# LXV explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

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

## What happens

Sir Tristram and his company, including La Beale Isoud and Sir Palomides, journey toward Lonazep. Along the way, they encounter Galihodin and his knights, who challenge them for the lady. Sir Palomides offers to take on the challenge. Later, they meet the treacherous knight Breuse Saunce Pité, who attacks them but is unhorsed by Palomides and allowed to escape. They also meet Epinogris, who is pursuing Breuse. The party then proceeds to Joyous Gard, where Palomides is deeply smitten by La Beale Isoud. The next day, they continue their journey, richly apparelled, and again encounter Galihodin's company.

## Themes in this chapter

### Chivalry and Knighthood

Tristram and Palomides demonstrate chivalric conduct by sparing Breuse and by Palomides offering to take on the challenge from Galihodin.

### Love and Adultery

Palomides is 'ravished out of measure' upon seeing La Beale Isoud, highlighting the theme of forbidden or unrequited love.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Tristram de Liones

Leads the company toward Lonazep, allows Palomides to take on Galihodin's challenge, and spares Breuse Saunce Pité.

### Sir Palomides

Volunteers to fight Galihodin's knights, unhorses Breuse Saunce Pité, and is deeply enamored of La Beale Isoud.

### La Beale Isoud

Travels with Tristram, richly apparelled, and is the object of Palomides' affection.

### Breuse Saunce Pité

Attacks Tristram and Palomides but is unhorsed and allowed to escape.

### Sir Dinadan

Present in the company and comments on Tristram's plan to set pavilions by the well of Lonazep.

## Key lines

> Sir, said Palomides, an it please you let me have this deed, and I shall undertake them all four.

Palomides asks Tristram for permission to fight Galihodin and his knights alone.

_Palomides seeks to prove his prowess and win honor._

> Let be, said Sir Tristram, slay him not, the knight is but a fool, it were shame to slay him.

Tristram orders Palomides to spare the fallen knight, calling him foolish and unworthy of death.

_Tristram shows mercy, a key chivalric virtue._

> And when Sir Palomides saw La Beale Isoud he was ravished so that he might unnethe speak.

Palomides was so overwhelmed by La Beale Isoud's beauty that he could barely speak.

_Palomides' love for Isoud is immediate and intense._

## Links

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