Mordred or
Modred (; ,
Medrod, etc.) is a character in the
Arthurian legend, known as a notorious traitor who fought
King Arthur at the
Battle of Camlann, where he was killed and Arthur fatally wounded. Tradition varies on his relationship to Arthur, but he is best known today as Arthur's illegitimate son by his half-sister
Morgause, though in many modern adaptations Morgause is merged with the character of
Morgan le Fay. In earlier literature, he was considered the legitimate son of Morgause, also known as Anna, with her husband
King Lot of
Orkney. His brothers or half-brothers are
Gawain,
Agravain,
Gaheris, and
Gareth. The name (from either
Old Welsh Medraut,
Cornish Modred, or
Old Breton Modrot) is ultimately derived from Latin
Moderatus.
