King Bagdemagus
| Bademagu / Bagdemagus | |
|---|---|
| Matter of Britain character | |
His attributed arms in prose cycles | |
| First appearance | Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart |
| Created by | Chrétien de Troyes |
| Based on | Possibly Baeddan (Máel Umai?), Bômer |
| In-universe information | |
| Title | Sir, King |
| Occupation | King of Gorre, Knight of the Round Table |
| Significant other | Pellinore's wife |
| Children | Maleagant, daughter(s) |
| Relatives | Urien |
| Origin | Kingdom of Gorre |
| Nationality | Briton |
Bagdemagus (pronounced /ˈbægdɛˌmægəs/), also known as Bademagu and many other name variants, is a recurring character in the Arthurian legend. He is usually depicted as the king of the land of Gore (Gorre, Goere) and often as a Knight of the Round Table.
He originally figures in the Arthurian literature as the father of Maleagant, who abducts King Arthur's wife, Queen Guinevere, in several versions of this popular Arthurian motif. He first appears in French sources, but his character may have developed out of the earlier Welsh traditions of Guinevere's taking, as suggested by the distinctively otherworldly portrayal of his realm. He is depicted as a kinsman and ally of Arthur and a wise and virtuous king, despite the actions of his son. In later versions, his connection to Maleagant disappears entirely.