Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
LXXV explained
Sir Tristram withdraws from the field, awakens Sir Dinadan, and changes into black armor.
What happens
Sir Tristram withdraws from the field, awakens Sir Dinadan, and changes into black armor. King Arthur, the King of Northgalis, Sir Launcelot du Lake, and his kinsmen Sir Bleoberis, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Ector de Maris enter the field. Launcelot and his kin perform great deeds, beating back the Kings of Wales and Scots, while Tristram and Sir Gareth endure many strokes. Arthur and Launcelot discuss Sir Palomides' envy of Tristram. Tristram, observed by La Beale Isoud and Palomides, returns to the field in black with Dinadan.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Tristram's prowess and Palomides' envy highlight the importance of knightly reputation and the shame of being outdone.
Kingship and Governance
King Arthur's presence and his judgment of knights' conduct reflect his role as a ruler overseeing chivalric order.
Characters to notice
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Departs the field, awakens Dinadan, changes to black armor, and returns to battle, observed by Isoud and Palomides.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Enters the field with his kinsmen, performs great deeds, and discusses Tristram's prowess with Arthur.
- King Arthur
Enters the field and speaks with Launcelot about Tristram and Palomides.
- Sir Dinadan
Awakened by Tristram from sleep, arms himself, and accompanies Tristram back to the field.
- La Beale Isoud
Observes Tristram's departure and return to the field.
Key passages
“Then said Sir Arthur: Is that Sir Palomides that endureth so well? Nay, said Sir Launcelot, wit ye well it is the good knight Sir Tristram, for yonder ye may see Sir Palomides beholdeth and hoveth, and doth little or nought.”
Arthur asks if the knight enduring so well is Palomides, but Launcelot corrects him, saying it is Tristram, while Palomides merely watches and does little.
Launcelot identifies Tristram's superior prowess and Palomides' inaction.
“Then is he but a fool, said Arthur, for never was Sir Palomides, nor never shall be, of such prowess as Sir Tristram. And if he have any envy at Sir Tristram, and cometh in with him upon his side he is a false knight.”
Arthur declares Palomides a fool for envying Tristram, as Tristram's prowess is unmatched, and calls Palomides a false knight if he fights alongside Tristram out of envy.
Arthur condemns envy and false knighthood, affirming Tristram's superiority.