Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding. explained
King Arthur and Queen Guenever, along with the Queen of Orkney, witness Sir Gareth and Dame Lionesse declare their mutual love.
What happens
King Arthur and Queen Guenever, along with the Queen of Orkney, witness Sir Gareth and Dame Lionesse declare their mutual love. Arthur asks Gareth whether he wants Lionesse as paramour or wife; both affirm their desire to marry. Arthur blesses the union, and the wedding is set for Michaelmas at Kink Kenadon. Gareth sends summons to knights he had won in battle. Rings are exchanged, and Arthur gives Lionesse a pair of gold beads. Gareth, who loves Sir Launcelot above all, increasingly distances himself from his brother Sir Gawaine due to Gawaine's vengeful and murderous nature.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Adultery
The chapter centers on the pure, mutual love between Sir Gareth and Dame Lionesse, culminating in their betrothal and marriage.
Honor and Reputation
Gareth's withdrawal from Gawaine's fellowship due to Gawaine's vengeful murderousness highlights the importance of personal honor and moral conduct.
Kingship and Governance
King Arthur acts as the benevolent sovereign, blessing the union and ensuring the wedding arrangements, reinforcing his role as a just ruler.
Characters to notice
- Sir Gareth of Orkney
Declares his love for Dame Lionesse and his wish to marry her; distances himself from Sir Gawaine due to Gawaine's vengeful nature.
- Dame Lionesse
Proclaims Sir Gareth as her first and last love, agreeing to marry him.
- King Arthur
Oversees the declaration of love, blesses the marriage, and gives a rich pair of gold beads to Dame Lionesse.
- Queen Guenever
Present at the gathering with King Arthur and the Queen of Orkney.
- Sir Gawaine
Mentioned as Sir Gareth's brother, from whom Gareth withdraws due to Gawaine's vengeful and murderous tendencies.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Sir Gareth's most beloved knight; they share great cheer and companionship.
- Linet
Rides with Dame Lionesse and Sir Gringamore to their castle.
Key passages
“My lord, wit you well that I love her above all ladies living.”
Sir Gareth tells King Arthur that he loves Dame Lionesse more than any other lady.
Gareth's declaration of love to Arthur.
“Most noble King, said Dame Lionesse, wit you well that my lord, Sir Gareth, is to me more liefer to have and wield as my husband, than any king or prince that is christened; and if I may not have him I promise you I will never have none.”
Dame Lionesse tells King Arthur that she would rather have Sir Gareth as her husband than any other Christian king or prince, and that she will never marry if she cannot have him.
Lionesse's vow of exclusive love for Gareth.
“for after Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine’s conditions, he withdrew himself from his brother, Sir Gawaine’s, fellowship, for he was vengeable, and where he hated he would be avenged with murder, and that hated Sir Gareth.”
After observing Sir Gawaine's vengeful and murderous character, Sir Gareth distanced himself from his brother's company, as Gareth abhorred such behavior.
Explanation of Gareth's estrangement from Gawaine.
