Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Sir Palomides brought Sir Epinogris his lady; and how Sir Palomides and Sir Safere were assailed. explained
Sir Palomides encounters Sir Epinogris, who laments the loss of his lady to Sir Helior le Preuse.
What happens
Sir Palomides encounters Sir Epinogris, who laments the loss of his lady to Sir Helior le Preuse. Palomides promises to help recover her. He witnesses a battle between Sir Helior and a knight bearing Sir Ector's shield, who defeats Helior and takes the lady. Palomides intervenes, claiming the lady for Epinogris, and fights the unknown knight. After a long battle, they reveal their identities: the knight is Safere, Palomides' brother. They reconcile, and Epinogris is reunited with his lady.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Knights fight to defend or reclaim ladies, and Palomides upholds his promise to Epinogris.
Violence and Vengeance
Combat is central to resolving disputes over the lady, with knights wounding each other severely.
Characters to notice
- Sir Palomides
Promises to help Sir Epinogris recover his lady; fights his brother Safere unknowingly.
- Sir Safere
Brother of Palomides; fights Palomides over the lady before recognizing him.
- Sir Ector de Maris
His shield is borne by Safere in the battle against Sir Helior.
Key passages
“Nay, nay, said Epinogris, your sorrow is but japes to my sorrow; for I rejoiced my lady and won her with my hands, and lost her again: alas that day!”
Epinogris dismisses Palomides' sorrow as trivial compared to his own, having won and then lost his lady.
Epinogris contrasts his loss with Palomides' unrequited love.
“I will do with her what me list, said Palomides. Wit you well, said that knight, thou speakest over large, though thou seemest me to have at advantage, because thou sawest me do battle but late.”
Palomides asserts his right to take the lady, and the knight warns him not to presume based on his recent fight.
The knight (Safere) challenges Palomides' confidence.