Erec and Enide Characters
by Chrétien de Troyes

In this Arthurian romance, many of the characters are connected with King Arthur’s court and the Round Table. Arthur and his queen, Guinevere, are the ruling monarchs.

Erec, the titular protagonist, is a knight of the Round Table. The early part of the book concerns his courtship of the lovely Enide, which includes fighting for her. Once they are married, the couple goes to live in Arthur’s Court, and Erec must soon leave wedded bliss to prove his bravery once again. Fighting against charges of cowardice as well as the obstacles he encounters, Erec validates his honor.

King Lac is Erec’s father. When he dies, Erec inherits the kingdom of Carnant and the title.

Enide, known for her exceptional beauty, first draws Erec’s attention when he sees a dwarf strike her. She then captures Erec’s heart when he comes to stay with her family and soon becomes his bride. Disturbed by reports of cowardice associated with his overextending their honeymoon, she initially pushes him to restore his knightly honor and then decides to go on the dangerous journey with him. Despite their numerous differences of opinions, she proves that she is brave as well as beautiful, thus showing that she is a worthy life partner as well.

Guivret the Little and Yder are two knights whom Erec vanquishes. Guivret becomes his friend, and Erec turns Yder over to Guinevere.

Sir Gawain and Sir Kay are other knights of the Round Table.

Count Galoin, viewing himself as Erec’s rival for Enide’s affection, plots to kill him but Enide prevents him from doing so, thus raising his estimation of her fine qualities.

Erec

Erec (eh-REHK), a fair and brave knight of the Round Table. In a town where he is lodging, he meets his host’s daughter, the beautiful damsel Enide. He returns with her to King Arthur’s court and makes her his bride. So enamored is he of the fair lady that he neglects all knightly pursuits in favor of dalliance with her. When the report reaches him that the people think him a coward, he sets out with Enide on a journey of knight-errantry during which he bears himself with such bravery that he returns to King Arthur’s court with honor. On his father’s death, he becomes king of his own land.

Enide

Enide (eh-NEED ), the most beautiful damsel in Christendom, Erec’s bride. After she hears...