# How Uther Pendragon Sent for the Duke of Cornwall and Igraine His Wife explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

> Chapter companion for Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory.

## What happens

King Uther Pendragon, at war with the Duke of Cornwall, summons the duke and his wife Igraine. Uther desires Igraine, but she refuses him and convinces her husband to flee. Enraged, Uther besieges the duke's castle of Terrabil and falls sick from love and anger. Sir Ulfius seeks Merlin, who promises to fulfill Uther's desire.

## Themes in this chapter

### Kingship and Governance

Uther's use of royal summons and war to pursue his personal desires illustrates the intersection of kingship and personal ambition.

### Love and Adultery

Uther's obsessive love for the married Igraine drives the conflict and sets up the central adulterous relationship.

## Character check-ins

### Uther Pendragon

King of all England, falls sick from love and anger over Igraine.

### Igraine

Fair and wise wife of the Duke of Cornwall, refuses Uther's advances.

### Sir Ulfius

Noble knight who seeks Merlin to help King Uther.

### Merlin

Appears disguised as a beggar and offers to help Uther in exchange for a promise.

## Key lines

> It befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all England, and so reigned, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall that held war against him long time.

During the reign of King Uther Pendragon over all England, a powerful duke in Cornwall waged a prolonged war against him.

_Establishes the historical setting and the initial conflict._

> The king liked and loved this lady well, and he made them great cheer out of measure, and desired to have lain by her. But she was a passing good woman, and would not assent unto the king.

King Uther greatly admired and desired Igraine, but she, being virtuous, refused his advances.

_Highlights Uther's lust and Igraine's resistance, central to the plot._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters