Sir Percival was a Knight of the Round Table. He was a common villager until his family was killed by Cenred's army, after which he pledged his allegiance to Arthur Pendragon and became a Knight of Camelot.
Biography
Early Life
Little is known about Percival's early life, only that his family was killed when Cenred's army raided his village. Because the army was under Morgana Pendragon's control at the time, Percival came to hate everything to do with her (A Servant of Two Masters).
At some point, Percival became acquainted with Lancelot. He chose to accompany Lancelot to Camelot after Merlin sent for him following the Fall of Camelot (The Coming of Arthur).
Knighthood
- “Arise, Sir Percival, Knight of Camelot.”
- — Arthur Pendragon[src]
Percival is made a Knight of Camelot.
Percival and Lancelot found Merlin with Arthur and his small band of rebels in the woods outside Camelot, where they were being chased by Morgause's immortal soldiers. Percival and Lancelot halted the pursuit by dropping boulders onto the narrow path from above, blocking the way and allowing Arthur and his allies to escape.
After welcoming Percival and Lancelot into the group, Arthur decided to seek refuge at the Castle of the Ancient Kings, where he invited everyone to sit at the Round Table and outlined his plan to infiltrate the citadel and rescue his father. Percival was among those who volunteered to join him, and was made a Knight of Camelot alongside Lancelot, Elyan, and Gwaine.
The next day, Arthur and his men snuck into the citadel while Gwen and Gaius remained behind at the Castle. Once inside, Merlin and Lancelot separated from the group to disable the warning bell while Arthur, Percival, and the others proceeded to the dungeons. They managed to trap some of the soldiers guarding the prisoners in a cell and held their own against those that remained.
Sir Percival, Knight of Camelot
Arthur was in the process of freeing Uther from his cell when the warning bell sounded, alerting the citadel to their presence. With their escape route cut off, Arthur led the Knights into battle against the immortal army until Merlin emptied the Cup of Life, instantly destroying the immortal soldiers.
Later, Percival accompanied the other Knights to the Castle of the Ancient Kings to escort Gwen home to Camelot (The Coming of Arthur).
The Dorocha's Attack
Percival rescues some children from the Dorocha.
One year after the Fall of Camelot, Percival was still serving as a Knight in Uther's court. He and Gwaine attempted to steal a roast chicken from the castle kitchens before the Feast of Samhain, which they attended that evening.
Percival later accompanied Merlin, Arthur, and the rest of the Knights of the Round Table to investigate reports of strange, faceless creatures attacking Camelot's villages. They discovered that the attacks were the work of the Dorocha, ghostly voices of the dead unleashed when Morgana tore the veil between the worlds.
As the Dorocha spread through Camelot, villagers crowded into the city in search of safety and the Knights began patrolling the streets with torches. During one such patrol, Percival found three children hiding behind some barrels and was forced to abandon his torch while rescuing them, leaving him vulnerable to the Dorocha. Fortunately, Elyan came to his aid by chasing the Dorocha away with his own torch and helping him carry the kids to safety.
The Knights of the Round Table later accompanied Arthur on his quest to the Isle of the Blessed, where he intended to repair the veil and banish the Dorocha. They made camp the first night at the fortress of Daobeth, where Merlin was badly injured by the Dorocha. Lancelot volunteered to take Merlin back to Camelot, and the rest of the group continued on with the quest.
On Arthur's recommendation, the Knights decided to take a shortcut through the Tunnels of Andor, which were infested with Wilddeoren. They used Gaia berries to disguise their scents from the creatures, but were forced to flee tunnels when Gwaine killed one and alerted the others to their presence.
After another day of traveling, the Knights were reunited with Merlin and Lancelot, the former of whom had recovered from his encounter with the Dorocha. Like the other Knights, Percival rushed to greet them and was happy they were okay.
Percival carries a badly injured Merlin.
The group reached the Isle of the Blessed the following morning. They crossed the lake by way of the ferryman's boat, and soon discovered that the Isle was guarded by Wyverns. Percival, Elyan, and Leon chose to remain outside to fend them off while Arthur, Merlin, Lancelot, and Gwaine proceeded on to the stone altar, where Lancelot ultimately sacrificed himself to repair the veil.
Later, back at the citadel, Percival attended Lancelot's memorial alongside the rest of the court. He was present when a funeral pyre containing Lancelot's cloak and sword was burned in the courtyard (The Darkest Hour).
Further Adventures
Percival is attacked by Julius Borden.
Percival attended Arthur's birthday feast along with the rest of the court. Later, after the death of Uther, he also attended Arthur's coronation (The Wicked Day).
When they learned that Julius Borden was searching for the last dragon egg in existence, Percival accompanied Merlin, Arthur, and the other Knights of the Round Table on a quest to find and destroy it. They were ambushed by Borden during the journey, and Percival was struck in the leg by a crossbow bolt.
Percival also joined the other Knights in playing a trick on Merlin wherein they pretended to eat all of the food he made, then produced one last bowl that they'd saved for him. As a result, he and the other Knights fell deathly ill when Borden poisoned their food and had to be saved by Merlin's magic (Aithusa).
Percival took part in Arthur's ambush on King Caerleon's raiding party. He was present when Arthur tried to pressure Caerleon into signing a treaty with Camelot, and when Arthur executed him after he refused.
When Caerleon's widow, Queen Annis, consequently declared war on Camelot, Percival accompanied the rest of Camelot's army to the battle sight. He joined the other Knights in cheering up Arthur by voicing their support for him, and was later the first to volunteer to serve as Camelot's champion after Arthur and Annis agreed to settle their dispute by single combat. Arthur chose to fight Caerleon's champion himself, however, and Percival watched the duel from the ridge alongside the rest of the army (His Father's Son).
Percival was one of the Knights who accompanied Arthur on his secret negotiations. They were ambushed by Morgana's mercenaries in the Valley of the Fallen Kings and Percival, Leon, and Gwaine were separated from Merlin and Arthur during the battle. They recruited Elyan to help search and eventually found Arthur, but Merlin remained missing until the following day.
Later, Percival was on patrol with the other Knights when they encountered Merlin's alter ego Dragoon the Great in the Darkling Woods. Merlin was attempting to mount his horse so he could ride to Morgana's hovel and free himself from her Fomorroh's control, but due to the effects of his ageing spell did not have the strength to manage it.
Recognising him as the sorcerer supposedly responsible for Uther's death, Percival and the others attempted to apprehend him, but were quickly defeated by his magic. Merlin gleefully mounted his horse using the fallen Knights as a staircase and went on his way (A Servant of Two Masters).
Percival and the other Knights escorted Gwen and acting physician Merlin to Longstead, which had been stricken by a mysterious illness. While returning to Camelot, the Knights rescued a young girl, Lamia, from bandits. Lamia soon began to exert a strange control over the Knights, causing them to act increasingly possessive of her and aggressive towards each other. Percival was the first to be affected, shoving and threatening Merlin when he came near and generally acting as her bodyguard.
After Elyan appeared to have contracted the same sickness as the people of Longstead, Lamia persuaded them to shelter at her castle. She disappeared from the group when they arrived there, and one by one the Knights fell victim to her spell until a rescue party led by Arthur arrived and killed her. Percival and the others were then taken back to Longstead, where Gaius treated them for their illness (Lamia).
Percival participated in the jousting tournament that Arthur held to celebrate his engagement to Gwen. He was later present in the dining hall when Lancelot recounted the story of how he survived the veil and joined the other Knights in welcoming him back. Though Percival was eliminated from the tournament at some point, he was pleased with the prospect of seeing Arthur and Lancelot face each other in the finals (Lancelot du Lac).
Percival was with Arthur, Merlin, and the rest of the Knights when they came across a Druid Shrine. He joined the other Knights in teasing Elyan, and later that evening went to the tavern with Gwaine and some of the other Knights, where he accidentally broke Sir Brennis' wrist during an arm wrestling match.
Percival in the wedding tourney.
The next day, Percival attended training with Arthur and the other Knights, and was present in the armour when Gwaine and Elyan got into a fight. Later, when Elyan attempted to kill Arthur, Percival searched the castle for him along with Gwaine and Leon, eventually apprehending him in a castle corridor (A Herald of the New Age).
Percival was present when Arthur announced Camelot's new agreement with Nemeth and his arranged marriage to Princess Mithian. He was also in attendance when Mithian arrived (The Hunter's Heart).
Second Fall of Camelot
Percival at the Feast of Beltane.
When the Second Fall of Camelot began, Percival was attending the Feast of Beltane. He was amused by Merlin's joke about Arthur's weight and later conversed with a woman seated near him. Arthur noticed their interaction and became somewhat subdued, as it reminded him of Gwen.
After Gwaine entered the hall and announced that they were under attack, Percival was among the Knights that Arthur led into battle. They later retreated to an inner chamber with Merlin, Gaius, and Gwaine, who helped Percival barricade the doors while Merlin and Gaius treated Arthur's injured ribs.
As Morgana's forces overran the citadel, Percival and Merlin conspired to smuggle Arthur out of Camelot while Gaius and Gwaine remained behind. They met up with Elyan in the Darkling Woods and made plans to find sanctuary beyond Camelot's borders. However, Morgana chased them down and attacked them before they could leave the woods, and Percival disappeared in the confusion.
Though separated from Arthur and Merlin, Percival eventually came across Leon and other Camelot survivors who had gone into hiding in the Forest of Ascetir. They were later located by Merlin and gathered together to witness Arthur pull Excalibur from the stone, proving to all that he was the rightful King and restoring his confidence in himself.
Preparing to retake Camelot.
Afterwards, Percival, Leon, and Arthur began planning their own assault on the citadel, which was carried out the following day. Percival led their new allies Tristan and Isolde in taking out the guards at the castle gates, then accompanied Leon to the dungeons to free Gwaine, Elyan, and Gaius.
Later, after the battle was won, Percival attended Gwen's coronation alongside the rest of the court (The Sword in the Stone).
Capture at Ismere
Three years after the Second Fall of Camelot, Percival was one of sixty Knights that Gwaine led on a patrol to Ismere. The patrol was attacked by wolves led by Morgana, who had taken up residence in the Fortress of Ismere. Percival and the other Knights were captured and taken to the mines beneath the Fortress, where they were added to the ranks of slaves forced to dig for a Key.
Though they Knights were scattered throughout the mines, Percival and Gwaine managed to stay together and often discussed what Morgana was searching for. They eventually located the rest of their men, who had also been listening for any useful information, but had been unable to learn anything new.
Soon after locating the last of their men, Percival was shaken awake one night by Gwaine, who claimed to have seen a strange light in the caves. The light reappeared a little while later and Gwaine decided to follow it, telling Percival to cover for him. He did not return.
Though worried for his friend, Percival continued digging alongside the rest of the slaves. He was eventually found by Merlin and Arthur, who had set out with a rescue party to locate the missing patrol. Arthur gave Percival a sword and instructed him to find more weapons and arm the other Knights while he and Merlin searched for Gwaine.
Percival working in the mines.
Percival knocked out the guards and gave their weapons to the other slaves, who he then led in battle against Morgana's Saxons. At some point he met up with Gwaine, and at the battle's end they found Mordred supporting a wounded Arthur, who Percival then helped to the surface.
Later, back in Camelot, Percival attended Mordred's knighthood ceremony alongside the rest of the court (Arthur's Bane).
Later Adventures
Percival was attending a meeting of the Round Table when the doors to the council chambers began to open and close by themselves. Though unnerved, the council continued with their conference until a chandelier broke loose and crashed down on the center of the Table, damaging it and startling the Knights.
Later, Percival was alone in the armoury when he suddenly sensed he was being watched. He called out to see who was there, and was startled when a shield that had been hanging securely on the wall suddenly fell toe the ground. When he went to investigate, an axe flew off the weapon rack and struck him in the arm. Though the wound wasn't serious, he had it tended by Gaius and Merlin, who were very interested in the incident (The Death Song of Uther Pendragon).
Percival was among the Knights that accompanied Arthur to rescue King Rodor. He carried Merlin to safety after Mithian's maidservant, Hilda, found him unconscious next to the river. Like the other Knights, he was concerned for his friend, but continued on with Arthur when it was decided that they couldn't wait for Merlin to recover.
Later, when they arrived at the Tomb where Rodor was hiding, Percival was chosen to accompany Arthur and Mithian inside. They found Mithian's father, but discovered that he was being held captive by Odin. The rescue mission was really a trap orchestrated by Morgana, who had used an ageing spell to disguise herself as Hilda.
Percival and Arthur fought valiantly, but were soon defeated. Percival was restrained while Arthur was made to kneel before Odin, who intended to execute him. Before this could happen, however, Merlin arrived and used his magic to create a small earthquake. Percival and Arthur freed themselves in the confusion and escaped with Merlin, Mithian, and Rodor. Percival was then ordered to lead Mithian and her father out of danger while Arthur dealt with Odin (Another's Sorrow).
Percival accompanied Arthur and the other Knights of the Round Table on a mission to apprehend the sorcerer Osgar. He joined the other Knights in teasing Mordred along the way, and later partnered with Leon when they decided to split up to search the Forest of Brechfa.
Percival later went to Caerlanrigh with Arthur and the other Knights to answer the judgment of the Disir. Like the others, he ignored Merlin's warnings not to go armed into a sacred place and carelessly trampled the Disir's relics (The Disir).
The Dark Tower
- “I had the same dream. I was lost in a forest, the trees had claws, and when I finally escaped it there was a plain..."
"Empty as far as the eye can see, except..."
"Beyond the skyline there was a black pillar of stone.” - — Percival and Leon[src]
Percival in the Impenetrable Forest.
Percival was one of the Knights who escorted Gwen and Elyan on their pilgrimage to visit their father's grave. While returning to Camelot, the group was attacked by snakes conjured by Morgana and both Percival and Leon fell victim to their bites. Gwaine and Elyan urged Gwen to ride on without them, but she didn't get far before she was kidnapped.
After Percival and Leon recovered from the snakebites, Arthur, Merlin, and the Knights set out to rescue Gwen. They found her horse abandoned in the woods and a trail leading east. They followed the trial until nightfall, with Percival acting as the group's tracker.
Though Arthur wanted to continue, Merlin convinced him to make camp before they lost the trail completely. A few hours later, both Percival and Leon woke from identical nightmares of the Dark Tower. Merlin theorised that they must still have venom from Morgana's snakes running through their veins, and that she had planted the visions in their minds to lure Arthur into a trap. This led Arthur to believe that Gwen was being held captive at the Tower.
The group resolved to travel to the Tower together and began their journey by crossing the Impenetrable Forest. They spent much of the day wandering in circles, and at one point Percival broke his sword trying to hack through the Forest's dense foliage. The next morning they decided to return to the clearing they started from, but Merlin convinced the group that he guide them through the Forest, and (using his magic) successfully did so.
After leaving the Forest, the Knights endured an arduous trek across the Dollares Plains to arrive at the Tower itself. They climbed a staircase to a room filled with booby traps; the flagstones on the floor reacted to pressure, setting off arrows that wounded Percival in the leg.
Elyan, who was a little ways ahed of the others, figured out he could cross the room by using his sword to test the stones before stepping on them. The others were quick to follow suit, but upon reaching the doorway, Elyan went on without them, determined to rescue his sister. When Percival and the others finally caught up to him, they found Gwen unharmed at the top of the Tower and Elyan lying dead in her arms.
Percival later attended Elyan's funeral at the Lake of Avalon alongside the rest of the court (The Dark Tower).
Final Adventures
Percival at Tyr Seward's trial.
After an attempt was made on Arthur's life, Percival and Leon were sent to search the house of the King's stablehand, Tyr Seward. Percival discovered a spool of red thread identical to that which had been used to tamper with Arthur's saddle, and was later present in the council chambers when Tyr was tried and sentenced to death. He was also present for the examination of Tyr's body when he was found murdered in his cell.
When Arthur was poisoned and near death, Percival stood with the other Knights as Gaius made his diagnosis and Gwen accused Merlin of the crime. Later, when Merlin escaped from the dungeons disguised as Dragoon, Percival was one of the Knights who responded to the warning bell. He met up with Gwaine, Leon, and Mordred in the courtyard, and was startled when every torch in the square went out at once, declaring it to be sorcery (A Lesson in Vengeance).
Percival was among the Knights present in the courtyard when Sarrum of Amata arrived to discuss an alliance with Arthur. Later, he and the rest of the court were present in the council chambers to witness the two kings sign a treaty that would establish an alliance between their kingdoms (The Hollow Queen).
Percival and the other Knights of the Round Table were sent on a patrol to capture a renegade sorceress and her accomplice. They found Merlin in the woods, who claimed to be gathering herbs for Gaius. Though Merlin planned to return to Camelot, the Knights placed him under protective custody instead, as they didn't want him traveling alone with a dangerous sorceress and Saxons on the loose. However, Mordred allowed Merlin to leave during the night, and the Knights continued their patrol without him.
The next day, they came across the body of a Knight whose face had been covered with excess skin. They rushed him back to Camelot, where Gaius identified the disfigurement as a ragaid, a magical declaration of war from a High Priestess to her enemies (The Kindness of Strangers).
While on a hunting trip with Merlin, Arthur, and the other Knights, Percival used his skill as a tracker to lead the group to an arms shipment that had fallen victim to a Saxon raid. The group searched for survivors and then returned to Camelot.
Percival tracking the arms shipment.
Later, after one of the raiders had been captured, Percival attended Kara's trial and was present when she was sentenced to death. When Mordred, her former lover, responded to this by breaking her out of prison and running off with her, killing a guard along the way, Percival was one of the Knights that Arthur took with him to apprehend them. They caught up with them in the woods, where Mordred begged Arthur to allow them to leave and appealed to several of the Knights for help, but all remained loyal to Arthur.
Percival was later present when Arthur attempted to offer Kara a deal, promising to spare her from execution if she repented of her crimes. Kara refused and was executed the following morning, shortly after which Mordred escaped from the cells (The Drawing of the Dark).
Battle of Camlann
Percival in the Battle of Camlann.
In the wake of Mordred and Morgana's attack on Fort Stowell, Percival attended the meeting of the Round Table wherein the council discussed Morgana's plans for war and decided on Camelot's reponse. Arthur ultimately chose to make their stand at Camlann rather than the citadel in order to minimize civilian casualties.
Camelot's army set off for Camlann at sundown. Percival and Leon rode ahead at one point to scout out Morgana's army. They found that her forces would reach Camlann by the following evening and that her army outnumbered Camelot's 5 to 1.
Upon arriving at Camlann, Camelot's army set up camp and took their positions. When Arthur received word during the night that Morgana intended to use a hidden path through the mountains to ambush them, Percival and Gwaine were ordered to take a patrol of men and find it. Arthur and the rest of Camelot's forces joined them after they'd located the path, and together they waited for Morgana's army to arrive.
Percival survived the Battle of Camlann and likely participated in the search for Arthur afterward. He eventually returned to the citadel with the rest of Camelot's army when no trace of the King could be found (The Diamond of the Day).
Aftermath
Percival holds Gwaine as he dies.
After Gwaine's lover Eira was exposed as a spy for Morgana, she was sentenced to death and hanged in the main square. Percival stood with Gwaine as he watched from a castle window, and later joined him on his quest for vengeance against Morgana.
Knowing that Eira's last message would lead Morgana to Brineved, they planned to ambush her in the nearby woods. But though they succeeded in defeating what remained of her army and Percival even managed to land a blow on Morgana herself, their attack failed when she knocked them out with her magic.
When Percival regained consciousness, he found himself tied between two trees some distance from Gwaine, who Morgana proceeded to torture for information on Arthur's whereabouts. His friend's agonised screams drove Percival to break free of his bonds. He rushed to Gwaine's side, but Morgana was already gone, having gotten the information she wanted. Gwaine died moments later in Percival's arms.
Percival returned to Camelot and was later present when Gwen was named sole ruler of Camelot in the wake of Arthur's death (The Diamond of the Day).
Personality
Percival was largely known to be a cheerful, gentle soul.
Percival was a quiet, courageous man who preferred to let his considerable strength do his talking for him. Decisive and extremely loyal, Percival pledged his allegiance to Arthur with hours of meeting him because they shared a common goal and was willing to fight to the death in defense of both Camelot and what he believed to be right (The Coming of Arthur, His Father's Son, The Sword in the Stone, The Diamond of the Day).
Though a deadly and highly skilled warrior, Percival was a softhearted and gentle soul. He risked his life to save three children he found hiding from the Dorocha, carried Merlin to safety when he was injured, and was very protective of Lamia, though this was partially because he was influenced by her magic (The Darkest Hour, Lamia, Another's Sorrow).
Percival also had a bit of a mischievous streak. He gleefully joined the other Knights in teasing and playing tricks on Merlin, Elyan, and Mordred, and often joked around with Gwaine, once attempting to steal a roast chicken from the castle kitchens with him (The Darkest Hour, Aithusa, A Herald of the New Age, The Disir).
Though generally a cheerful soul, however, Percival was capable of holding a grudge. He hated Morgana for years because he held her responsible for the death of his family at the hands of Cenred's army, and his hatred also appeared to extend to magic and those who practiced it. When he entered the Disir's cave, he tore down their hallowed relics and trampled them, and was unrepentant when the Disir rebuked Arthur and his men for their disrespect (A Servant of Two Masters, The Disir).
Relationships
Arthur Pendragon
Arthur and Percival were close friends. They first met during the Fall of Camelot, when Percival saved Arthur and his allies from immortal soldiers. United by a common goal, he pledged his allegiance to Arthur soon afterward and was made a Knight of Camelot (The Coming of Arthur).
As a Knight of the Round Table, Percival quickly became one of Arthur's most trusted warriors. During his confrontation with Uther's spirit, Arthur defended his decision to make commoners such as Percival knights, as he recognised that Percival's courage mattered more than his blood status (The Death Song of Uther Pendragon).
In turn, Percival was extremely loyal to Arthur. He joined him on many adventures and was willing to risk his life for him on numerous occasions (The Coming of Arthur, His Father's Son, The Sword in the Stone, The Diamond of the Day).
Merlin
Merlin and Percival in Darkling Woods.
Merlin and Percival were close friends. Percival was often shown to tease Merlin, but only in a spirit of fun and never with any malice behind it. In fact, he sometimes included Merlin in his jokes, such as when he and Gwaine stole a roast chicken from the castle kitchens or when he teased Elyan at the Druid Shrine (The Darkest Hour, Aithusa, A Herald of the New Age).
Like the other Knights, Percival tended to look on Merlin as a younger brother and did his best to look after him. Whenever Merlin was injured, Percival was shown to be deeply concerned for him and treated him gently by carrying to safety. On one such occasion when Merlin was attacked by a Dorocha, Percival was relieved when he recovered and greeted him with a hug (The Darkest Hour, Another's Sorrow, The Dark Tower, The Kindness of Strangers).
Gwaine
Gwaine and Percival stealing a roast chicken from the castle kitchens.
Main Article: Gwaine and Percival
Gwaine and Percival were best friends and fellow Knights of the Round Table. They first met during the Fall of Camelot, when Percival saved Gwaine and the rest of Arthur's allies from immortal soldiers and they were later made Knights of Camelot together (The Coming of Arthur).
As members of Arthur's inner circle, Gwaine and Percival quickly became close friends and partners in crime. They loved to joke around and play pranks on both their friends and each other, and were often seen getting up to mischief such as stealing a roast chicken from the castle kitchens (The Darkest Hour, A Herald of the New Age, The Death Song of Uther Pendragon).
Percival and Gwaine went on many adventures and were shown to work exceptionally well together. For example, when their patrol to Ismere was captured and enslaved by Morgana, Percival and Gwaine worked together to locate their men and gather intel on what Morgana was making them dig for (Arthur's Bane).
They also teamed up together to ambush Morgana after the Battle of Camlann. Their plan failed, however, and they were both captured and Gwaine was tortured for information. His friend's agonised screams drove Percival to break free from his bonds, but he was too late to stop Morgana and Gwaine died in his arms, leaving Percival devastated (The Diamond of the Day).
Lancelot
Lancelot and Percival were close friends and fellow Knights of the Round Table. Unlike the other Knights, they knew each other prior to the Fall of Camelot. It was never stated how or when they met, but when Merlin sent for Lancelot, Percival chose to accompany him on his quest to aid Arthur and his allies. They were subsequently made Knights of Camelot together (The Coming of Arthur).
Though they only served as Knights together for a year, Percival and Lancelot likely went on many adventures and fought alongside one another many times. Percival was sad when Lancelot sacrificed himself to banish the Dorocha, and attended his memorial along with the rest of the court (The Darkest Hour).
Percival was overjoyed when Lancelot returned to Camelot during Gwen and Arthur's wedding tourney, having apparently survived his encounter with the veil, and was excited by the prospect of Lancelot facing Arthur in the finals. It is unknown how Percival reacted to Lancelot's affair with Gwen, or to his suicide (Lancelot du Lac).
Leon
Percival and Leon
Leon and Percival were close friends and fellow Knights of the Round Table. They first met during the Fall of Camelot, when Percival saved Leon and the rest of Arthur's allies from immortal soldiers (The Coming of Arthur).
As members of Arthur's inner circle, Percival and Leon went on many adventures together and made an effective team. Though Leon was of a more serious nature, he and Percival often joked around together much the same way Percival did with Gwaine. For example, they joined the other Knights in playing tricks on Merlin, teasing Elyan, and playing an initiation joke on Mordred (Aithusa, A Herald of the New Age, The Disir).
At the conclusion of the series, Percival and Leon were the only Knights of the Round Table remaining after the deaths of Lancelot, Elyan, Arthur, and Gwaine (The Darkest Hour, The Dark Tower, The Diamond of the Day).
Elyan
Percival and Elyan
Elyan and Percival were close friends and fellow Knights of the Round Table. Percival could occasionally get on Elyan's nerves when he joined in Gwaine's pranks, but despite their occasional differences, they got along well and faced many dangers together over the years.
When the Dorocha attacked Camelot and Percival had to leave his torch behind to rescue three children, Elyan risked his life to protect Percival by chasing the ghosts away with his own torch (The Darkest Hour).
When Percival, Merlin, and Arthur went on the run during the Second Fall of Camelot, Percival was delighted when they found Elyan in the Darkling Woods. Later, after Elyan was captured and held prisoner, Percival was one of the Knights who freed him from Camelot's dungeons (The Sword in the Stone).
Percival grieved when Elyan died and attended his funeral along with the rest of the court (The Dark Tower).
Mordred
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Though there was little interaction between Mordred and Percival, as fellow Knights of Camelot they appeared to be close friends who fought well together.
Like the other Knights, Percival tended to treat Mordred as a little brother, similarly to how they treated Merlin. During their search for the sorcerer Osgar, Percival joined the other Knights in playing a joke on Mordred by tricking him into riding his horse backwards, claiming that it was tradition for new Knights to do so. Later, he appeared concerned when Mordred was mortally wounded by the Disir (The Disir).
Percival also joined Mordred in teasing Gwaine by tossing his helmet to each other, out of his reach (The Kindness of Strangers).
Though fond of Mordred, however, Percival's loyalty to him was second to his loyalty to Arthur. When Mordred freed Kara from the dungeons, he accepted Arthur's instruction to put his personal feelings aside and helped track the fugitives down. When they found him, he snuck up behind Mordred and knocked him out, stopping him from escaping with Kara (The Drawing of the Dark).
Abilities
Defeating a Southron while unarmed.
Percival was a highly skilled swordsman. He was able to hold his own against several immortal soldiers at once, and was one of the only Knights not to be injured doing so. He was also capable of considerable strength, as shown by his ability to move large boulders with his bare hands (The Coming of Arthur).
Percival often used his great strength to augment his swordsmanship, attacking with powerful blows that could overwhelm most opponents. However, as a skilled hand-to-hand combatant he was equally capable of defending himself with strength alone, on one occasion defeating half a dozen armed Southrons with his bare hands (The Sword in the Stone).
In addition to his combat abilities, Percival had a keen pair of eyes and was a highly skilled tracker. He was the first to spot Julius Borden's footprints near a stream; tracks left by Morgana's horse after she kidnapped Gwen; and a crossbow bolt embedded in the dirt that led him to the remains of a Camelot arms shipment. He also found a piece of Osgar's cloak that had been torn by a branch, and was the first to spot Mordred and Kara in the woods following their escape from Camelot (Aithusa, The Disir, The Dark Tower, The Drawing of the Dark).
Appearances
- Series 3
- The Coming of Arthur: Part Two
- Series 4
- The Darkest Hour
- The Wicked Day (cameo)
- Aithusa
- His Father's Son
- A Servant of Two Masters
- Lamia
- Lancelot du Lac
- A Herald of the New Age
- The Hunter's Heart (cameo)
- The Sword in the Stone
- Series 5
- Arthur's Bane
- The Death Song of Uther Pendragon
- Another's Sorrow
- The Disir
- The Dark Tower
- A Lesson in Vengeance
- The Hollow Queen (cameo)
- With All My Heart
- The Kindness of Strangers
- The Drawing of the Dark
- The Diamond of the Day
In the Legends
Sir Percival (also known a Peredur) was a Knight of the Round Table in Arthurian Legend. He was typically portrayed as the son of King Pellinore, the brother of Sir Aglovale, Sir Lamorak, Sir Dornar, and the half-brother of Sir Tor. In some tales, he also had a sister, Dindrane, who was the bearer of the Holy Grail.
Percival was raised by his widowed mother deep in the forest, where he lived in ignorance as to the ways of arms and courtesy until he was fifteen years old. When a group of knights passed through the woods, Percival was struck by their heroic bearing and made his way to Arthur's court, where he hoped to become a knight himself. He eventually proved himself to be a worthy warrior and was invited to join the Knights of the Round Table.
Percival is perhaps most famous for his involvement in the search for the Holy Grail. In the earliest story to feature him, Chrétien de Troyes' Perceval, the Story of the Grail, Percival was a guest of the wounded Fisher King and a witness to the Grail procession. However, because he had been advised of the impoliteness of asking too many questions, he failed to recognise the significance of what he'd seen and did not ask the question that would have healed his injured host. When he learned of his mistake, Percival vowed to find the Grail castle again and fulfill his quest.
It was shortly after this that Chrétien's story broke off due to his sudden death, and remained unfinished until it was continued by various authors. Most later tales, such as Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur and Lord Alfred Tennyson's Idylls of the King, cast Percival as one of three Grail knights, the others being Sir Galahad and Sir Bors.
Accounts differ as to what became of Percival outside of the Grail quest. In Chrétien's story he had a sweetheart, Blanchefleur, the nice of his mentor Sir Gornemant, who he married after defending her city against attackers. In other tales, such as Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival, he became the King of Corbenic after healing the Fisher King and had a son, Lohengrin, who was known as the Knight of the Swan. In still later tales he was depicted as a virgin who died after achieving the Grail quest.
Gallery
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To view the Percival gallery, click here.
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See Also
External Links
| Kingdom of Camelot |
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| Queen: Guinevere Pendragon Court Physician: Gaius Keeper of the Royal Library: Geoffrey of Monmouth Knights: Sir Leon • Sir Percival • Sir Brennis • Sir Cador • Sir Geraint Other Allies: Merlin • Annis • Odin • Rodor • Mithian • Godwyn • Bayard • Elena • Alined • The Diamair • Vivian • Olaf Former Allies: Morgana Pendragon † • Nimueh † • Cedric † ? • Cornelius Sigan † • Tristan de Bois † • Lady Catrina † • Edwin Muirden † • Uther Pendragon † • Agravaine de Bois †• Sefa• Mordred † |