Pertolepe
Sir Pertolepe, known as the Green Knight, is one of four colour-coded brethren attested in Le Morte d'Arthur, Book VII.
Sir Pertolepe, known as the Green Knight, is one of four colour-coded brethren attested in Le Morte d'Arthur, Book VII. He is brother to Sir Persant of Inde, Sir Perimones, and a Black Knight, all defeated sequentially by Sir Gareth (Beaumains) during the quest to rescue the Lady Lionesse.
Pertolepe is identified through his brother Persant's recognition of Gareth's victories: "ye are he that won mine other brother the Green Knight, his name was Sir Pertolepe" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book VII, Chapter XII). In the tournament at Lionesse's castle, Pertolepe distinguishes himself by unhorsing a notable opponent, as "Sir Pertolepe, the Green Knight, smote down Sir Lionel, brother to Sir Launcelot" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book VII, Chapter XXVIII).
Following Gareth's triumph, Pertolepe arrives at the wedding celebration "with thirty knights" to do homage and fealty, pledging that "these knights to hold of him for evermore" (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book VII, Chapter XXXV). He requests and receives the office of chamberlain at the feast (Le Morte d'Arthur, Book VII, Chapter XXXV).
Pertolepe's attestations are confined to Le Morte d'Arthur's Tale of Sir Gareth. Like his brothers, he transitions from antagonist to loyal vassal, with each brother requesting a distinct household office at the wedding feast. Pertolepe's defeat of Sir Lionel during the tournament is notable as it demonstrates that the brethren, though conquered by Gareth, remain formidable against other Round Table knights.
Appears in: Beings, Entities in Le Morte d'Arthur, British Tradition