Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How they approached the Castle Lonazep, and of other devices of the death of Sir Lamorak explained
Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, Sir Dinadan, and Sir Gareth approach the Castle Lonazep, observing a great tournament gathering.
What happens
Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, Sir Dinadan, and Sir Gareth approach the Castle Lonazep, observing a great tournament gathering. They discuss the death of Sir Lamorak, slain treacherously by Sir Gawaine and his brethren, and Sir Tristram expresses his grief and anger. Sir Gareth disavows his brothers' actions, and the group reflects on the enmity between Gawaine's kin and the good knights of the Round Table.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Treachery
The murder of Sir Lamorak by Gawaine and his brothers is a central act of treachery discussed in the chapter.
Violence and Vengeance
Sir Tristram's desire for vengeance against Lamorak's killers and the violent circumstances of the murder highlight this theme.
Characters to notice
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Expresses grief over Sir Lamorak's death and condemns the treachery of Gawaine and his brothers.
- Sir Palomides
Describes witnessing Sir Lamorak's prowess and recounts the details of his murder.
- Sir Dinadan
Comments on the tournament at Surluse and notes the hatred of Gawaine's kin toward Launcelot.
- Sir Gareth of Orkney
Disavows his brothers Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Mordred for murdering Sir Lamorak.
Key passages
“Alas, said Sir Tristram, full woe is me for his death. And if they were not the cousins of my lord Arthur that slew him, they should die for it, and all those that were consenting to his death.”
Sir Tristram laments Lamorak's death and vows that if the killers were not King Arthur's kin, he would make them pay.
Shows Tristram's grief and restrained desire for vengeance.
“Fie upon treason, said Sir Tristram, for it killeth my heart to hear this tale.”
Tristram curses the treachery, saying it breaks his heart to hear of it.
Emphasizes Tristram's revulsion at the betrayal.