusted knight and companion. Quiet, virtuous and with an honor code as sharp as steel, Lancelot’s calm temper and chivalry often has him considered as the most honorable within the Round Table.
However, that outward appearance is in constant battle with his own fey-like wild nature, and his deep want of Guinevere, Arthur’s wife. Their affair is what sparks the gradual collapse of Arthur’s rule.
Lancelot’s one son, with Elaine of Corbenic. His father’s dislike of his mother and what she did to him has lead to him being held at a distance for most of his life, becoming much closer with the Pendragon siblings, especially Gareth, and considering them his close family. Kind, compassionate and virtuous, Galahad holds much of the same honor and piety his father displays, but in a much more genuine way.
Lancelot’s previous wife, deceased. Was given to him as a favor from her father, but their marriage was faulty due to Lancelot’s unwavering love of Guinevere. Out of desperation to be wanted she disguised herself as Guinevere so he might give her a child, after he found out what she had done he left. She gave her child, Galahad, up to a nunnery and then drowned herself.