Medieval Arthurian legend
Of Arthour and of Merlin
14th century Middle English. National Library of Scotland MS Advocates 19.2.1, the Auchinleck Manuscript; Lincoln's Inn Library, Hale MS 150.
Many giants were fighting alongside King Rion…
Gawain spurred his horse, galloped forwards and shouted to King Taurus: ‘Stop, you malicious thief! Bitch’s son! What are you dragging along? You’ll pay for this!’
A heathen squire dismounted and disentangled the lady’s hair so that she was free of the horse’s tail. King Taurus was xiiii fet long, an unrede geaunt and a strong
– King Taurus was fourteen feet high, a huge giant and a very strong one, and when he saw Gawain approaching took up a great lance and set off quickly to meet his assailant. They both galloped at one another with savage intent…
Mani geauntes gret and long, about Rion þer were and strong
– Many giants were fighting alongside King Rion, and they set upon Arthur at once, knocking him from his horse to the ground. But Arthur leapt back onto his feet and defended himself from them all…
King Arthur let King Rion escape as King Kehenans approached quickly and gave him such a blow that Arthur was momentarily stunned. But Arthur was able to return a blow with full force which cut off the giant’s shoulder; his arm and shield fell onto the grass. Kehenans urged his horse forwards and tried to seize King Arthur around the neck with his right arm, but Arthur was able to deliver another bitter stroke with his sword between the giant’s hand and elbow and his hand fell to the ground. King Kehenans’ horse carried him here and there as the giant screamed as though he was mad, but then he fell dead onto the grass and his soul wafted to the devil.