How King Arthur and Sir Lancelot came to see La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides smote down King Arthur explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Chivalry and Knighthood

  The chapter contrasts proper knightly conduct—coming gently to behold a fair lady—with Palomides' unknightly aggression, and highlights Launcelot's loyalty and Tristram's sense of honor.

• Honor and Reputation

  Tristram rebukes Palomides for shaming himself and the king, emphasizing the importance of worshipful deeds and the recognition of noble knights like Arthur and Launcelot.

Characters to notice

• King Arthur

  Disguised as a poor errant knight, he comes to see Queen Isoud and is smitten down by Sir Palomides.

• Sir Launcelot du Lake

  Accompanies King Arthur in disguise, jousts with and unhorses Sir Palomides to revenge his lord, and is recognized by Sir Tristram.

• Sir Tristram de Liones

  Rides with Queen Isoud, Sir Palomides, and Sir Gareth; recognizes Arthur and Launcelot, and rebukes Palomides for his unknightly behavior.

• La Beale Isoud

  The fair lady whom Arthur and Launcelot come to see; she is saluted by Arthur and later sent to her lodging in the priory to watch the tournament.

• Sir Palomides

  Smites down King Arthur in anger, is unhorsed by Sir Launcelot, and is rebuked by Sir Tristram for his unknightly deed.

• Sir Gareth of Orkney

  Rides with Sir Tristram, La Beale Isoud, and Sir Palomides, all dressed in green.

Key passages

• “and ye had not ado to play such masteries afore my lady. Wit thou well it will turn to anger, for he that ye smote down was King Arthur, and that other was the good knight Sir Launcelot.”

  You should not have performed such feats of arms in front of my lady. Know that it will lead to trouble, because the knight you struck down was King Arthur, and the other was the noble Sir Launcelot.

  Tristram rebukes Palomides for his rashness and reveals the identity of the disguised knights.

• “I may never believe, said Palomides, that King Arthur will ride so privily as a poor errant knight. Ah, said Sir Tristram, ye know not my lord Arthur, for all knights may learn to be a knight of him.”

  Palomides said he could not believe King Arthur would travel so secretly like a humble wandering knight. Tristram replied that Palomides did not truly know King Arthur, for every knight can learn knighthood from him.

  Tristram defends Arthur's humility and sets him up as a model of knightly virtue.