Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and how Sir Dinadan was sent for by La Beale Isoud explained
Sir Tristram defeats Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris in combat, then rides to Joyous Gard where he reunites with La Beale Isoud.
What happens
Sir Tristram defeats Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris in combat, then rides to Joyous Gard where he reunites with La Beale Isoud. He tells her of Sir Dinadan, a merry knight who mocks lovers. La Beale Isoud sends for Dinadan, who arrives and jests with her, refusing to fight for her love. Tristram then departs to meet Dinadan and ride together to a tournament at Lonazep.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Adultery
La Beale Isoud's relationship with Tristram and her teasing of Dinadan about love underscore the theme of romantic devotion and its complications.
Honor and Reputation
Tristram defends his honor against Agravaine's accusation of treason, and Dinadan's refusal to fight for a lady challenges knightly expectations.
Characters to notice
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Defeats Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, then reunites with La Beale Isoud at Joyous Gard.
- La Beale Isoud
Hosts Sir Dinadan at Joyous Gard and jests with him about love.
- Sir Dinadan
Visits Joyous Gard, mocks lovers, and refuses to fight for La Beale Isoud.
- Sir Agravaine
Wounded and unhorsed by Sir Tristram after calling him a traitor.
- Sir Gaheris
Unhorsed by Sir Tristram in the same encounter.
Key passages
“Turn, traitor knight.”
Agravaine orders Tristram to face him, calling him a traitor.
Agravaine's accusation provokes Tristram's violent response.
“the joy of love is too short, and the sorrow thereof, and what cometh thereof, dureth over long.”
Dinadan argues that love's happiness is brief while its pain lasts too long.
Dinadan's cynical view of love contrasts with the courtly love ideal.
“I will not fight for you with three knights, Jesu defend me.”
Dinadan refuses to battle three knights for La Beale Isoud's sake.
Dinadan's refusal highlights his rejection of conventional knightly service to ladies.