# XVI: Sir Palamedes explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## What happens

Sir Tristram, unarmed, encounters Sir Palamedes in battle. Palamedes refuses to fight an unarmed knight, and after Tristram arms himself, they fight fiercely. Tristram gains the upper hand but spares Palamedes, who then asks for forgiveness and expresses his desire to be baptized. Tristram agrees, and Palamedes is christened at the church of Carlisle with Tristram and Sir Galleron as godfathers. They then ride to King Arthur's court, where the king and queen welcome Palamedes's conversion. Later, Sir Gawain returns from Brittany with a message from Merlin urging King Arthur to undertake the quest of the Holy Grail, and Tristram decides to join the quest.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroism and the Quest

Tristram's decision to undertake the Grail quest for pardon of sins exemplifies the heroic quest for spiritual redemption.

### Love and Transformation

Palamedes's love for Isoude leads to conflict with Tristram, but ultimately transforms into a desire for forgiveness and baptism.

### Hospitality and Its Violation

The initial hostility between Tristram and Palamedes contrasts with the later reconciliation and hospitality at King Arthur's court.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Tristram

Rides unarmed, fights Sir Palamedes, spares him, and serves as godfather at his baptism.

### Isoude

Mentioned as the queen La Belle Isoude, the object of Palamedes's love and the cause of his offense to Tristram.

### Sir Palamedes

Fights Tristram, refuses to slay an unarmed knight, is defeated, asks forgiveness, and is baptized.

### King Arthur

Holds court at Camelot with Queen Guenever; rejoices at Palamedes's baptism.

### Queen Guenever

Present with King Arthur at the court in Camelot.

### Sir Gawain

Returns from Brittany and relays Merlin's message about the quest of the Holy Grail.

### Merlin

Speaks to Sir Gawain in the forest of Breciliande, charging the king to undertake the Grail quest.

## Key lines

> Sir Tristram, now we be met, and ere we depart we will redress our old wrongs.

Sir Tristram, we have met again, and before we part, we will settle our past grievances.

_Palamedes challenges Tristram to a duel to resolve their longstanding conflict._

> I have no wish to fight this battle any more. The offence that I have done unto you is not so great but that, if it please you, we may be friends.

I do not want to continue this fight. My offense against you is not so serious that we cannot become friends, if you agree.

_Palamedes seeks reconciliation with Tristram after being disarmed._

> Now take your horse, and as you have said, so shall it be done.

Mount your horse, and everything you have proposed will be carried out.

_Tristram agrees to Palamedes's request for baptism and friendship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xvi-sir-palamedes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters