Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast explained
The chapter describes the grand wedding festivities of Sir Gareth and Dame Lionesse, along with the marriages of Sir Gaheris to Dame Linet and Sir Agravaine to Dame Laurel.
What happens
The chapter describes the grand wedding festivities of Sir Gareth and Dame Lionesse, along with the marriages of Sir Gaheris to Dame Linet and Sir Agravaine to Dame Laurel. Numerous knights pay homage to Sir Gareth, taking on ceremonial roles at the feast. Over three days, great jousts are held, with Sir Lamorak, Sir Tristram, and Sir Launcelot each performing remarkable feats of arms. King Arthur rewards several knights with lands and Round Table membership. Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram depart secretly after the jousts, displeasing the court.
Themes in this chapter
Chivalry and Knighthood
The chapter showcases knightly ideals through jousting, homage, and the creation of Round Table knights.
Honor and Reputation
Knights seek honor through feats of arms and ceremonial roles; the secret departure of Lamorak and Tristram causes displeasure, highlighting the importance of recognition.
Characters to notice
- Sir Gareth of Orkney
Wedded Dame Lionesse; receives homage and fealty from many knights; appointed ceremonial officers for his feast.
- King Arthur
Presides over the weddings and jousts; makes several knights of the Round Table and grants lands.
- Sir Gaheris
Wedded Dame Linet at King Arthur's arrangement.
- Sir Agravaine
Wedded Dame Laurel, a fair lady and niece of Dame Lionesse.
- Sir Lamorak de Galis
Jousted on the first day, overthrew thirty knights; departed secretly with Sir Tristram.
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Jousted on the second day, overthrew forty knights; departed secretly with Sir Lamorak.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Jousted on the third day, overthrew fifty knights, performing marvellous deeds.
- Dame Lionesse
Wedded Sir Gareth; requested that no wedded knight joust at the feast.
Key passages
“he overthrew fifty knights, and did many marvellous deeds of arms, that all men wondered on him.”
He defeated fifty knights and performed such amazing feats that everyone was astonished.
Describes Sir Launcelot's prowess on the third day of jousting.
“But when these jousts were done, Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram departed suddenly, and would not be known, for the which King Arthur and all the court were sore displeased.”
After the jousts ended, Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram left abruptly without revealing their identities, greatly upsetting King Arthur and the entire court.
Highlights the knights' mysterious departure and the court's displeasure.