Date
Meaning & History
Of uncertain origin, perhaps a derivative of the Gaulish name Acco (itself from Gaulish *acu- meaning "fast, swift, quick"). Sir Accolon, also spelled Accalon, is a character in Arthurian legends, possibly first appearing in the Post-Vulgate Suite du Merlin (c.1230-40). He is a knight from Gaul and the paramour of Morgan le Fay, who uses him as an unwitting participant in a plot against her half-brother Arthur; sensing the deception, Arthur defeats Accolon in battle. Thomas Malory included the tale in his 15th-century compilation of Arthurian legends Le Morte d'Arthur. Sir Accolon also appears in subsequent modern Arthurian works.