Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Sir Launcelot said to Sir Palomides, and how the prize of that day was given unto Sir Palomides explained
In a grand tournament, Sir Palomides performs exceptionally well, earning the admiration of King Arthur and the other knights.
What happens
In a grand tournament, Sir Palomides performs exceptionally well, earning the admiration of King Arthur and the other knights. Sir Launcelot, initially angered by Palomides' actions, ultimately spares him and allows him to keep the day's honor. Sir Tristram, disguised in red armor, also fights valiantly. The chapter concludes with the prize being awarded to Sir Palomides, while Sir Launcelot hints that a better knight than Palomides is present.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
The tournament is a central arena for knights to gain or lose honor, with Sir Palomides earning the highest praise for his endurance and skill.
Love and Adultery
Sir Launcelot hints that Sir Palomides' extraordinary efforts are motivated by love, and warns him to keep his love secret from Sir Tristram.
Chivalry and Knighthood
The knights display chivalric ideals such as mercy (Launcelot sparing Palomides), prowess, and mutual respect in combat.
Characters to notice
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Shows magnanimity by sparing Sir Palomides and allowing him to keep the day's honor, despite initial anger.
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Fights in red armor, performs strongly, and commands Sir Dinadan to fetch Queen La Beale Isoud.
- Sir Palomides
Wins the prize of the tournament for his relentless and outstanding performance, never resting or changing his armor.
- Sir Dinadan
Fetches Queen La Beale Isoud as commanded by Sir Tristram and engages in banter with him.
- King Arthur
Observes the tournament and, along with the other kings, awards the prize to Sir Palomides.
- Sir Ector de Maris
Attempts to avenge his brother Sir Launcelot by jousting against Sir Palomides, but is unhorsed by Sir Tristram.
Key passages
“Wit thou well thou hast done me this day the greatest despite that ever any worshipful knight did to me in tournament or in jousts, and therefore I will be avenged upon thee, therefore take keep to yourself.”
Sir Launcelot angrily tells Sir Palomides that he has insulted him more than any other knight ever has in a tournament, and vows to take revenge.
Launcelot's initial fury at Palomides' actions.
“Ah, mercy, noble knight, said Palomides, and forgive me mine unkindly deeds, for I have no power nor might to withstand you, and I have done so much this day that well I wot I did never so much, nor never shall in my life-days; and therefore, most noble knight, I require thee spare me as at this day, and I promise you I shall ever be your knight while I live: an ye put me from my worship now, ye put me from the greatest worship that ever I had or ever shall have in my life-days.”
Sir Palomides begs for mercy, admitting he cannot match Launcelot's strength and pleading that sparing him would preserve the greatest honor he has ever achieved.
Palomides' humble plea and promise of lifelong service.
“Well, said Sir Launcelot, I see, for to say thee sooth, ye have done marvellously well this day; and I understand a part for whose love ye do it, and well I wot that love is a great mistress.”
Sir Launcelot acknowledges Palomides' exceptional performance and hints that he knows love is the driving force behind it.
Launcelot's recognition of love as a powerful motivator.