The French romance Aliadus (Meliadus) is derived from the work originally entitled Palamedes, a series of tales based on the Tristan and Lancelot-Grail legends but going back to the heroes of the previous generation.
Certain manuscripts identify Palamedes as one of the central figures, but he seldom appears and Meliadas and his companion Guiron le Courtois are the most important characters.
Some versions, including the early 16th-century printed editions produced in Paris, are divided into two parts, with the first entitled Meliadus de Leonnoys and the second Gyron le Courtoys.
[3] The first part begins with the arrival of Esclabor, father of Palamedes at the court of the young Arthur, and later, of Pharamond, king of the Franks and the Chevalier sans peur.
[4] Rustichello da Pisa's more complete version ends with the older knights being delivered from captivity and Meliadas acclaimed 'la flour de toute chevalerie' at Arthur's court.