# LIX explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

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

## What happens

Sir Tristram and his companions, including Sir Palomides, encounter a ship on the Humber bank containing the body of King Hermance of the Red City, who was treacherously slain by two brethren he raised. A letter in the dead king's hand calls for a knight to avenge his death and inherit his city. Tristram, bound by a prior promise to attend a tournament, entrusts the quest to Palomides, who agrees on condition he can return in time for the tournament.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence and Vengeance

The chapter centers on the treacherous murder of King Hermance and the call for a knight to avenge his death, highlighting the chivalric obligation to seek retribution for treachery.

### Honor and Reputation

Tristram's concern for his promise to attend the tournament and his reputation among the knights of Arthur's court underscores the importance of keeping one's word and maintaining honor.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Tristram de Liones

Discovers the ship with King Hermance's body and reads the letter; delegates the revenge quest to Palomides due to his prior tournament commitment.

### Sir Palomides

Accompanies Tristram; volunteers to undertake the quest to avenge King Hermance's death, promising to return for the tournament.

## Key lines

> for manhood is not worth but if it be medled with wisdom.

Bravery alone is worthless unless it is combined with wisdom.

_Tristram advises Palomides that valor must be tempered with prudence, a key theme in chivalric conduct._

> I beseech them all among them to find one knight that will fight for my sake with two brethren that I brought up of nought, and feloniously and traitorly they have slain me; wherefore I beseech one good knight to revenge my death.

I beg that among all knights, one will fight for me against two brothers I raised from nothing, who treacherously murdered me; therefore I implore a good knight to avenge my death.

_King Hermance's letter directly appeals to the chivalric code of vengeance and loyalty, setting the stage for Palomides' quest._

## Links

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