Bertram (also known as "Bert") is Dirk the Daring's stallion that debuted in the animated series and has subsequently appeared in several games and the comics. His services are used as transportation by Dirk and his companions and often accompanies them on their adventures. He serves as a source of comic relief on the show, along with Timothy.
TV series[]
The cartoon series marks the first appearance of Bertram, a white stallion. His voice effects are made by Peter Cullen, who is also the voice of Sir Hubert Blunt and several other characters throughout the series. He is Dirk's faithful and intelligent steed, who often serves as the means of transportation for Dirk and Timothy. Rosemary, a cream white female horse serves as the steed for Princess Daphne. Despite not being a speaking animal, Bertram is highly observant and resourceful creature who can correctly interpret his surrounding context; he often thinks up solutions to problems or threats and clues the heroes into his plans through physical contact.
Games[]
Dragon's Lair: Escape from Singe's Castle[]
In an ending cutscene not animated by the Bluth Studio, Dirk and Daphne escape the castle together on a brown horse which might be the first appearance of Bertram in an officially licensed game.
Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp[]
The brown horse Dirk rides in the game’s opening level is unnamed but might be the first canonical appearance of Bertram animated by the Bluth Studio. Dirk first mounts the horse while fleeing from his home while Daphne's mother chases after him on the bull throwing objects at him. Bertram's identity was later confirmed by Cardsmiths' Dragon's Lair trading card series, in which "BERTRAM" features as the #40 card in the series with the description: "Dirk's life seems to be a constant chase after Daphne and his family. Fortunately, he has a trusty steed to get him there, the loyal Bertram."[1]
Dragon's Lair 3D: Return to the Lair[]
Bertram is seen in the animated introduction, carrying Dirk to Singe's Castle.
Comics[]
Bertram takes Dirk to The Grim, Dingy Swamps of the Dark Kingdom where he is scared by the Hydra Snakes and then pulls Dirk out of a quicksand. Outside the lair of the Lizard King, they are surrounded by crocodiles, and Bertram runs luring the away allowing Dirk to enter the castle.
After the adventure, Bertram takes him to the Graveyard of Gloom and waited while Dirk entered a crypt. Bertram showed up to kick the skeleton of Franco the Fearless with his hind legs, as it was about to slay Dirk. Finally he carries Dirk away galloping under a bone golem.
As they reach the Sands of Fire, Dirk continues alone, telling Bertram to find a way around and meet him later at the games of the Castle. Indeed, Bertram waits for him at the gates as he comes out with Princess Daphne and carries the couple back to their kingdom.
References[]
- ↑ "BERTRAM" #40, Cardsmiths Dragons Lair Trading Cards Series 1