Amadís of Gaul: Analysis of Major Characters
"Amadís of Gaul" is a foundational work in the chivalric romance genre, centering on the titular character, Amadís, who embarks on a quest to win the love of Oriana, the daughter of King Lisuarte of England. Born to King Perion of Gaul and Princess Elisena, Amadís is raised away from his parents and grows into a formidable knight, facing numerous challenges and adventures. Key figures in the narrative include Galaor, Amadís’s brother; Urganda, an enchantress who serves as his protector; and Arcalaus, a malevolent magician opposed to Amadís. The story features a rich tapestry of characters, including allies and adversaries such as King Garinter, the grandfather of Amadís, and various kings from neighboring realms like Ireland and Scotland. Themes of honor, love, and bravery are interwoven throughout the text, as Amadís navigates his destiny in a world filled with magic and knightly deeds. The work not only showcases the ideals of chivalry but also reflects the complexities of familial and romantic relationships in a medieval context.
Amadís of Gaul: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Vasco de Lobeira
First published: Amadís de Gaula, 1508 (English translation, 1619)
Genre: Novel
Locale: France, England, and the rest of Europe
Plot: Romance
Time: First century
Amadís de Gaul (ah-mah-DEES duh gawl), the natural son of King Perion of Gaul and Elisena, daughter of King Garinter of Lesser Britain. To be worthy of his beloved, Oriana, the daughter of the king of England, and to win her hand, he becomes a knight and passes through many brave adventures.
King Perión of Gaul (pehr-ee-OHN), the father of Amadís de Gaul.
Princess Elisena (eh-lee-SEHN-nah), the mother of Amadís de Gaul.
Galaor (gah-lah-OHR), the brother of Amadís de Gaul.
Lisuarte (lee-SWAHR-teh), the king of England and the father of Oriana.
Brisena (bree-SEH-nah), the queen of England and the mother of Oriana.
Oriana (ohr-ee-AH-nah), the daughter of King Lisuarte and Queen Brisena. She is loved by Amadís de Gaul, who wins her hand after many knightly adventures.
Urganda (ewr-GAHN-dah), an enchantress, the protector of Amadís de Gaul.
Arcalaus (ahr-kah-LOWS), a wicked magician.
King Garinter (gah-reen-TEHR), the grandfather of Amadís de Gaul.
Darioleta (dahr-ee-oh-LEH-tah), Elisena's attendant. She hides the infant Amadís de Gaul, along with his father's ring, in an ark and sets him afloat.
Gandales (gahn-DAH-lehs), a knight who finds Amadís de Gaul in the sea and rears him.
Gandalín (gahn-dahl-EEN), the son of Gandales.
Languines (lahn-GWEEN-ehs), the king of Scotland, who takes Amadís de Gaul to his court.
Abies (AH-bee-ehs), the king of Ireland and the enemy of King Perion.
Galpano (gahl-PAH-noh), a haughty robber who is overcome by Amadís de Gaul.
Barsinan (bahr-SEE-nahn), a traitor to King Lisuarte.
Apolidón (ah-pohl-lee-DOHN), the son of the king of Greece.
King Aravigo (ah-rah-VEE-goh), an enemy of King Lisuarte and Amadís de Gaul.
Gasquilán (gahs-kee-LAHN), the king of Sweden, who is overthrown in single combat by Amadís de Gaul.
Esplandián (ehs-plahn-dee-AHN), a messenger.