Rupen of Etchmiadzin

Rupen was the reigning Prince of Etchmiadzin in Armenia. Having grown up in his father's shadow, with feelings of inadequacy as a man himself. he determined to go on a bizarre quest, to find the Castle of the Sparrowhawk in Faerie, and harness the powers of the magical bird therein.

John Mandeville wrote an account of Rupen's travels, but altered the truth to suit his readers' appeal. Among other details, Mandeville chose to refer to him as a King rather than a Prince, to make the story more romantic.