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The Library
of Alexandria

A character in Le Morte Darthur

Who is Sir Gawain?

By the Library of Alexandria · 2 minute read · Updated 23 oct. 2026

In short

  • Sir Gawain is King Arthur's nephew and a leading Round Table knight in Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte Darthur.
  • He is fierce and proud, with a strong loyalty to his family.
  • When the Holy Grail appears at court, he vows to seek it, and other knights follow his example.

Who Sir Gawain is

Sir Gawain belongs to the fellowship of knights gathered around King Arthur at the Round Table. He is also Arthur's nephew, so his place at court joins knighthood with family ties.

Sir Gawain's fierceness, pride and loyalty to his family place him within a story where loyalty to kin and loyalty to a king do not always fit together.

Sir Gawain and the others in the story

Gawain belongs to the Orkney family, alongside his brothers Gaheris, Agravain and Mordred. Their ties become important as private loves and grudges put pressure on Arthur's court.

When the Holy Grail appears during a feast, Gawain vows to go in search of it. Other knights join him, while Arthur fears what their departure will mean for the fellowship he has built.

Questions

How is Sir Gawain related to King Arthur?

Sir Gawain is Arthur's nephew as well as one of his leading knights.

What is Sir Gawain like?

He is fierce and proud, and his loyalty to his family is especially strong.

Does Sir Gawain seek the Holy Grail?

Yes, he vows to search for it after its appearance at the Round Table.

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