The Legend of Merlin

Merlin was best known as Arthur's advisor, prophet, and magician. He originally served Arthur's father Uther Pendragon, but was later given Arthur to care for and raise as a man.

History: It is said he is the creation of Geoffrey of Monmouth, who in his twelfth-century History of the Kings of Britain (known as Historia Regnum Britanniae or History of the Kings of Britain) combined the Welsh traditions about a bard and prophet named Myrddin with the story that the ninth-century chronicler Nennius tells about Ambrosius.

Mother: Nun of Royal Birth

Designs: Round Table, Camelot, and Stone Ring at Stonehenge

Master: Bleise

Other Names: Myrddin, Merdinus, Merlinus, Merlin Ambrosius

http://www.gods-heros-myth.com/godpages/merlin.html

The Legend of King Arthur Pendragon

Arthur was best known as a great hero, king, and creator of the round table. Upon Arthur's birth he was taken by the wizard Merlin to be raised. Upon the death aof his father the knights were prompted to make King the one who could pull the sword from the stone. Many years went by and many knights tried. Ironically, while searching for a common sword, Arthur pulled the famous Excalibur from the stone. Excalibur was a mighty sword with a scabbard that would prevent the loss of blood in battle. With Merlin's help Arthur was able to bring peace to Britain. With the aid of King Leodegraunce he was able to defeat the Anglo-Saxons.
Death: During the great battle against his nephew Arthur was gravely wounded. While being carried away he had Excalibur returned to the lake; where a hand reached up to catch it. He was then placed on a magic boat to Avalon. "Here lies Arthur, king that was, king that shall be."

Historical Basis: Romanised Briton or King Alfred the Great

Father: Uther Pendragon

Mother: Igraine

Wife: Guinevere

Nephew: Mordred


http://www.gods-heros-myth.com/godpages/arthur.html

The Legend of Gawain

Sir Gawain was the first son of King Lot and after his death went on to be the Orkney clan leader. He is featured in many Arthurian Legends often as one of King Arthur's main knights. He is generally portrayed as either the principal or secondary hero with much courtesy, chivalry, and noblity. Throughout all of his trials and tales he is considered very well respected, loyal, and honest. However, in his goal to maintain these traits to the highest esteem, is faced with many problems and trials along the way. In one of his most well-known texts, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain experiences a brief fall from this tower of perfection as he struggles with his inner demons. Gawain's greatest traits are also his greatest weaknesses in that he follows these to the letter rather than to the spirit.
It is important to note that in both the Prose Tristan and the French novels he was often portrayed as a villian, evil, and sometimes a murderer. This version for the most part was not popular and is not prevelant in most later works. More recently many writers went back to the old English and Welsh sources and turned him back into the hero many know him as.

Father: King Lot of Orkney and Lothian

Mother: Morgause or Anna

Siblings: Aggravain, Gaheris, Gareth, Mordred, sometimes sisters

Children: Florence, Lovell, Gingalain

Uncle: King Arthur

Symbols: Shield with Pentagram

Other Names: Walwen, Gwalchmai, Gauvain, Gawan, Gwalchmei ap Gwyar

Texts: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Morte d'Arthur, Avowyng of Arthur, Awntyrs of Athur, Carle of Carlisle, Jeaste of Sir Gawain, King Arthur and King Cornwall, Knightly Tale of Gologras and Gawain, Libeaus Desconus, Sir Gawain and the Carle of Carlisle, Turke and Sir Gawain, Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnelle, Ywain and Gawain, Culwch and Olwen, Welsh Triads

http://www.gods-heros-myth.com/godpages/gawain.html