When Mordred saw that he had lost his sword in this way, he was deeply grieved, for he knew well that he could not easily overcome Hector, for Hector was so valiant and quick and light that he was driving Sir Gawain as he wished more than Sir Gawain was doing to him. And anyone who had been present at that battle between Sir Gawain and Hector would not have thought he could find in the whole world a better or more valiant knight than Hector. Nevertheless, he had somewhat slowed down in his swordplay, for Sir Gawain was possessed of a very good sword, while the one Hector held was not worth much.

The Post Vulgate Cycle