Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
LXVI explained
Sir Palomides jousts with and defeats Sir Galihodin and his men, then overthrows Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramore, and Sir Dodinas.
What happens
Sir Palomides jousts with and defeats Sir Galihodin and his men, then overthrows Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramore, and Sir Dodinas. Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and La Beale Isoud continue their journey. Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan ride to Lonazep to gather news, where they hear a horn summoning knights opposing King Arthur at the tournament. Sir Tristram overhears the King of Ireland's counsel and then rides to hear King Arthur's counsel.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Sir Palomides seeks worship through jousting, and Sir Tristram supports his quest for honor, highlighting the importance of knightly reputation.
Kingship and Governance
The council of kings opposing Arthur and Arthur's own counsel illustrate the political and military organization of kingdoms.
Characters to notice
- Sir Palomides
Jousts and defeats multiple knights, including Sir Galihodin and Sir Gawaine, demonstrating his prowess.
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Accompanies Sir Palomides and La Beale Isoud, then rides to Lonazep to gather tidings and overhears the opposing council.
- La Beale Isoud
Travels with Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides, and is left at the pavilions with Sir Palomides and Sir Gareth.
- Sir Gawaine
Jousts with Sir Palomides and is smitten down, later speculates on the identity of the green knights.
- Sir Gareth of Orkney
Left with La Beale Isoud at the pavilions while Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan ride to Lonazep.
- Sir Dinadan
Rides with Sir Tristram to Lonazep and hears the horn blast.
- King Arthur
Mentioned as the leader of the opposing faction at the tournament; Sir Tristram rides to hear his counsel.
Key passages
“Let be, said Sir Galihodin, not so hardy, none of you all meddle with this knight, for he is a man of great bounté and honour, and if he would ye were not able to meddle with him.”
Sir Galihodin ordered his men not to attack Sir Palomides, recognizing his great worth and honor, and warned they would be no match for him.
Galihodin acknowledges Palomides' superior skill and nobility.
“And if that I be smitten down I pray you revenge me. Well, said Sir Tristram, I will as ye will, and ye are not so fain to have worship but I would as fain increase your worship.”
Sir Palomides asked Tristram to avenge him if he fell, and Tristram agreed, saying he was as eager to enhance Palomides' honor as Palomides was to gain it.
Tristram supports Palomides' quest for glory.