Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
Of the sixth day, and what then was done explained
The sixth day of the tournament begins with Sir Gaheris defeating Sir Ossaise, followed by fierce combat involving Sir Dornard, Sir Aglovale, and Sir Lamorak.
What happens
The sixth day of the tournament begins with Sir Gaheris defeating Sir Ossaise, followed by fierce combat involving Sir Dornard, Sir Aglovale, and Sir Lamorak. Sir Lamorak, angered by his brothers' falls, performs extraordinary feats of arms, unhorsing four knights and rallying his brethren. The day ends with a humorous interlude at dinner where Sir Dinadan teases the haut prince and Sir Launcelot, bringing joy to the queen and the court.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Sir Lamorak's anger at his brothers' falls and his emphasis on fighting on horseback highlight the importance of knightly honor and the shame of being unhorsed.
Violence and Vengeance
The fierce combat, with knights smiting each other down and Lamorak's wrathful display, exemplifies the violent nature of knightly conflict.
Characters to notice
- Sir Gaheris
Defeats Sir Ossaise of Surluse and later engages the King with the Hundred Knights.
- Sir Lamorak de Galis
Displays exceptional prowess, unhorsing four knights and rebuking his brothers for falling off their horses.
- Sir Aglovale
Fights alongside his brother Sir Dornard, both being thrown to the earth.
- Sir Dinadan
Rails at dinner, teases the haut prince with a fish, and exchanges banter with Sir Launcelot.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Engages in humorous exchange with Sir Dinadan, promising to avoid his great spear.
- Queen Guenever
Present at the tournament, laughs heartily at the dinner banter.
- Sir Ector de Maris
On foot waiting on the Duke Chaleins during the combat.
- Sir Bleoberis de Ganis
On foot waiting on the Duke Chaleins alongside Sir Ector.
Key passages
“I set not by a knight when he is on foot, for all battles on foot are but pillers’ battles.”
I have no regard for a knight who fights on foot, because foot combat is only for thieves and pillagers.
Sir Lamorak expresses the chivalric disdain for fighting on foot, equating it with base thievery.
“Sir Galahalt, well may I liken you to a wolf, for he will never eat fish, but flesh;”
Sir Galahalt, I can rightly compare you to a wolf, because a wolf never eats fish, only meat.
Sir Dinadan humorously mocks the haut prince's dislike of fish by comparing him to a wolf.