# How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

> Chapter companion for Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory.

## What happens

Sir Tristram, along with Sir Lamorak, Sir Kehydius, and Sir Segwarides, is brought to a tournament hosted by Sir Nabon. Sir Lamorak performs brilliantly but is tricked by Nabon, who kills his horse. When Nabon offers to fight any of Lamorak's companions, Sir Tristram steps forward, defeats and slays Nabon, and also beheads Nabon's son. Tristram then offers the lordship of the isle to Lamorak, who refuses, and it is given to Segwarides. Segwarides later returns to Cornwall and spreads the tale, causing La Beale Isoud grief upon learning that Tristram is married to Isoud la Blanche Mains.

## Themes in this chapter

### Chivalry and Knighthood

The tournament and single combat between Tristram and Nabon exemplify knightly valor and the code of honor.

### Kingship and Governance

Tristram and Lamorak's refusal of lordship and the appointment of Segwarides as lord illustrate the distribution of power and governance.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Tristram de Liones

Fights and slays Sir Nabon, then beheads his son; refuses lordship of the isle and gives it to Segwarides.

### Sir Lamorak de Galis

Jousts brilliantly against five hundred knights but is tricked by Nabon who kills his horse; offered lordship but refuses.

### Sir Kehydius

Brought to the tournament along with Tristram and others.

### Sir Segwarides

Given lordship of the Isle of Servage by Tristram; later returns to Cornwall and spreads the news.

### King Mark of Cornwall

Told by Segwarides of Tristram's deeds.

### La Beale Isoud

Grieves upon hearing that Tristram is wedded to Isoud la Blanche Mains.

## Key lines

> I will well, said Sir Lamorak, play as I may, but I am weary and sore bruised.

Sir Lamorak agreed to fight but admitted he was tired and badly hurt.

_Shows Lamorak's exhaustion after jousting against many knights._

> Sir Nabon, I tell thee my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, a knight of Cornwall under King Mark.

Tristram reveals his identity to Nabon, stating he is a Cornish knight serving King Mark.

_Tristram declares his allegiance and name before the final combat._

> But full woe was La Beale Isoud when she heard tell that Sir Tristram was wedded to Isoud la Blanche Mains.

La Beale Isoud was deeply sorrowful upon learning that Tristram had married another woman named Isoud.

_Highlights the romantic tragedy and Isoud's emotional pain._

## Links

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