Gorlois

Gorlois is a figure from Arthurian legend, primarily known as the Duke of Cornwall and the first husband of Igraine. He is most famously associated with the conception of King Arthur. According to the most common versions of the legend, Merlin, acting on behalf of Uther Pendragon, cast a spell that disguised Uther to look exactly like Gorlois. This allowed Uther to enter Tintagel Castle, where Igraine resided, and to lie with her. Igraine subsequently conceived Arthur.

In many accounts, Gorlois was away at war with Uther Pendragon at the time of Arthur's conception. He was killed in battle, and Uther then married Igraine. The story of Gorlois highlights themes of deception, fate, and the complex origins of heroic figures in medieval literature. His role is crucial as the biological father of Arthur's mother and as the unwitting participant in a magical scheme that led to the birth of Britain's greatest king. While not a central character in his own right, Gorlois serves as an important antecedent to Arthur's story.