Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Sir Palomides fought with Corsabrin for a lady, and how Palomides slew Corsabrin explained
Sir Palomides accepts a damosel's challenge to fight Sir Corsabrin for her love and lands.
What happens
Sir Palomides accepts a damosel's challenge to fight Sir Corsabrin for her love and lands. The battle is set before the haut prince Galahalt, with jousting beforehand featuring Sir Dinadan's merriment and Sir Launcelot's intervention. Palomides defeats and beheads Corsabrin, whose corpse emits a foul stench. Palomides reveals his intent to be christened after completing seven true battles, and he sups with Queen Guenever, the haut prince, and other knights.
Themes in this chapter
Religious Quest and Redemption
Palomides reveals his desire for baptism after completing seven true battles, showing his spiritual journey and intent for redemption.
Honor and Reputation
The jousts and battle highlight the knights' pursuit of honor through feats of arms, with Dinadan's merriment and Launcelot's prowess.
Violence and Vengeance
The mortal combat between Palomides and Corsabrin, ending in Corsabrin's beheading, exemplifies the violent resolution of conflicts.
Characters to notice
- Sir Palomides
Fights and slays Corsabrin for a damosel's pensel; declares his intent to be christened after seven true battles.
- Queen Guenever
Present at the jousts and battle; sups with Palomides afterward.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Strikes down Sir Dinadan at the haut prince's request and brings him before the queen; sups with Palomides.
- Sir Dinadan
Performs well in jousts, overthrowing four knights, but is struck down by Launcelot; known as a merry scoffer.
- Sir Lamorak de Galis
Fights alongside Launcelot in the jousts and sups with Palomides.
Key passages
“And he had such a custom that he loved every good knight, and every good knight loved him again.”
He made it a habit to befriend all worthy knights, and they returned his affection.
Describes Sir Dinadan's amiable and jovial nature among the fellowship.
“But I have made such an avow that I may not be christened till I have done seven true battles for Jesu’s sake, and then will I be christened; and I trust God will take mine intent, for I mean truly.”
I have vowed not to be baptized until I have fought seven righteous battles in Jesus' name, and I believe God will accept my sincere intention.
Palomides explains his delay in converting to Christianity, emphasizing his devotion and the importance of his vow.