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[[File:Gilles le Breton, the Green Eyed King- 2016-11-23 06-47 (1).jpeg|thumb|487x487px|The Green Knight faces his enemies.{{Fn|3}}]]
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{{Quote|The holder of secrets and keeper of the way, whose strength is the quester's ultimate test.|The mighty Green Knight.{{Fn|6}}}}
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{{Quote|Protector of Bretonnia!|The Soul Killer.{{Fn|3}}}}
  
−
The '''Green Knight''', also feared as '''Shaabhekh''' by the [[Beastmen]], meaning the '''"Soul Killer"''', is a well-known figure of [[Bretonnia|Bretonnian folklore]], as stories and poems about him are amongst the most popular in Bretonnia. A common character in puppet shows and plays performed for peasants and kings alike, he is bedecked in strange ivy-covered armour and intones his famous line: "None shall pass!" The traditional nemesis of the valiant [[Questing Knight]]s of these tales, the Green Knight challenges them to duels so that they might prove their worth to the [[Lady of the Lake|Lady]] herself, and thus sip from the blessed [[Grail (Bretonnia)|Grail]].{{fn|1a}}{{Fn|3}}
  
   
  +
[[File:Gilles le Breton, the Green Eyed King- 2016-11-23 06-47 (1).jpeg|thumb|250px|The Green Knight faces the enemies of Bretonnia.{{Fn|3}}]]
⚫
== History ==
  
⚫
Little do most realise that these stories are bound in fact. The Green Knight is the sacred protector of Bretonnia, and his spirit-essence is intertwined with the land and the Lady of the Lake herself. He has appeared to many Questing Knights. They speak of the sky clouding over to create the darkness of twilight, and a green mist seeping from the earth, slowly taking the shape of a figure riding a snorting steed. The warrior brandishes a glowing blade, his eyes ablaze with fey light.{{fn|1a}}
  
   
  +
The '''Green Knight''', also known as the '''''Knight of the Glade''''' and feared by the [[Beastmen]] as '''''Shaabhekh''''', meaning the '''''"Soul Killer"''''', is a well-known figure of [[Bretonnia]]n folklore, as stories and poems about him are amongst the most popular in all the land.{{Fn|3}}
−
The Green Knight is the champion of the Lady of the Lake, and protector of the sacred sites of Bretonnia. As well as materialising to test Questing Knights in their faith, the Green Knight will appear when these sacred places are defiled by those with evil-hearted intent. Amongst the [[Beastmen|beast herds]] of the tainted forests, he is known as '''Shaabhekh''', literally the 'Soul-Killer', for he has slain untold thousands of their kind throughout the centuries. He bursts from within the bole of the most ancient trees, or gallops furiously from still lakes or rushing waterfalls to wreak his terrible vengeance against those interlopers. As quickly as he appears, so too will he fade into mist once his righteous slaughter is complete. In some tales, he will disappear in one place only to reappear behind the enemy, slaying them without mercy before again disappearing and reappearing elsewhere.{{fn|1a}}
  
   
  +
A being of supernatural power, the Green Knight is encased in ornate plate mail of archaic design. He is a towering figure, tinged the greenish-grey of weather-beaten rock, and many would mistake him for a statue but for the unnatural light of his eyes, burning coldly within the darkness of his helm.{{Fn|5}}
⚫
He appears to those questing for the grail and guards the mysterious glades, lakes or stone circles where the Lady of the Lake appears. He challenges any Questing Knight who seeks the grail to mortal combat. This is the last and final test of the grail quest. If the Questing Knight can defeat the Green Knight, he will eventually reach the grail. Any Knight unworthy of the grail will never defeat the Green Knight and will either flee or be slain. The Green Knight himself cannot be slain, no matter how grievous the wounds inflicted on him.{{fn|1a}}
  
  +
  +
The traditional nemesis of the valiant [[Questing Knight]]s, the Green Knight challenges them to duels so that they might prove their worth to the [[Lady of the Lake]] herself, and thus sip from the blessed [[Grail (Bretonnia)|Grail]].{{fn|1a}}{{Fn|3}}
  +
  ⚫
==History==
  +
{{Quote|None shall pass!|The Green Knight's challenge.}}
  +
[[File:GreenKnight.gif|thumb|250px|The Green Knight in battle.]]
  +
  ⚫
The Green Knight is the sacred protector of Bretonnia, and his spirit-essence is intertwined with the land and the Lady of the Lake. He has appeared to many Questing Knights. They speak of the sky clouding over to create the darkness of twilight, and a green mist seeping from the earth, slowly taking the shape of a figure riding a snorting steed. The warrior brandishes a glowing blade, his eyes ablaze with fey light.{{fn|1a}}
  +
  +
The Green Knight is the champion of the Lady of the Lake, and protector of the sacred sites of Bretonnia. As well as materialising to test Questing Knights in their faith, the Green Knight will appear when these sacred places are defiled by those with evil intent.
  +
  +
Amongst the [[Beastmen|beast herds]] of the tainted forests, he is known as "Shaabhekh", literally the "Soul-Killer," for he has slain untold thousands of their kind throughout the centuries. He bursts from within the bole of the most ancient trees, or gallops furiously from still lakes or rushing waterfalls to wreak his terrible vengeance against those interlopers.
  +
  +
As quickly as he appears, so too will he fade into mist once his righteous slaughter is complete. In some tales, he will disappear in one place only to reappear behind the enemy, slaying them without mercy before again disappearing and reappearing elsewhere.{{fn|1a}}
  +
  ⚫
He appears to those questing for the Grail and guards the mysterious glades, lakes or stone circles where the Lady of the Lake appears. He challenges any Questing Knight who seeks the Grail to mortal combat. This is the last and final test of the Grail quest.
   
 
Weapons have little effect on the Green Knight. Some say that blades and arrows pass straight through him as though he were as insubstantial as morning mist, while in other stories, even the most grievous of wounds inflicted upon him have virtually no effect. In one epic tale, a Questing Knight cut the Green Knight's head clean from his shoulders, but the fey being simply picked up his head and rode away.{{fn|1a}}
  
Weapons have little effect on the Green Knight. Some say that blades and arrows pass straight through him as though he were as insubstantial as morning mist, while in other stories, even the most grievous of wounds inflicted upon him have virtually no effect. In one epic tale, a Questing Knight cut the Green Knight's head clean from his shoulders, but the fey being simply picked up his head and rode away.{{fn|1a}}
   
−
What the Green Knight actually is has been much debated, and no one in Bretonnia, save perhaps the [[Fay Enchantress]], knows the truth. Some believe that he is the spirit of Bretonnia given physical form, while others say that he is Gilles le Breton himself, having devoted himself completely to the land and the Lady after he was taken from this world.{{fn|1a}}
 +
What the Green Knight actually is has been much debated, and no one in Bretonnia, save perhaps the [[Fay Enchantress]], knows the truth. Some believe that he is the spirit of Bretonnia given physical form, while others say that he is [[Gilles le Breton]] himself, having devoted himself completely to the land and the Lady after he was taken from this world.{{fn|1a}}
   
−
==Vale of Quenelles==
 +
===Vale of Quenelles===
  ⚫
{{Quote|Protector of Bretonnia!|The Soul Killer.{{Fn|3}}}}
⚫
When the Vale of [[Quenelles ]] was invaded by the infamous Thunderbite [[Goblins]], the proud knights of that realm enjoyed a full day of slaughter before the Goblins deployed their secret weapon - an army of drunken [[Giants]]. The mounts of the Bretonnian knights took fright, carrying their protesting masters from the field, The peasantry of Quenelles fired upon the Giants with bow and field trebuchet, but once the Giants were amongst their ranks the battle seemed lost. Then, with an unearthly cry, the legendary Green Knight burst forth from the trunk of the ancient oak at the heart of the vale and took the fight to the Giants, felling them one by one with his glowing blade. Quenelles was saved, though the event is strangely absent from its official records.{{Fn|4}}
  
   
  +
When the Vale of [[Quenelles]] was invaded by the infamous Thunderbite [[Goblins]], the proud knights of that realm enjoyed a full day of slaughter before the Goblins deployed their secret weapon -- an army of drunken [[Giants]]. The mounts of the Bretonnian knights took fright, carrying their protesting masters from the field.
⚫
== Revelation ==
  
⚫
During [[The End Times]], the Green Knight removed his helmet at last to reveal himself as [[Gilles le Breton]] before slaying [[Mallobaude]]. Having been granted new life and discarding his guise, Gilles was quickly coronated once more.{{fn|2a}}
  
   
  ⚫
The peasantry of Quenelles fired upon the Giants with bow and field trebuchet, but once the Giants were amongst their ranks the battle seemed lost. Then, with an unearthly cry, the legendary Green Knight burst forth from the trunk of the ancient oak at the heart of the vale and took the fight to the Giants, felling them one by one with his glowing blade. Quenelles was saved, though the event is strangely absent from its official records.{{Fn|4}}
⚫
== Wargear and Abilities ==
  
⚫
The Green Knight was one of the most powerful warriors to exist in the old world. No one, be it man or monster could ever truly defeat him in single combat.
  
   
  +
===Calard of Garamont===
⚫
*'''"The Dolorous Blade"''' was a mighty sword of immense size and weight, which Gilles wielded with ease. Glowing with a strange light, he would sweep it around him with awesome strength. It was capable of destroying enemies in their droves and was infused with ancient magic.
  
  +
{{Quote|The Green Knight’s gauntleted hands rested upon a broad-bladed sword – the Dolorous Blade – embedded in the earth before it. How many souls deemed unworthy had been cut down by that infamous weapon? For years Calard had longed to face this potent being, but now that he did, he found himself transfixed, scarcely able to breathe.|Calard faces the Green Knight.{{Fn|5}}}}
   
  +
{{Quote|The Green Knight remained motionless, eyes searing through Calard's soul, stripping him bare. Fog seeped up from the ground and billowed around the ethereal champion like a cloak. In one smooth motion, the mythical figure drew its sword from the earth, and began to advance towards him. Mist rolled out around the Green Knight, rushing towards Calard like a tide. It crashed over him in a sound-less wave, and he was instantly chilled.|The Green Knight prepares to duel Calard.{{Fn|5}}}}
⚫
*'''"The Shadow Steed"'''. A mystical horse of fey power, the steed of The Green Knight was never slowed by its heavy barding.
  
   
  +
[[File:MightyGreenKnight.jpeg|thumb|250px|The mythical Green Knight.]]
−
*He was blessed with the '''"Aura of the Fay"''', a being of supernatural power the Green Knight could never truly be slain.
  
  +
  +
One of many Questing Knights that the Green Knight challenged was the famed [[Calard of Garamont]]. Within the ancient realm of [[Athel Loren]], the pair clashed in an epic duel...{{Fn|5}}
  +
  +
The Green Knight loomed out of the dense fog. The immortal spirit's eyes flared, and its huge blade sang through the air as it sliced towards Calard. Had that mighty sword struck it would have cloven him in two. He jumped back to avoid the blow, narrowly avoiding being cut down. The Green Knight swung again, and Calard hurled himself to the side to avoid being decapitated. Reaching over his back, Calard drew his heavy bastard sword. The Green Knight came at him again, and he readied to block the fey spirit's next attack.{{Fn|5}}
  +
  +
Calard held the blade in two hands, yet even so, he was brought to his knees by the sheer force of the blow. Desperately, he regained his footing and brought his blade around to block yet another attack, this one coming around at him in a lethal arc, striking at his midsection. The blow shuddered up his arms, and he was knocked back two steps. The Green Knight came on relentlessly, allowing no time to recover. There was no subtlety or guile to the unearthly warrior's assault. He came on without pause and without remorse, delivering a tireless barrage of attacks. Each blow was delivered with staggering power, and any one of them would have felled Calard had it landed.{{Fn|5}}
  +
  +
The fey knight stood over a head taller than Calard, and each strike sent him reeling. His hands were numb from the jarring blows, and he had no time to even consider launching a riposte. The roiling mist continued to build. All that existed was the two of them. Nothing else mattered. Calard frantically backtracked, using all his skill and battle-honed instincts to stay alive for another few seconds. His arms were tiring, the bastard sword in his hands a leaden weight. By contrast, the Green Knight was indefatigable. Finally, Calard found an opening. He deflected a heavy overhead blow, letting his foe's dimly green-glowing blade slide down the length of his sword before whipping it around to parry a low attack. Sidestepping neatly, Calard spun around the immortal spirit's next blow and slammed his bastard sword into his neck, putting his whole body weight behind the strike. His blade landed between archaic plate armour, sliding between helmet and gorget and cutting through the links of chainmail beneath, but it sank no further.{{Fn|5}}
  +
  +
It was as if the immortal spirit's flesh were made of iron, and the force of the blow rang up both of Calard's arms. The Green Knight backhanded Calard across the jaw and he hit the ground hard, spitting blood. Scrambling, he threw himself aside to avoid the Dolorous Blade as it came again. The weapon embedded itself in the ground, and Calard staggered upright. His arms were aching, and he backed off, panic clawing its way into his heart. He had put everything he had behind that blow, and its timing was perfect. Had he struck any mortal foe, their head would have sailed into the air, hacked clean from their shoulders, but onwards the Green Knight came, unharmed.{{Fn|5}}
  +
  +
Clearing his mind, Calard pushed his fear aside and invoked the name of his goddess. Pale fire flickered along the edge of his bastard sword, and he felt fresh vigour infuse his limbs. With a cry, Calard threw himself at the unyielding knight, thrusting and slashing. He feinted high and came in low, swinging his heavy sword around in murderous arcs. Every blow was met by the Dolorous Blade, and sparks flew as enchanted metal came together again and again. Calard and the Green Knight battled toe-to-toe, trading blows, neither giving ground. Infused with the [[Blessing of the Lady|holy light]] of the Lady, Calard was able to match the fury and power of his foe, and for a time it seemed that the battle might rage on forever, a never-ending duel within the mists. Time lost all meaning. All that existed was the contest. Neither warrior was able to overcome the other, and their blades were a blur as they cut and thrust.{{Fn|5}}
  +
  +
No end was in sight, but understanding came upon Calard in a rush. This was not a test of prowess. He parried an attack slicing in towards his neck and reversed the grip on his blade suddenly, holding it like a dagger in both hands, blade pointed downwards. With a sudden thrust, he drove it into the earth, and knelt on one knee. He lowered his head, exposing the back of his neck, and closed his eyes. He felt the Green Knight step in close, raising his sword for the fatal blow. Then Calard spoke, offering his life in service to the Lady. The Dolorous Blade came slicing down upon his neck… and stopped. The sword's edge was cold against his skin. Then it was whisked away, and the Green Knight stepped aside...{{Fn|5}}
  +
  ⚫
===Revelation===
  +
{{Quote|The true king has returned. Gilles le Breton sits once more upon the throne of Bretonnia.|The Uniter reborn.{{Fn|2}}}}
  +
  ⚫
During the [[End Times]], the Green Knight removed his helmet to reveal at last that he truly was [[Gilles le Breton]], before slaying the traitorous [[Blood Knight|Vampire]], [[Mallobaude]].{{Fn|2}}
  +
  +
Gilles had returned to fulfil his ancient promise, to aid Bretonnia in its darkest hour. No longer an ethereal spirit, he existed only to take war to the enemies of his realm: he was a weapon, forged from the myths of the past and given new life by the unfathomable will of the Lady. His ageless face shone with a fay light and his countenance bore the raw weight of centuries. Thus, the Uniter was coronated once more as [[King of Bretonnia]], ending Mallobaude's civil war.{{fn|2a}}
  +
  ⚫
==Wargear & Abilities==
  +
{{Quote|The Green Knight is more than just a symbol of Bretonnian pride, he is the very spirit of the land given vengeful form.|The mighty Soul Killer.{{Fn|3}}}}
  ⚫
The Green Knight was one of the deadliest warriors in existence. No one, be it man or monster, could ever truly defeat his immortal form in single combat.
  +
  ⚫
* '''The Dolorous Blade''' was a mighty sword of immense size and weight, which the Green Knight wielded with ease. Glowing with a strange light, he would sweep it around him with awesome strength. It was capable of destroying enemies in their droves and was infused with ancient magic.
  +
  ⚫
* '''The Shadow Steed''' was a mystical horse of fey power. The steed of the Green Knight was never slowed by its heavy barding.
   
 
== Trivia ==
  
== Trivia ==
−
*''The Green Knight is inspired by a character from Arthurian legend of the same name. He is mentioned to be among the so-called "coloured knights" whom Sir Gareth encountered on his quest to save Lady Linnesse from the evil Red Knight in one tale; in another, he directly came to King Arthur's court to have a little game of who could chop his head off, which Sir Gawain accepted, but was surprised when his body got up and put the head back on.''
 +
The Green Knight is inspired by a character from Arthurian legend of the same name. He is mentioned to be among the so-called "coloured knights" whom Sir Gareth encountered on his quest to save Lady Linnesse from the evil Red Knight in one tale. In another, he directly came to King Arthur's court to see if anyone could chop his head off, which Sir Gawain accepted and succeeded at. Gawain was surprised however, when the Green Knight's body arose and placed his head back onto his neck.
   
−
*''Just like the Warhammer universe's Green Knight, Sir Lancelot is the reputed champion of the Lady of the Lake, having been raised by her from a very young age.''
 +
Like the [[Warhammer World]]'s Green Knight, Sir Lancelot is the reputed champion of the Lady of the Lake, having been raised by her from a very young age.
   
 
==Miniatures==
  
==Miniatures==
−
<gallery type="slideshow" widths="500" position="center">
 +
<gallery position="center">
−
The Green Knight.jpg|6th Edition.
+
The Green Knight.jpg|5th Edition.
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
  +
  +
==Video==
  +
[[File:Total War WARHAMMER - Introducing... The Green Knight|thumb|center|670 px|The Green Knight.]]
  +
  ⚫
==Sources==
  ⚫
* {{Endn|1}}: ''Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia'' (6th Edition)
  ⚫
** {{Endn|1a}}: pg. 74
  ⚫
* {{Endn|2}}: ''Warhammer: Nagash''
  ⚫
** {{Endn|2a}}: pg. 30
  ⚫
* {{Endn|3}}: ''[[Total War: Warhammer]]'' (Videogame)
  ⚫
* {{Endn|4}}: ''Warhammer: Rulebook'' (8th Edition), "Bretonnia"
  +
* {{Endn|5}}: ''Knights of Bretonnia'' (Omnibus)
   
 
==Gallery==
  
==Gallery==
−
<gallery type="slideshow" widths="500" position="center">
 +
<gallery position="center">
  +
Green Knight Concept Art.jpg|Total War: Warhammer art
−
Green_Knight_v._Beastmen.jpg
  
−
Green Knight by Diego Gisbert Ilorens.jpg|Green Knight by Diego Gisbert Ilorens
 +
Green Knight by EthicallyChallenged on DeviantArt.jpg|Total War: Warhammer art
  +
Green Knight by EthicallyChallenged on DeviantArt 2.jpg|Total War: Warhammer art
−
Green_Knight_by_EthicallyChallenged_on_DeviantArt.jpg
  
  +
Green Knight by Diego Gisbert Ilorens.jpg|Total War: Warhammer art
−
Green_Knight_by_EthicallyChallenged_on_DeviantArt_2.jpg
  
  +
Liz-edwards-lizedwards-brt-shadowsteed-thumb.jpg|Shadow Steed
−
Green_Knight_Concept_Art.jpg
  
  +
Green Knight Shadowsteed Render.jpg|Shadow Steed
−
Green_Knight_Shadowsteed_Render.jpg
  
  +
Green Knight v. Beastmen.jpg|6th Edition art
−
Green_Knight_Art.jpeg
  
  +
Green Knight Art.jpeg|5th Edition art
  +
6427F205-6432-49CA-9181-7D1070EAD47A.jpeg|Total War: Warhammer II
  +
File:GreenKnightOldWorld.jpeg|The mystical Green Knight
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
   
⚫
== Sources ==
  
⚫
*{{Endn|1}}: ''Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia (6th Edition)''
  
⚫
**{{Endn|1a}} Page 74
  
⚫
*{{Endn|2}}: ''Warhammer: Nagash''
  
⚫
**{{Endn|2a}} Page 30
  
⚫
*{{Endn|3}}: ''Total War: Warhammer''
  
⚫
*{{Endn|4}}: ''Warhammer: Rulebook (8th Edition) - Bretonnia''
  
 
[[es:El Caballero Verde]]
  
[[es:El Caballero Verde]]
 
[[Category:G]]
  
[[Category:G]]
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[[Category:K]]
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[[Category:Anointed]]
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[[Category:Bretonnia]]
 
[[Category:Bretonnian Characters]]
  
[[Category:Bretonnian Characters]]
  +
[[Category:Characters]]
 
[[Category:Cult of the Lady]]
  
[[Category:Cult of the Lady]]
  +
[[Category:Grail Knights]]
  +
[[Category:Royarch]]
  +
[[Category:Spirits]]
  +
[[Category:The End Times]]
  +
[[Category:Total War: Warhammer]]

Latest revision as of 20:42, 20 January 2024

"The holder of secrets and keeper of the way, whose strength is the quester's ultimate test."

—The mighty Green Knight.[6]
Gilles le Breton, the Green Eyed King- 2016-11-23 06-47 (1)

The Green Knight faces the enemies of Bretonnia.[3]

The Green Knight, also known as the Knight of the Glade and feared by the Beastmen as Shaabhekh, meaning the "Soul Killer", is a well-known figure of Bretonnian folklore, as stories and poems about him are amongst the most popular in all the land.[3]

A being of supernatural power, the Green Knight is encased in ornate plate mail of archaic design. He is a towering figure, tinged the greenish-grey of weather-beaten rock, and many would mistake him for a statue but for the unnatural light of his eyes, burning coldly within the darkness of his helm.[5]

The traditional nemesis of the valiant Questing Knights, the Green Knight challenges them to duels so that they might prove their worth to the Lady of the Lake herself, and thus sip from the blessed Grail.[1a][3]

History

"None shall pass!"

—The Green Knight's challenge.
GreenKnight

The Green Knight in battle.

The Green Knight is the sacred protector of Bretonnia, and his spirit-essence is intertwined with the land and the Lady of the Lake. He has appeared to many Questing Knights. They speak of the sky clouding over to create the darkness of twilight, and a green mist seeping from the earth, slowly taking the shape of a figure riding a snorting steed. The warrior brandishes a glowing blade, his eyes ablaze with fey light.[1a]

The Green Knight is the champion of the Lady of the Lake, and protector of the sacred sites of Bretonnia. As well as materialising to test Questing Knights in their faith, the Green Knight will appear when these sacred places are defiled by those with evil intent.

Amongst the beast herds of the tainted forests, he is known as "Shaabhekh", literally the "Soul-Killer," for he has slain untold thousands of their kind throughout the centuries. He bursts from within the bole of the most ancient trees, or gallops furiously from still lakes or rushing waterfalls to wreak his terrible vengeance against those interlopers.

As quickly as he appears, so too will he fade into mist once his righteous slaughter is complete. In some tales, he will disappear in one place only to reappear behind the enemy, slaying them without mercy before again disappearing and reappearing elsewhere.[1a]

He appears to those questing for the Grail and guards the mysterious glades, lakes or stone circles where the Lady of the Lake appears. He challenges any Questing Knight who seeks the Grail to mortal combat. This is the last and final test of the Grail quest.

Weapons have little effect on the Green Knight. Some say that blades and arrows pass straight through him as though he were as insubstantial as morning mist, while in other stories, even the most grievous of wounds inflicted upon him have virtually no effect. In one epic tale, a Questing Knight cut the Green Knight's head clean from his shoulders, but the fey being simply picked up his head and rode away.[1a]

What the Green Knight actually is has been much debated, and no one in Bretonnia, save perhaps the Fay Enchantress, knows the truth. Some believe that he is the spirit of Bretonnia given physical form, while others say that he is Gilles le Breton himself, having devoted himself completely to the land and the Lady after he was taken from this world.[1a]

Vale of Quenelles

"Protector of Bretonnia!"

—The Soul Killer.[3]

When the Vale of Quenelles was invaded by the infamous Thunderbite Goblins, the proud knights of that realm enjoyed a full day of slaughter before the Goblins deployed their secret weapon -- an army of drunken Giants. The mounts of the Bretonnian knights took fright, carrying their protesting masters from the field.

The peasantry of Quenelles fired upon the Giants with bow and field trebuchet, but once the Giants were amongst their ranks the battle seemed lost. Then, with an unearthly cry, the legendary Green Knight burst forth from the trunk of the ancient oak at the heart of the vale and took the fight to the Giants, felling them one by one with his glowing blade. Quenelles was saved, though the event is strangely absent from its official records.[4]

Calard of Garamont

"The Green Knight’s gauntleted hands rested upon a broad-bladed sword – the Dolorous Blade – embedded in the earth before it. How many souls deemed unworthy had been cut down by that infamous weapon? For years Calard had longed to face this potent being, but now that he did, he found himself transfixed, scarcely able to breathe."

—Calard faces the Green Knight.[5]

"The Green Knight remained motionless, eyes searing through Calard's soul, stripping him bare. Fog seeped up from the ground and billowed around the ethereal champion like a cloak. In one smooth motion, the mythical figure drew its sword from the earth, and began to advance towards him. Mist rolled out around the Green Knight, rushing towards Calard like a tide. It crashed over him in a sound-less wave, and he was instantly chilled."

—The Green Knight prepares to duel Calard.[5]
MightyGreenKnight

The mythical Green Knight.

One of many Questing Knights that the Green Knight challenged was the famed Calard of Garamont. Within the ancient realm of Athel Loren, the pair clashed in an epic duel...[5]

The Green Knight loomed out of the dense fog. The immortal spirit's eyes flared, and its huge blade sang through the air as it sliced towards Calard. Had that mighty sword struck it would have cloven him in two. He jumped back to avoid the blow, narrowly avoiding being cut down. The Green Knight swung again, and Calard hurled himself to the side to avoid being decapitated. Reaching over his back, Calard drew his heavy bastard sword. The Green Knight came at him again, and he readied to block the fey spirit's next attack.[5]

Calard held the blade in two hands, yet even so, he was brought to his knees by the sheer force of the blow. Desperately, he regained his footing and brought his blade around to block yet another attack, this one coming around at him in a lethal arc, striking at his midsection. The blow shuddered up his arms, and he was knocked back two steps. The Green Knight came on relentlessly, allowing no time to recover. There was no subtlety or guile to the unearthly warrior's assault. He came on without pause and without remorse, delivering a tireless barrage of attacks. Each blow was delivered with staggering power, and any one of them would have felled Calard had it landed.[5]

The fey knight stood over a head taller than Calard, and each strike sent him reeling. His hands were numb from the jarring blows, and he had no time to even consider launching a riposte. The roiling mist continued to build. All that existed was the two of them. Nothing else mattered. Calard frantically backtracked, using all his skill and battle-honed instincts to stay alive for another few seconds. His arms were tiring, the bastard sword in his hands a leaden weight. By contrast, the Green Knight was indefatigable. Finally, Calard found an opening. He deflected a heavy overhead blow, letting his foe's dimly green-glowing blade slide down the length of his sword before whipping it around to parry a low attack. Sidestepping neatly, Calard spun around the immortal spirit's next blow and slammed his bastard sword into his neck, putting his whole body weight behind the strike. His blade landed between archaic plate armour, sliding between helmet and gorget and cutting through the links of chainmail beneath, but it sank no further.[5]

It was as if the immortal spirit's flesh were made of iron, and the force of the blow rang up both of Calard's arms. The Green Knight backhanded Calard across the jaw and he hit the ground hard, spitting blood. Scrambling, he threw himself aside to avoid the Dolorous Blade as it came again. The weapon embedded itself in the ground, and Calard staggered upright. His arms were aching, and he backed off, panic clawing its way into his heart. He had put everything he had behind that blow, and its timing was perfect. Had he struck any mortal foe, their head would have sailed into the air, hacked clean from their shoulders, but onwards the Green Knight came, unharmed.[5]

Clearing his mind, Calard pushed his fear aside and invoked the name of his goddess. Pale fire flickered along the edge of his bastard sword, and he felt fresh vigour infuse his limbs. With a cry, Calard threw himself at the unyielding knight, thrusting and slashing. He feinted high and came in low, swinging his heavy sword around in murderous arcs. Every blow was met by the Dolorous Blade, and sparks flew as enchanted metal came together again and again. Calard and the Green Knight battled toe-to-toe, trading blows, neither giving ground. Infused with the holy light of the Lady, Calard was able to match the fury and power of his foe, and for a time it seemed that the battle might rage on forever, a never-ending duel within the mists. Time lost all meaning. All that existed was the contest. Neither warrior was able to overcome the other, and their blades were a blur as they cut and thrust.[5]

No end was in sight, but understanding came upon Calard in a rush. This was not a test of prowess. He parried an attack slicing in towards his neck and reversed the grip on his blade suddenly, holding it like a dagger in both hands, blade pointed downwards. With a sudden thrust, he drove it into the earth, and knelt on one knee. He lowered his head, exposing the back of his neck, and closed his eyes. He felt the Green Knight step in close, raising his sword for the fatal blow. Then Calard spoke, offering his life in service to the Lady. The Dolorous Blade came slicing down upon his neck… and stopped. The sword's edge was cold against his skin. Then it was whisked away, and the Green Knight stepped aside...[5]

Revelation

"The true king has returned. Gilles le Breton sits once more upon the throne of Bretonnia."

—The Uniter reborn.[2]

During the End Times, the Green Knight removed his helmet to reveal at last that he truly was Gilles le Breton, before slaying the traitorous Vampire, Mallobaude.[2]

Gilles had returned to fulfil his ancient promise, to aid Bretonnia in its darkest hour. No longer an ethereal spirit, he existed only to take war to the enemies of his realm: he was a weapon, forged from the myths of the past and given new life by the unfathomable will of the Lady. His ageless face shone with a fay light and his countenance bore the raw weight of centuries. Thus, the Uniter was coronated once more as King of Bretonnia, ending Mallobaude's civil war.[2a]

Wargear & Abilities

"The Green Knight is more than just a symbol of Bretonnian pride, he is the very spirit of the land given vengeful form."

—The mighty Soul Killer.[3]

The Green Knight was one of the deadliest warriors in existence. No one, be it man or monster, could ever truly defeat his immortal form in single combat.

  • The Dolorous Blade was a mighty sword of immense size and weight, which the Green Knight wielded with ease. Glowing with a strange light, he would sweep it around him with awesome strength. It was capable of destroying enemies in their droves and was infused with ancient magic.
  • The Shadow Steed was a mystical horse of fey power. The steed of the Green Knight was never slowed by its heavy barding.

Trivia

The Green Knight is inspired by a character from Arthurian legend of the same name. He is mentioned to be among the so-called "coloured knights" whom Sir Gareth encountered on his quest to save Lady Linnesse from the evil Red Knight in one tale. In another, he directly came to King Arthur's court to see if anyone could chop his head off, which Sir Gawain accepted and succeeded at. Gawain was surprised however, when the Green Knight's body arose and placed his head back onto his neck.

Like the Warhammer World's Green Knight, Sir Lancelot is the reputed champion of the Lady of the Lake, having been raised by her from a very young age.

Miniatures

Video

Total_War_WARHAMMER_-_Introducing..._The_Green_Knight

Total War WARHAMMER - Introducing... The Green Knight

The Green Knight.

Sources

  • 1: Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia (6th Edition)
    • 1a: pg. 74
  • 2: Warhammer: Nagash
    • 2a: pg. 30
  • 3: Total War: Warhammer (Videogame)
  • 4: Warhammer: Rulebook (8th Edition), "Bretonnia"
  • 5: Knights of Bretonnia (Omnibus)

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