Tim (John Cleese)

Character Analysis

Tim the Enchanter is an interesting fellow. First off, his name is Tim. He's an all-powerful enchanter and he goes by a common name? What about something like Aldaerus, or maybe Thunderwind—something with pizazz?

But no; he's just Tim. Even he seems a little self-conscious about it—Tim's somewhat of a pyromaniac. Fire seems to be his main trick; he throws around flames like Zeus throws lightning bolts.

He knows Arthur's name and quest as soon as he sees him, leaving Arthur to marvel, "You know much that is hidden, oh Tim." To be fair, his enchantment abilities leave a little to be desired. His fire looks a lot like low-budget special effects. (We'll just go along with Arthur and call it "eccentric.")

At least he tries to be scary, though. He delivers a frightening monologue warning the knights about the fearsome creature guarding the Cave of Caerbannog.

TIM: Follow. But! Follow only if ye be men of valor. For the entrance to this cave is guarded by a creature so foul, so cruel, that no man has yet fought with it and lived! Bones of full fifty men lie strewn about its lair! So! Brave knights! If you do doubt your courage or your strength, come no further, for death awaits you all with nasty, big pointy teeth!

As much as Tim's a parody of an all-knowing wizard, he does actually know a bit more than the knights do. He tries to warn them about the fierce bunny rabbit but they just won't listen.

Actually, Tim seems to get quite a kick out of all the death wrought by that cute little bunny. He's just cracking up when Arthur orders a full retreat and leaves three knights bleeding and headless on ground.