Melwas Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Melwas
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name MELWAS. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Melwas
Gender
Male
Origin
Arthurian
Lucky Number
1
Meaning of the Name - Melwas
Melwas is the name of an Arthurian king known for abducting Queen Guinevere. The name represents a figure of authority who challenges Camelot's power structure through his bold actions.
Melwas - Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Sun
Positive Nature
Leaders, ambitious, highly driven, self-reliant, innovative.
Negative Traits
Overly aggressive, domineering, impatient, selfish.
Lucky Colours
Red, orange, gold.
Lucky Days
Sunday.
Lucky Stones
Ruby, garnet.
Harmony Numbers
2, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Entrepreneurs, managers, engineers.
What People Like About You
Courage, determination, leadership.
Famous People Named Melwas
King Melwas
Arthurian monarch
Ruler who abducted Queen Guinevere, leading to a major confrontation with King Arthur
Melwas of the Summer Country
Celtic chieftain
Legendary ruler of southwestern Britain during Arthur's reign
Melwas ap Gwyar
Welsh noble
Historical figure possibly inspiring the legendary character in Welsh genealogies
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
In some versions, particularly Chrétien de Troyes' 'Lancelot', the story evolves to emphasize Lancelot's role as Guinevere's rescuer, making Melwas a catalyst for the famous love triangle that would ultimately undermine Camelot. The character represents the constant threats to Arthur's kingdom from within Britain itself, contrasting with external Saxon enemies. Melwas's story has been interpreted as representing regional resistance to centralized authority and the complex political landscape of post-Roman Britain.
Extended Personality Analysis
Melwas is typically portrayed as bold, ambitious, and somewhat reckless, willing to risk war with the powerful King Arthur for personal desire. His abduction of Guinevere suggests a character driven by passion and confidence in his own strength and position. He demonstrates strategic thinking by choosing Glastonbury—a defensible location surrounded by marshes—as his stronghold, showing military acumen. However, his actions also reveal arrogance and a tendency to underestimate his opponents, particularly Arthur's resolve and the loyalty of his knights.
In later medieval romances, Melwas evolves into a more complex antagonist, sometimes depicted as chivalrous in his own right, treating Guinevere with respect during her captivity and engaging in formal combat with her rescuers. This development adds nuance to what might otherwise be a straightforward villain, creating a character who operates within the chivalric code even while violating its fundamental principles. His character embodies the tension between personal ambition and social responsibility that was a central concern in medieval literature.
Modern Usage & Popularity
The name Melwas remains extremely rare in modern times, primarily used by Arthurian enthusiasts, historical fiction authors creating characters, or parents seeking unique names with legendary connections. It has never appeared in official baby name statistics in English-speaking countries, maintaining its status as a purely literary and historical name. Contemporary usage is almost exclusively limited to creative works, gaming characters, or academic discussions of Arthurian literature. The name's association with a morally ambiguous character who kidnaps a queen may limit its appeal for modern naming, though its uniqueness and deep Arthurian roots attract those interested in Welsh mythology and medieval romance traditions.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Melwas symbolizes the challenge to established authority and the testing of royal bonds and loyalties. His story represents how personal desires can threaten political stability and social order. The marshes surrounding his fortress at Glastonbury serve as symbolic boundaries between civilization and wilderness, order and chaos. As a figure who exists in the liminal space between antagonist and chivalrous knight, Melwas embodies the complexity of medieval morality where honor codes could be interpreted differently by competing powers. His eventual defeat (or in some versions, reconciliation) with Arthur represents the restoration of proper hierarchy and the reaffirmation of the king's authority, making him a necessary obstacle that ultimately strengthens the Arthurian ideal through its testing.