# LXII explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

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

## What happens

King Hermance of the Red City is slain by two of his own knights through treason. His letter requesting vengeance is delivered to Sir Palomides, who undertakes the quest. Upon nearing the city, Palomides encounters another knight who also claims the quest; they fight, and Palomides prevails, establishing his right to avenge the king.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Treachery

King Hermance is slain by his own knights through felony and treason, highlighting the theme of betrayal.

### Violence and Vengeance

The chapter centers on the quest to avenge King Hermance's death, culminating in a violent duel between Palomides and the rival knight.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Palomides

Takes up the quest to avenge King Hermance's death, fights and defeats a rival knight for the right to the battle.

### King Hermance

Slain by treason, his letter of complaint and request for vengeance is delivered to Arthur's knights.

### Sir Tristram de Liones

Mentioned by Palomides as one of the best knights who might avenge him if he falls.

### Sir Launcelot du Lake

Mentioned by Palomides as another of the best knights who might avenge him if he falls.

## Key lines

> Recommending unto King Arthur and to all his knights errant, beseeching them all that insomuch as I, King Hermance, King of the Red City, thus am slain by felony and treason, through two knights of mine own, and of mine own bringing up and of mine own making, that some worshipful knight will revenge my death

King Hermance appeals to King Arthur and his knights, asking that a worthy knight avenge his treacherous murder by his own knights.

_The letter's plea for vengeance sets the quest in motion._

> For we all wit well that an ye may slay these two traitors, the Red City and all those that be therein will take you for their lord.

If you kill the two traitors, the Red City and its people will accept you as their ruler.

_Ebel explains the reward for completing the quest._

> Sir knight, what seek ye here? leave this quest for it is mine, and mine it was or ever it was yours, and therefore I will have it.

The unknown knight challenges Palomides, claiming the quest as his own and demanding Palomides yield.

_The rival knight asserts prior claim to the quest, leading to their duel._

## Links

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