Arthurian Name Dictionary

Zaradech

An Asian lord. His brother was Panschavar. His sister Japhite died from heartbreak when Wigalois, Gawain’s son, killed King Roaz of Glois, Japhite’s husband. Zaradech and Panschavar came to Glois to retrieve Japhite’s body. Both brothers later joined Wigalois’s war against Prince Lion of Namur. [Wirnt]

Zazamanc

A kingdom in Arabia or Africa. It was ruled by Queen Belacane, who was loved by Isenhart. When Isenhart died in a battle for Belacane’s love, Isenhart’s allies attacked and besieged Zazamanc. Zazamanc was saved by the arrival of Perceval’s father, Gahmuret, who beat back the attackers and married Belacane, assuming control of the kingdom. It later fell to Gahmuret’s other son, Feirefiz, who gave it to Perceval as a gift. [Wolfram]

Zazant

During a speech in Heinrich von dem Türlin’s Diu Crône, Gawain describes how he “came to the aid of Zazant as a dragon was carrying him to its cave.” This episode is not found in existing Arthurian literature. [Heinrich]

Zedoech

One of two knights who murdered Sir Aamanz, who was called “the Other Gawain.” [Heinrich]

Zelegebre

The capital of Carmelide. It was one of the courts of the False Guinevere. [VulgLanc]

Zelotés

An evil king who had been promised the maiden Perse by her father. When Perse refused to marry Zelotés, he abducted her. Hector of the Fens, who loved Perse, went to Zelotés’s castle, killed him in combat, and freed Perse. [VulgLanc]

Zeroarz

One of the many Saxon kings to join the Saxon invasion of Britain as Arthur was struggling to establish power. Under King Hargadabran, he fought against Arthur’s forces at Clarence. [Livre]

Zetro

A valley where a knight named Pinabel was slain by his brothers. Pinabel’s widow was later saved from these brothers by Tristan. [Tavola]

Zidras [Ydraus]

A Saxon who joined King Rions war against Arthur. He fought Arthur at the battle of Aneblayse but was forced to flee. [VulgMer, Livre]

Zipper

In a fifteenth-century Shrovetide play, the Queen of Zipper sends a chastity horn to Arthur’s court. [Hupsches]

Zirdos

One of four giants who planned to fight for King Ekunaver of Kanadic in a war against Arthur, but were forced to stay neutral when Arthur’s Sir Garel defeated Malseron, the giants’ leader. [PleierG]

Zirijon

One of four giants who planned to fight for King Ekunaver of Kanadic in a war against Arthur, but were forced to stay neutral when Arthur’s Sir Garel defeated Malseron, the giants’ leader. [PleierG]

Zone

A land ruled by Arthur’s Duke Beladigant. [Stricker]

Zoroaster of Arabia

An infidel king who served Feirefiz, Perceval’s half-brother. [Wolfram]

Zyrolan of Semblidac

A king once defeated in combat by Perceval. [Wolfram]

Copyright Christopher Bruce. All Rights Reserved. Provided here by his kind permission. Layout of book modified to fit the Celtic Twilight format.