The knight Sir Gareth of Orkeney is distinct and noteworthy even
             within Sir Thomas Malory's great tale chronicling the lives of the many
             valiant Knights of the Round Table. In Malory's Le Morte Darthur, Sir
             Gareth is different from other knights simply in the depth of his knightly
             qualities - in many ways he is the epitome of the ideal knight. His
             character is further defined by his attitude toward King Arthur's court,
             and his initial reluctance to divulge his noble identity to the court.
             Sir Gareth's character is different from other knights in many ways.
             He is the epitome of what a knight should be: valiant, gallant, tender,
             courteous, and loyal to both family and crown. Gareth's loyalty to
             Lancelot is beyond question, and he even avoids his own brothers when their
             behavior is less than exemplary. He is unfailingly chivalrous, even
             towards Lynette who is abusive and disdainful of him.
             He is truly one of the most modest, patient, strong, and valorous of
             all of Arthur's knights, and represents the ideals of the Round Table with
             his noble and knightly behavior. He is beloved by almost everyone in
             Camelot. King Arthur notes, "I am much beholden unto that (Sir Gareth)
             that hath put so his body in devoir to worship me and my court" (254).
             In many ways, Sir Gareth almost perfectly exemplifies the ideals upon
             which Camelot is built. In contrast, his champion Lancelot, while also a
             good knight, shows much less loyalty and commitment to Camelot through
             Lancelot's affair with Guinevere, and his betrayal Arthur's trust.
             Gareth was a son of Queen Morgause and King Lot of Orkney, and yet did
             not give away his identity to anyone in the court when he reached King
             Arthur's Camelot. Gareth comes to Camelot in disguise, feigning weakness
             and begging for work and food. As a result, he endured a great deal of
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