Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
Of the Fifth Day, and How Sir Lamorak Behaved Him explained
On the fifth day of jousting, Sir Palomides defeats several knights of King Arthur's blood, including Mordred, Gaheris, and Agravaine, enraging Arthur.
What happens
On the fifth day of jousting, Sir Palomides defeats several knights of King Arthur's blood, including Mordred, Gaheris, and Agravaine, enraging Arthur. Sir Lamorak then challenges and overthrows Palomides, earning Arthur's gratitude. Arthur reveals his grief over the murder of his sister (Lamorak's beloved) by Gawaine and his brethren, and Lamorak vows revenge but departs for further jousts. A subplot introduces a damosel, daughter of King Bandes, who is prevented from marrying by the Saracen knight Corsabrin.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Palomides' victories and Lamorak's counter-victory are driven by the need to uphold personal and familial honor in the jousts.
Violence and Vengeance
Lamorak vows to avenge the murder of his beloved (Arthur's sister) by Gawaine and his brethren, a central grievance in the chapter.
Betrayal and Treachery
Arthur laments the slaying of his sister by Gawaine's kin, an act of treachery that disrupts the unity of the Round Table.
Characters to notice
- Sir Palomides
Defeats several knights of Arthur's blood in jousts, then is overthrown by Sir Lamorak.
- Sir Lamorak de Galis
Overthrows Sir Palomides, earns Arthur's gratitude, and vows revenge for the murder of his beloved (Arthur's sister).
- King Arthur
Witnesses his knights being defeated, thanks Lamorak, and laments the murder of his sister by Gawaine's brethren.
- Sir Mordred
One of the three brethren of Gawaine smitten down by Palomides.
- Sir Gaheris
One of the three brethren of Gawaine smitten down by Palomides.
- Sir Agravaine
One of the three brethren of Gawaine smitten down by Palomides.
Key passages
“O Jesu, said Arthur, this is a great despite of a Saracen that he shall smite down my blood.”
Arthur exclaims in dismay that a Saracen knight has humiliated his own kinsmen.
Arthur's outrage at Palomides defeating his blood relatives.
“Sir, said Lamorak, wit thou well, I owe you my service, but as at this time I will not abide here, for I see of mine enemies many about me.”
Lamorak acknowledges his loyalty to Arthur but refuses to stay because he perceives many foes nearby.
Lamorak's cautious departure despite Arthur's offer of protection.
“O Lamorak, abide with me, and by my crown I shall never fail thee: and not so hardy in Gawaine's head, nor none of his brethren, to do thee any wrong.”
Arthur pleads with Lamorak to remain, swearing by his crown to protect him from Gawaine and his brothers.
Arthur's promise of safety to Lamorak against Gawaine's faction.