Sir Moriaen: The Moorish Knight of the Round Table

Sir Moriaen, also known as Moriaan or Morien, is a captivating figure in the realm of Arthurian romance. This 13th-century Middle Dutch tale unveils the remarkable journey of Morien, the Moorish son of Aglovale, one of King Arthur’s esteemed Knights of the Round Table, and an African Moorish princess whom Aglovale encountered during a crusade to North Africa.

Distinguished by his unwavering valor and exceptional combat skills, Sir Morien swiftly endeared himself as an esteemed member of King Arthur’s Round Table. His presence on the battlefield alongside his fellow knights bore testimony to his courage and martial prowess, earning him the well-deserved reputation of a dauntless warrior.

Clad in distinctive black armor and wielding a black shield, Sir Morien presented a striking figure often characterized as “black of face and limb,” earning him the evocative moniker of “the black knight.” This epithet not only attested to his physical appearance but also accentuated his enigmatic aura and formidable presence.

The narrative of Sir Moriaen delves into the complexities of his upbringing in the Moorish lands, overshadowed by the absence of his father, Aglovale. Deemed “fatherless” and burdened with a sense of shame, Morien embarked on a poignant quest to seek his estranged father. It was during this quest that Morien, driven by an unwavering determination, knighted himself and honed his prowess through formidable encounters with fellow knights, each engagement contributing to his growth as a formidable warrior.

The romance vividly portrays Sir Morien’s indomitable strength, illustrating how “his blows were so mighty; did a spear fly towards him, to harm him, it troubled him no whit, but he smote it in twain as if it were a reed; naught might endure before him.” Furthermore, his attire, characterized by the narrative as “[h]is shield and his armour were even those of a Moor, and black as a raven,” served as a testament to his heritage and endowed him with an air of mystery and distinction on the battlefield.

Sir Moriaen’s enigmatic persona, coupled with his unwavering determination and unparalleled martial prowess, cements his status as an enduring symbol of resilience and valor in the rich tapestry of Arthurian legend.