Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged, and he jousted with a knight and slew him explained
Sir Gareth, traveling as a knight of King Arthur, seeks lodging at a castle.
What happens
Sir Gareth, traveling as a knight of King Arthur, seeks lodging at a castle. The duchess admits him despite her husband's enmity toward Arthur, on condition that Gareth yield to the duke if encountered. Gareth agrees, rests, and departs. Later, he jousts with and kills Sir Bendelaine, then is attacked by Bendelaine's men but defends himself.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Gareth's identity as a knight of King Arthur and his insistence on honorable conduct, even when facing hostility, highlight the theme of honor.
Violence and Vengeance
The joust resulting in Sir Bendelaine's death and the subsequent assault by his men underscore the cycle of violence and vengeance.
Characters to notice
- Sir Gareth of Orkney
The protagonist of the chapter; seeks lodging, jousts and slays Sir Bendelaine, and defends himself against the slain knight's men.
- King Arthur
Referenced as the king whose knights are not loved by the Duke de la Rowse; Gareth identifies himself as one of Arthur's knights.
Key passages
“Fair sir, say not so, for I am a knight of King Arthur’s, and pray the lord or the lady of this castle to give me harbour for the love of King Arthur.”
Gareth politely asks for lodging, invoking King Arthur's name to gain entry.
Demonstrates Gareth's reliance on Arthur's reputation and the code of hospitality.
“Madam, I shall promise you in what place I meet your lord I shall yield me unto him and to his good grace; with that I understand he will do me no harm: and if I understand that he will, I will release myself an I can with my spear and my sword.”
Gareth agrees to surrender to the duke if they meet, but reserves the right to fight if threatened.
Shows Gareth's pragmatic approach to the conditions of lodging while maintaining his knightly autonomy.