# How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and how Sir Dinadan was sent for by La Beale Isoud explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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