Bevis of Hampton: Analysis of Major Characters
"Bevis of Hampton" is a medieval romance that follows the life of Bevis, a knight and heir to the estate of Hampton, who faces a tumultuous journey marked by betrayal, adventure, and valor. At a young age, Bevis witnesses the murder of his father and, fearing for his safety, is sold into slavery by his mother. He finds himself in the court of a Saracen king, where he earns respect and honors through his remarkable deeds. Bevis eventually marries Josyan, the king's daughter, after a series of heroic exploits, reclaiming his rightful inheritance and winning additional kingdoms along the way.
Key characters include Ermyn, the Saracen king and Josyan's father, and Sir Murdour, the antagonist who murdered Bevis' father. Ascapard, initially a giant, becomes Bevis's loyal page after being subdued. Supporting characters such as Saber, Bevis's uncle and ally, as well as Inor and Bradmond, Saracen kings who oppose him, further enrich the narrative. The story culminates in the next generation, where King Edgar agrees to a strategic marriage between his daughter and Bevis's son, Mile, to end ongoing conflicts. The text blends themes of loyalty, identity, and the restoration of honor, contributing to the broader tapestry of medieval literature.
Bevis of Hampton: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Unknown
Genre: Poetry
Locale: England, the Holy Land, and Western Europe
Plot: Romance
Time: c. Tenth century
Bevis, a knight and the heir to the estate of Hampton. When he is seven years old, his father is murdered by his mother's lover. the assassin is beaten into senselessness by the child, whose mother, fearing further disturbances, sells him to slave merchants who take him to a Saracen court. Favorably impressing the Saracen king, he receives many honors. As a knight, he passes through a series of remarkable exploits before he marries the king's daughter, wins several kingdoms, and regains his rightful inheritance.
Josyan, the daughter of Bevis' Saracen master. She marries Bevis after his many brave knightly adventures.
Ermyn, a Saracen king, Josyan's father, into whose court Bevis goes as a slave.
Sir Murdour, the murderer of Bevis' father and usurper of Hampton.
Ascapard, the giant who becomes Bevis' page boy after the knight has subdued him.
Saber, a knight, the uncle and ally of Bevis.
Inor and Bradmond, Saracen kings and enemies of Bevis.
Guy and Mile, sons of Bevis of Hampton and Josyan.
King Edgar, the enemy of Bevis and Saber. To end a savage war, he agrees to give his daughter in marriage to Bevis' son, Mile.