Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
XXIX explained
During a great tournament, Sir Lamorak, Sir Palamides, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Gawaine, Sir Tristram, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Gareth perform feats of arms.
What happens
During a great tournament, Sir Lamorak, Sir Palamides, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Gawaine, Sir Tristram, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Gareth perform feats of arms. Sir Gareth, known as Beaumains, fights valiantly in many colors and is recognized by his hair by King Arthur.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Knights strive to prove their worth and gain renown through deeds of arms; Sir Gareth's identity is revealed through his prowess.
Chivalry and Knighthood
The tournament showcases knightly combat, brotherhood, and the recognition of noble qualities.
Characters to notice
- Sir Lamorak de Galis
Performs marvellous deeds of arms in the tournament.
- Sir Ironside
Fights strongly against Sir Lamorak and later identifies Sir Gareth.
- Sir Palomides
Engages in a strong battle with Sir Bleoberis.
- Sir Bleoberis de Ganis
Fights strongly against Sir Palomides.
- Sir Gawaine
Is pulled from his horse by Sir Tristram and later put to the worse by Sir Gareth.
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Unhorses Sir Gawaine, inquires about Sir Gareth's identity, and later rides to help him.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Fights nobly against Sir Turquine and Sir Carados together, and is recognized by Sir Gareth.
- Sir Gareth of Orkney
Fights valiantly in many colors, spares Sir Launcelot, defeats Sir Gawaine and others, and is identified by King Arthur.
Key passages
“And there did Sir Lamorak marvellous deeds of arms; and betwixt Sir Lamorak and Sir Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the Red Launds, there was strong battle; and betwixt Sir Palamides and Bleoberis there was a strong battle; and Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram met, and there Sir Gawaine had the worse, for he pulled Sir Gawaine from his horse, and there he was long upon foot, and defouled.”
Sir Lamorak performed amazing feats, fighting fiercely against Sir Ironside, while Sir Palomides and Sir Bleoberis also clashed. Sir Tristram unhorsed Sir Gawaine, leaving him on foot and humiliated.
Highlights the key combats of the tournament.
“He was called in the court of King Arthur, Beaumains, but his right name is Sir Gareth of Orkney, brother to Sir Gawaine.”
Though known as Beaumains at court, his true name is Sir Gareth of Orkney, Sir Gawaine's brother.
Reveals Sir Gareth's identity to Sir Tristram.