Nabon
Nabon is attested in the Le Morte d'Arthur with 10 citations, where he appears as the tyrannical lord of an island who "hated all the knights of King Arthur's, and in no wise he would do them favour" .
Nabon is attested in the Le Morte d'Arthur with 10 citations, where he appears as the tyrannical lord of an island who "hated all the knights of King Arthur's, and in no wise he would do them favour" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book VIII, Ch. XXXVII). His principal narrative is his combat with Sir Tristram, which results in his defeat and the liberation of the island.
Nabon's character emerges through his interactions with Tristram. He issues a summons requiring "all the people of that isle should be at his castle the fifth day after" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book VIII, Ch. XXXIX), establishing his dominion. When he encounters Tristram fighting as an unnamed knight, Nabon is initially impressed: "hold thy hand and I shall show thee more courtesy than ever I showed knight, because I have seen this day thy noble knighthood" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book VIII, Ch. XXXIX). He invites Tristram to arm himself properly, saying "go thou to yonder pavilion, and arm thee of the best thou findest there, and I shall play a marvellous play with thee" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book VIII, Ch. XXXIX).
During their combat, Nabon asks Tristram's name, and upon learning it declares: "Thou art welcome... for of all knights I have most desired to fight with thee or with Sir Launcelot" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book VIII, Ch. XXXIX). This acknowledgment of Tristram and Launcelot as the two most sought-after opponents establishes the stakes of the encounter.
Appears in: Beings, Entities in Le Morte d'Arthur, British Tradition