# LXI explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

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

## What happens

Sir Palomides arrives at a castle near the Humber and learns of the tragic death of King Hermance, who was betrayed by two treacherous knights he had raised from childhood. The tale serves as a warning to all estates about the dangers of trusting villains over noble blood.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Treachery

King Hermance is betrayed and murdered by two knights he raised and trusted, highlighting the peril of misplaced trust.

### Kingship and Governance

The story serves as a warning to kings and lords about the importance of surrounding themselves with loyal, noble-born advisors.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Palomides

Arrives at a castle and hears the story of King Hermance's betrayal and death.

### King Hermance

The slain king of the Red City, betrayed by two knights he raised from childhood.

## Key lines

> Give a churl rule and thereby he will not be sufficed; for whatsomever he be that is ruled by a villain born, and the lord of the soil to be a gentleman born, the same villain shall destroy all the gentlemen about him: therefore all estates and lords, beware whom ye take about you.

If a low-born person is given power, they will never be satisfied; a villain will destroy all the noblemen around him, so all lords should be careful whom they trust.

_A moral warning about the dangers of empowering base-born individuals._

## Links

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