The Red Knight

1995 Number 12 of 100

The Red Knight, also known as the Knight Enchanteur, was a knight of the ancient Celtic Cult of the Head. Believing that the soul resided in the head, the Celts beheaded their enemies for trophies and to possess their power. Sometimes the Celts scrimmaged with the freshly severed head of a vanquished leader. This is the origin of rugby and football.

The Red Knight rode an Afanc when he terrorized and beheaded pilgrims to the Castle of the Holy Grail. Also known as the Avanc and Adanc, the legendary creature is the origin of the Loch Ness Monster. It is a hybrid of a bull, a beaver, and a dragon. It dwelt in the depths of lakes and swamps.

Arthur was known to have dragged an Afanc from Llyn Barfog Lake and slain it. After his mystical experiences at the Castle of the Holy Grail, Percivale was attacked by the Red Knight. Using a stone he got from the Empress of Constantinople to make himself invisible, Percivale slew the Red Knight and his Afanc.