Erbin

Erbin is Geraint’s father and a lord in Cornwall whose age and declining strength bring his son back from Arthur’s court to protect their lands. His request is more than a private summons: it sets in motion Geraint’s return, the transfer of authority, and the public recognition of his rule by the people of Cornwall.

Identity and Background

Erbin is identified as the son of Custennin and the uncle of Arthur. As a vassal of Arthur, he sends ambassadors to the king, who is holding court at Caerlleon upon Usk during Whitsuntide. They report that Erbin has grown feeble and old, and that neighboring chiefs, aware of his condition, have become insolent and covet his land and possessions.

The ambassadors ask that Geraint be allowed to return, protect his father’s holdings, and become acquainted with their boundaries. They present the duty as a better use of his youth than tournaments, which bring him glory but do not preserve his family’s territory. Erbin’s need is therefore both personal and political: he can no longer defend the dominion he has maintained for himself and his son.

Geraint’s Return and the Transfer of Authority

Arthur finds it difficult to let Geraint leave his court, but considers it unfair to keep his cousin from protecting lands whose ageing lord can no longer defend them. Geraint agrees to follow Arthur’s will, and sets out with a large company of knights. On the far side of the Severn, Erbin’s nobles and foster-father welcome him; the court and country rejoice at his return and at the fame he has won while away.

The next morning Erbin tells Geraint that he has maintained the dominion for them both while able, but now expects his vigorous young son to preserve their possessions. Geraint initially resists: he does not want Erbin to hand over power at once or to take him away from Arthur’s court. Erbin nevertheless insists that the authority pass to his son and that Geraint receive the homage of his subjects that day.

Gwalchmai advises postponing the homage until those seeking favors have first been heard. Petitioners are gathered, and none leaves without receiving what was requested; Arthur’s followers and the people of Cornwall both give gifts. The following day, Erbin has Geraint ask whether the people object to his coming to receive their homage. They welcome the prospect as a source of joy and honor, and Geraint receives the homage of those present. Erbin’s succession is thus marked not only by his declaration but by public consent and the satisfaction of petitioners.

Continuing Responsibility and Narrative Role

After Geraint has taken up his responsibilities, he and Enid return to Arthur’s court. Later, when Geraint suddenly announces that he is going on a quest, he asks Erbin to watch over his possessions until he comes back. Erbin agrees, though he finds the sudden departure strange and questions how Geraint can travel through Lloegyr with only one companion. His response recalls the earlier arrangement in a changed form: once Geraint returned to relieve his father, and now Erbin again undertakes to guard the holdings during his son’s absence.

Erbin’s role links inherited authority to practical care of land and people. He is neither simply displaced by his son nor absent after the transfer: he initiates Geraint’s return, insists that he assume power, and remains ready to protect the possessions entrusted to the family. The transition gives Geraint a public realm to govern while preserving a continuing bond of responsibility between father and son.