Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Sir Tristram turned to King Arthur’s side, and how Palomides would not. explained
Sir Tristram, Sir Gareth, and Sir Dinadan decide to join King Arthur's side in the ongoing conflict, while Sir Palomides refuses and departs in sorrow.
What happens
Sir Tristram, Sir Gareth, and Sir Dinadan decide to join King Arthur's side in the ongoing conflict, while Sir Palomides refuses and departs in sorrow. Tristram and Launcelot perform valiantly in battle, and the prize is shared between them. Palomides, wailing and weeping, is later consoled by the kings of Wales and Scotland, but he remains bitter toward Tristram, whom he accuses of treachery. Tristram and his companions escort La Beale Isoud to Joyous Gard, while Arthur returns to Camelot.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Tristram and Launcelot vie for the prize of worship, while Palomides laments the loss of his honor after refusing to join Arthur's side.
Betrayal and Treachery
Palomides accuses Tristram of treachery for changing sides, highlighting the tension between loyalty and personal choice.
Love and Adultery
Palomides' sorrow is partly due to his separation from La Beale Isoud, reflecting the romantic entanglements that drive the narrative.
Characters to notice
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Decides to join King Arthur's side, performs valiantly in battle, and later escorts La Beale Isoud to Joyous Gard.
- Sir Palomides
Refuses to change sides, departs in sorrow, and later confronts Tristram with accusations of treachery.
- Sir Gareth of Orkney
Agrees to follow Tristram and fights alongside him for King Arthur.
- Sir Dinadan
Supports Tristram's decision and fights with him in the battle.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Fights bravely, smites several kings, and shares the prize with Tristram.
- La Beale Isoud
Is escorted by Tristram and others to Joyous Gard, where they rest.
Key passages
“My fair fellows, wit ye well that I will turn unto King Arthur’s party, for I saw never so few men do so well, and it will be shame unto us knights that be of the Round Table to see our lord King Arthur, and that noble knight Sir Launcelot, to be dishonoured.”
Tristram declares his intention to switch allegiance to King Arthur, arguing that it would be disgraceful for Round Table knights to allow Arthur and Launcelot to be dishonored.
Tristram's decision is motivated by a sense of knightly duty and loyalty to the Round Table.
“Alas, said Palomides, that ever I should see this day, for now have I lost all the worship that I won; and then Sir Palomides went his way wailing, and so withdrew him till he came to a well, and there he put his horse from him, and did off his armour, and wailed and wept like as he had been a wood man.”
Palomides laments that he has lost all his honor, and in despair he removes his armor and weeps uncontrollably by a well.
Palomides' extreme reaction underscores the importance of reputation and the pain of perceived failure.
“Fie on thee traitor, said Palomides, for wit you well an it were daylight as it is night I should slay thee, mine own hands. And if ever I may get thee, said Palomides, thou shalt die for this day’s deed.”
Palomides angrily calls Tristram a traitor and threatens to kill him if he ever gets the chance, blaming him for the day's events.
This confrontation deepens the rift between Tristram and Palomides, setting the stage for future conflict.