Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak. explained
Sir Suppinabiles returns to Brittany and informs Sir Tristram that Sir Launcelot has spoken shame of him, declaring him a false knight and a mortal enemy.
What happens
Sir Suppinabiles returns to Brittany and informs Sir Tristram that Sir Launcelot has spoken shame of him, declaring him a false knight and a mortal enemy. Tristram is grieved. Meanwhile, La Beale Isoud writes to Queen Guenever complaining of Tristram's unfaithfulness, and Guenever reassures her. The narrative then shifts to Sir Lamorak, who survives a shipwreck and is rescued by fishers on the Isle of Servage, ruled by the giant Sir Nabon le Noire, who hates King Arthur's knights.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Treachery
Sir Tristram is defamed as a false knight by Sir Launcelot, and his marriage to the king's daughter of Brittany is seen as a betrayal of La Beale Isoud.
Love and Adultery
The romantic tension between Tristram, Isoud, and his new wife is highlighted through letters exchanged between Isoud and Queen Guenever.
Violence and Vengeance
Sir Lamorak seeks to avenge his cousin Sir Nanowne le Petite, who was shamefully killed by the giant Sir Nabon.
Characters to notice
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Grieved and ashamed upon hearing that Sir Launcelot has defamed him as a false knight.
- La Beale Isoud
Writes a letter to Queen Guenever complaining of Tristram's unfaithfulness.
- Queen Guenever
Sends a letter to La Beale Isoud, comforting her and predicting that Tristram will return to love her.
- Sir Lamorak de Galis
Survives a shipwreck and is rescued by fishers on the Isle of Servage, where he learns of the giant Sir Nabon's hatred for Arthur's knights.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Reported to have spoken shame of Tristram and declared himself Tristram's mortal enemy.
Key passages
“So God me help, said Sir Suppinabiles, there I heard Sir Launcelot speak of you great shame, and that ye be a false knight to your lady and he bade me do you to wit that he will be your mortal enemy in every place where he may meet you.”
Sir Suppinabiles reports that Sir Launcelot publicly denounced Tristram as a false knight and declared himself Tristram's sworn enemy wherever they might meet.
This sets up a major conflict between two of the greatest knights of the Round Table.
“And in this meanwhile La Beale Isoud made a letter unto Queen Guenever, complaining her of the untruth of Sir Tristram, and how he had wedded the king's daughter of Brittany.”
Meanwhile, La Beale Isoud wrote to Queen Guenever, lamenting Tristram's unfaithfulness after he married the daughter of the King of Brittany.
Isoud seeks counsel and comfort from Guenever regarding Tristram's betrayal.
“And the lord of that isle, hight Sir Nabon le Noire, a great mighty giant. And this Sir Nabon hated all the knights of King Arthur's, and in no wise he would do them favour.”
The ruler of the island, a giant named Sir Nabon le Noire, harbored a deep hatred for all of King Arthur's knights and refused to show them any kindness.
Introduces a new antagonist and a perilous situation for Sir Lamorak.