Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how he slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay. explained
Sir Tristram takes his leave of Queen Morgan le Fay and departs with the shield she gave him.
What happens
Sir Tristram takes his leave of Queen Morgan le Fay and departs with the shield she gave him. Despite her warnings, Sir Hemison, Morgan's paramour, pursues Tristram and challenges him. In the ensuing joust, Tristram mortally wounds Hemison and then seeks lodging at the manor of an old knight.
Themes in this chapter
Violence and Vengeance
Sir Hemison's reckless pursuit and challenge leads to his mortal wounding by Sir Tristram.
Betrayal and Treachery
Morgan le Fay's paramour acts against her advice, and the shield given by Morgan may carry hidden intent.
Characters to notice
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Takes leave of Queen Morgan le Fay, accepts the shield, and later slays Sir Hemison in combat.
- Morgan le Fay
Queen Morgan le Fay warns Sir Hemison not to pursue Tristram, expressing fear for his safety.
- La Beale Isoud
Mentioned by Sir Hemison as the lady with whom Sir Tristram is thought to be.
Key passages
“Fair friend, said Morgan, ride not after that knight, for ye shall not win no worship of him.”
Morgan le Fay advises Sir Hemison not to pursue the knight, warning that he will gain no honor from it.
Morgan's warning foreshadows Hemison's defeat.
“Then they rushed together as it had been thunder, and Sir Hemison brised his spear upon Sir Tristram, but his harness was so good that he might not hurt him.”
The two knights charged each other with great force; Hemison's spear struck Tristram but failed to penetrate his armor.
Tristram's superior armor protects him from harm.
“And Sir Tristram smote him harder, and bare him through the body, and he fell over his horse’s croup.”
Tristram struck Hemison with greater force, piercing his body and causing him to fall backward off his horse.
Tristram delivers a fatal blow to his opponent.