Esplandian

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"Esplandian"

A medieval Spanish legend that tells how Amadis of Gaul and his wife Oriana of the Firm Island had the wicked enchanter Archelous in their keeping but set him free in answer to his wife's entreaties. Certain calamities occurred that were attributed to Archelous, and Amadis's son Esplandian was carried off by the enchantress Urganda. The legend goes on to relate the adventures of Esplandian, including how he was given a magic sword and killed a dragon. With this sword he also succeeded in killing Archelous himself and his nephew, and he then set free a kinsman. His next opponent was Matroed, son of Arco-bone, whom he also vanquished. Finally, he utterly destroyed the stronghold of Archelous and freed the land from the pagan influence of Matroed.