Ebel
Knight in Le Morte d'Arthur who narrates King Hermance's betrayal.
Sir Ebel is a knight in Le Morte d'Arthur who serves as the narrator of King Hermance's betrayal and death. He first appears when he approaches Sir Palomides: "Wit ye well, sir knight, this dole and sorrow is here made every day" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book X, Chapter LXI). Ebel explains that Hermance, King of the Red City, was betrayed by two knights he had raised "in charity," loving and trusting them above all others (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book X, Chapter LXI). His role is to recruit a champion to avenge the king's murder.
Across four citations in Le Morte d'Arthur, Ebel functions as an informant and guide rather than a combatant. He tells the story of Hermance's betrayal, appeals for vengeance "for God's sake" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book X, Chapter LXII), and directs Palomides to the Delectable Isle near the Red City where the fight must take place: "Sir, said Sir Ebel, then take your ship again, and that ship must bring you unto the Delectable Isle, fast by the Red City, and we in this castle shall pray for you" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book X, Chapter LXII). His narrative serves a structural purpose -- establishing the circumstances that draw Palomides into his next adventure -- while the detail of the castle's inhabitants praying for the champion adds a devotional note to the martial enterprise.
Appears in: Beings, Entities in Le Morte d'Arthur, British Tradition