Of the battle between Sir Palomides and the two brethren, and how the two brethren were slain explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Honor and Reputation

  Sir Palomides is shamed by his near-defeat and rallies himself with self-reproach, fighting on to restore his honor.

• Violence and Vengeance

  The brutal combat between Palomides and the two brethren ends in the deaths of Helake and Helius, showcasing the violent nature of knightly conflict.

Characters to notice

• Sir Palomides

  Fights and kills the two brethren Helake and Helius, then travels to Joyous Gard to meet Sir Tristram.

• Sir Tristram de Liones

  Resides at Joyous Gard with La Beale Isoud; sends Dinadan to greet Palomides.

• La Beale Isoud

  Present at Joyous Gard with Sir Tristram.

• Sir Dinadan

  Sent by Tristram to greet Palomides; shares lodging with him.

• Sir Gareth of Orkney

  Accompanies Tristram to wake Palomides and Dinadan in the morning.

Key passages

• “Ah, fie for shame, Sir Palomides, why hangest thou thy head so low; and therewith he bare up his shield, and looked Sir Helius in the visage, and he smote him a great stroke upon the helm, and after that another and another.”

  Palomides rebukes himself for his cowardice, then lifts his shield, meets Helius's gaze, and delivers a series of powerful blows to his helmet.

  This moment of self-motivation turns the tide of the battle.

• “For, fair sirs, wit ye well I may not as at this time abide with you, for I must in all haste be with my lord King Arthur at the Castle of Lonazep, the which I have promised.”

  Palomides explains to the townspeople that he cannot stay, as he has pledged to join King Arthur at Lonazep Castle.

  Palomides prioritizes his oath to King Arthur over the offered lordship.