Sir Kay the Tall

Sir Kay the Tall

Sir Kay was the son of Sir Ector de Maris, who was the foster-father of King Arthur, and who brought up the two boys as brothers.

When Sir Kay lost his sword, he told the young Arthur to look for one, and he found the sword in the stone in the churchyard. On becoming King, Arthur made Sir Kay seneschal of England and put him in charge of the Court service. Sir Kay had a bitter tongue, but King Arthur appreciated his trustworthiness.

He was supposed to be a very tall man, and it was said he had mystical powers. He was also called one of the 'Three Enchanter Knights of Britain', because: "nine nights and nine days his breath lasted under water, nine nights and nine days would he be without sleep. A wound from Cai's [Kay's] sword no physician might heal. When it pleased him, he would be as tall as the tallest tree in the forest. When the rain was heaviest, whatever he held in his hand would be dry for a handbreadth before and behind, because of the greatness of his heat, and, when his companions were coldest, he would be as fuel for them to light a fire".

With Sir Bedivere, he killed the Giant of St. Michael's Mount. Other adventures included killing Wrnach the Giant, rescuing Mabon and stealing the beard of Dillus the Bearded. Arthur made up an insulting song about the last named and the two fell out over it.

Kay married Andrivete, the daughter of King Cador of Northumberland, and he had two sons, one called Garanwyn and the other called Gronosis, and one daughter called Kelemon.

There is speculation as to how he died. Throughout Welsh literature it is claimed that he was killed by Gwyddawg who was, in turn, killed by Arthur; but he is also said to have been killed by the Romans or in the war against Mordred.

Sir Kay breaks his sword in a tournament.