Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu

Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu is a knight associated with King Arthur’s court, appearing in scenes that contrast the fellowship’s welcome and humor with the risks of combat. His recorded encounters include recovery from a grave wound, participation in the pursuit of King Mark, and defeat by a powerful unidentified knight.

Identity and Place at Court

Sir Griflet is identified as one of the knights welcomed at a castle where an old knight offers hospitality to errant knights. There he meets Sir Dinadan, King Mark, and other members of the company. His place in this gathering is that of a recognized Arthurian knight, connected to the court’s wider fellowship of companions who travel and share adventures.

The account also recalls a serious earlier injury. After a knight had been knocked down in combat, Sir Griflet rode back to court, where his companions grieved for him. Skilled physicians treated him, and he recovered. The episode establishes that his adventures carry real danger, even when the narrative later turns to comic pursuit.

The Pursuit of King Mark

When the knights at the castle discuss a Cornish knight who had fled from their company, Sir Griflet says that he has brought Sir Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, with him. Sir Dinadan explains that he has told King Mark that Sir Launcelot is among the pursuing knights, and that he has described the shield supposedly carried by Sir Launcelot. The claim is a bluff: Sir Launcelot is not actually in their company.

The knights turn the deception into a practical joke. Sir Mordred, who is injured, lends Sir Dagonet his armor and shield; Sir Dagonet rides out against King Mark, who recognizes the shield and flees. Sir Griflet’s contribution is the introduction of Sir Dagonet into the scene, helping set in motion a chase that briefly makes the king and his pursuers the objects of the company’s laughter.

Defeat by the Unnamed Knight

The comic episode changes when King Mark encounters a strong knight by a well. The stranger dismisses the threat supposedly posed by Sir Launcelot and challenges King Mark to stand his ground. Sir Dagonet turns back, but the stranger knocks him down. Sir Brandiles, Sir Uwaine, and Ozana then engage the stranger in succession and are also unhorsed.

Sir Griflet proposes that the company find out who the stranger is and whether he belongs to King Arthur’s court. The stranger refuses to give his name and says only that he is an errant knight, not one of Arthur’s knights. Sir Agravaine then joins the fight, and Sir Griflet is among those the stranger knocks from his horse. The group suspects that the opponent may be Sir Lamorak, but the stranger gives no confirmation. After overcoming them, he rides on, while King Mark follows and praises him.

Narrative Role

Sir Griflet’s brief appearances show the varied texture of Arthurian fellowship: a courtly company can make a spectacle of a frightened king, then be abruptly humbled by an opponent whose identity remains uncertain. Griflet helps organize the first encounter, but in the following fight he shares the others’ defeat. His recovery from an earlier wound likewise places the dangers of knightly adventure alongside the social rituals and humor of the court.