Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
Of Sir Palomides, and how he met with Sir Bleoberis and with Sir Ector, and of Sir Pervivale explained
Sir Palomides encounters Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector, challenging Bleoberis for a past defeat.
What happens
Sir Palomides encounters Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector, challenging Bleoberis for a past defeat. During the confrontation, Palomides recounts his rivalry with Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram, and mourns the death of Sir Lamorak de Galis, slain by Sir Gawaine and his brethren. Sir Percivale, upon hearing of his brother Lamorak's death, swoons with grief. A varlet then arrives announcing a great tournament at Lonazep.
Themes in this chapter
Violence and Vengeance
Palomides seeks combat with Bleoberis over a past slight, and the murder of Sir Lamorak by Gawaine's kin fuels grief and a desire for retribution.
Honor and Reputation
Knights defend their honor through challenges and recounting past deeds; Palomides laments his lack of worship against top knights.
Characters to notice
- Sir Palomides
Challenges Sir Bleoberis, recounts past defeats by Launcelot, Tristram, and Lamorak, and laments Lamorak's death.
- Sir Bleoberis de Ganis
Accepts Palomides' challenge; his shield is on the ground.
- Sir Ector de Maris
Intervenes in the confrontation, taunting Palomides to seek Launcelot or Tristram.
- Sir Percivale de Galis
Swoons upon hearing of his brother Sir Lamorak's death and expresses deep grief.
- Sir Lamorak de Galis
Mentioned as deceased, slain by Sir Gawaine and his brethren; praised as a peerless knight.
Key passages
“Sir Palomides, said Ector, wit thou well there is neither thou nor none knight that beareth the life that slayeth any of our blood but he shall die for it; therefore an thou list to fight go seek Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram, and there shall ye find your match.”
Ector warns Palomides that any knight who kills one of their kin will die, and suggests he test his mettle against Launcelot or Tristram instead.
Ector defends his lineage and challenges Palomides to face stronger opponents.
“And as he had jousted at a tournament there he overthrew me and thirty knights more, and there he won the degree. And at his departing there met him Sir Gawaine and his brethren, and with great pain they slew him feloniously, unto all good knights’ great damage.”
Palomides describes how Sir Lamorak defeated him and thirty others in a tournament, only to be treacherously killed by Gawaine and his brothers afterward.
Palomides recounts Lamorak's prowess and the dishonorable manner of his death.