Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
XLIX explained
In the seventh battle, Sir Launcelot disguises himself as a maiden and jousts with Sir Dinadan, unhorsing him.
What happens
In the seventh battle, Sir Launcelot disguises himself as a maiden and jousts with Sir Dinadan, unhorsing him. Dinadan is stripped and dressed in a woman's garment as a jest. Launcelot wins the prize, followed by Sir Lamorak, Sir Palomides, and King Bagdemagus. Afterwards, Queen Guenever and Launcelot return to King Arthur, but Sir Lamorak refuses to accompany them, fearing Sir Gawaine and his brethren, and departs in sorrow.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Sir Lamorak's refusal to trust Sir Gawaine and his brethren highlights the importance of honor and the lasting impact of feuds on knightly reputation.
Betrayal and Treachery
Launcelot's disguise and trickery against Dinadan, though playful, echo themes of deception and mistrust among knights.
Love and Adultery
Queen Guenever's close association with Sir Launcelot, including their private departure together, subtly reinforces the romantic and potentially adulterous bond between them.
Characters to notice
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Disguises himself as a maiden and jousts with Sir Dinadan, unhorsing him; wins the prize.
- Queen Guenever
Laughs heartily at Sir Dinadan's humiliation; departs with Sir Launcelot to King Arthur.
- Sir Dinadan
Jousts well but is tricked by Launcelot's disguise, unhorsed, and dressed in a woman's garment.
- Sir Lamorak de Galis
Wins third prize; refuses to go with Launcelot and Guenever due to distrust of Sir Gawaine and his brethren.
- Sir Palomides
Wins third place in the tournament.
- King Arthur
Mentioned as the lord to whom Guenever and Launcelot return; Lamorak sends him regards.
Key passages
“Then Sir Launcelot disguised himself, and put upon his armour a maiden’s garment freshly attired.”
Sir Launcelot put on a woman's dress over his armor to disguise himself.
Launcelot's playful disguise sets up the humorous joust with Dinadan.
“Well, said Dinadan to Launcelot, thou art so false that I can never beware of thee.”
Dinadan accused Launcelot of being so deceitful that he could never guard against him.
Dinadan's complaint underscores the trickery and Launcelot's cunning nature.
“As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I will not trust Sir Gawaine nor none of his brethren; and wit ye well, Sir Launcelot, an it were not for my lord King Arthur’s sake, I should match Sir Gawaine and his brethren well enough.”
Lamorak declared he would never trust Gawaine or his brothers, and that if not for King Arthur, he would fight them himself.
Lamorak's refusal to trust Gawaine highlights the deep feud between their families.