Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that Morgan le Fay delivered to him explained
At a tournament, Sir Tristram appears bearing a shield given to him by Morgan le Fay, which is intended to warn King Arthur of shame and dishonor concerning him and Queen Guenever.
What happens
At a tournament, Sir Tristram appears bearing a shield given to him by Morgan le Fay, which is intended to warn King Arthur of shame and dishonor concerning him and Queen Guenever. Tristram performs marvelously, unhorsing many knights. King Arthur is troubled by the shield, and Queen Guenever fears it is aimed at her and Sir Launcelot. A damosel of Morgan le Fay speaks openly of the shield's purpose before vanishing. Arthur and Sir Uwaine confront Tristram, who reveals the shield's origin.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Treachery
Morgan le Fay's shield is designed to expose perceived shame and dishonor, threatening the queen and sowing discord.
Honor and Reputation
The shield's message directly challenges King Arthur's honor and Queen Guenever's reputation.
Characters to notice
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Bears the shield from Morgan le Fay and performs great deeds of arms at the tournament.
- King Arthur
Marvels at the shield and is troubled by its implied warning; confronts Tristram.
- Queen Guenever
Fears the shield is made in despite of her and Sir Launcelot; confides in Sir Ector de Maris.
- Morgan le Fay
Delivered the shield to Tristram; its purpose is to warn Arthur of shame and dishonor.
- Sir Ector de Maris
Receives the queen's complaint about the shield.
- Sir Uwaine
Accompanies King Arthur to confront Sir Tristram about the shield.
Key passages
“Sir King, wit ye well this shield was ordained for you, to warn you of your shame and dishonour, and that longeth to you and your queen.”
The damosel declares that the shield was made to alert King Arthur to his own shame and dishonor, which concerns both him and the queen.
The damosel of Morgan le Fay openly states the shield's purpose before disappearing.
“I wot well this shield was made by Morgan le Fay in despite of me and of Sir Launcelot, wherefore I dread me sore lest I should be destroyed.”
Queen Guenever believes Morgan le Fay created the shield to spite her and Sir Launcelot, and she fears she may be ruined.
Guenever confides her fear to Sir Ector de Maris.