Bedivere/Kay
| Pairing | |
|---|---|
| Pairing: | |
| Alternative name(s): | Kedivere, Bedikay |
| Gender category: | slash |
| Fandom: | Arthuriana |
| Canonical?: | "Partners" in an ambiguous sense, friends, and/or colleagues |
| Prevalence: | fandom OTP |
| Archives: | |
| Other: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Bedivere/Kay, commonly known as Bedikay or Kedivere, is the ship between Sir Bedivere and Sir Kay. It is common in the Arthuriana fandom.
Members of the fandom who ship these two characters often point to How Cullwch Won Olwen, a Welsh legend included in the Mabinogion. In that text, Cai (the Welsh Kay) and Bedwyr (the Welsh Bedivere) are very close. Depending on the translation, Kai refers to Bedwyr as his "partner" or as his "companion", and Kai's catchphrase, "by the hand of my friend", is a reference to one-handed Bedwyr. They go on many adventures together before Kai becomes furious with King Arthur and abruptly leaves, never to return. Fan art of this pairing frequently depicts or references the scene in which they ride on a giant salmon together.
Kedivere shippers also often reference The Story of Merlin and Wace's Roman de Brut, in which Bedivere is killed in battle. Though Kay has to fight singlehandedly and while carrying a man in full armor, he chooses to risk death in the hopes of Bedivere getting a proper burial; he is gravely or even fatally wounded in the process but succeeds in bringing the body back.
As the seneschal and marshal of Camelot, Kay and Bedivere work together for many years. They are both considered among the most loyal and steadfast to Arthur.
In medieval literature, Kay is occasionally but infrequently said to have a wife. Bedivere never is given a wife or other female love interest, though in Welsh literature he is said to have two children, as is Kay. The most fandom-popular of Kay's wives is Andrivette, who appears in Escanor. People occasionally ship Andrivette/Bedivere/Kay as a threesome [1], but this is less common.
The most prolific Bedikay writer on Ao3 is currently CharonsBudgetPsychopomp, who is responsible for nearly half of the works in the tag.
Canon
Associated Quotes
In How Cullwch Won Olwen (Sioned Davies' translation):
- Before departing for the quest, "Arthur called on Bedwyr, who never feared the quest upon which Cai went."
- While Cai is talking to Wrnach Gawr, Wrnach says, "'It's a shame that a man as good as you is without a companion." 'But sir, I do have a companion, although he doesn't practise this craft.' 'Who is that?'...The gate was opened and Bedwyr entered. Cai said, 'Bedwyr is skilful, although he doesn't practise this craft.'"
In The Story of Merlin (Rupert T. Pickens' translation):
- "And when Kay saw him fall, he was very sorrowful, for he thought that he was dead. He rode over to him with as many men as he could get together, and he made the men of Mede leave the field. He came to Bedivere and took him in his arms; he meant to pick him up and carry him away from among the horses, for he loved him very much."
In Wace's Roman de Brut (Eugene Mason translation):
- "Kay lighted upon Bedevere lying dead. Since he loved him more than any living man, he was determined the pagans should not triumph over his body."
Example Fanworks
Fanfiction
- Making a Way in the World by Reccea
- Fire and Ice by dastardlywhiplash
- The First Time by Arthurian maiden (LadyRagnelle)
- This Curse We Share by CharonsBudgetPsychopomp
- Dw i'n caru ti by Eatgreass
- Worship the Ashes by CharonsBudgetPsychopomp
Fan Art
- "I can pick you up like a fish..." by grail-lifesupport
- The salmon of Llyn Llyw
- "Want to do something romantic?" (It's arson) by grail-lifesupport
- Don't have to ask me twice! by Merun
- "Wanna go fight another giraffe or something?" by Merun
- They're Over the Wall by Merun
- Riding the salmon with Arthur by mountainashfae
- Arthurian zine art by valioda
- Cullwch ac Olwen edit
- Bedikay by meowdredarchive
- At the end of the day by kulttuurinkurittama
- Bedivere x Kay by invadersforever
- Cei & Bedwyr by katabay