# How Sir Dinadan Provoked Sir Tristram to Do Well explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

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

## What happens

Sir Dinadan taunts Sir Tristram for appearing sluggish and calls him a coward to provoke him into action, knowing that a wroth Tristram would prevent Sir Palomides from winning the prize. Sir Tristram defends his honor, acknowledging Sir Launcelot's peerless knighthood, and Sir Palomides also praises Launcelot's courtesy. The chapter concludes with all kings and knights affirming that Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram are the greatest knights of Arthur's days.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Reputation

Tristram defends his honor against Dinadan's taunts, and Palomides seeks to restore his reputation by praising Launcelot.

### Chivalry and Knighthood

The knights discuss the ideals of knighthood, including courtesy, strength, and bounty, exemplified by Launcelot and Tristram.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Tristram de Liones

Provoked by Dinadan, defends his honor and praises Launcelot's peerless knighthood.

### Sir Dinadan

Taunts Tristram to anger him and spur him to perform well against Palomides.

### Sir Palomides

Acknowledges his own discourtesy to Launcelot and vows to be Launcelot's knight.

### Sir Launcelot du Lake

Praised by Tristram and Palomides for his noble knighthood, courtesy, and prowess.

## Key lines

> Well, Dinadan, said Sir Tristram, I was never called coward or now of no earthly knight in my life; and wit thou well, sir, I call myself never the more coward though Sir Launcelot gave me a fall, for I outcept him of all knights.

Tristram retorts that he has never been called a coward before and insists that being defeated by Launcelot does not make him one, as he considers Launcelot the greatest knight.

_Tristram defends his honor and acknowledges Launcelot's superiority._

> And therefore, said Palomides, I shall be Sir Launcelot’s knight while my life lasteth.

Palomides declares his lifelong loyalty to Launcelot because of Launcelot's gracious conduct toward him.

_Palomides vows to serve Launcelot out of gratitude for his courtesy._

## Links

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