# The Kings’s Musketeers and the Cardinal’s Guards explained — The Three Musketeers

> Chapter companion for The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

D'Artagnan arrives for his duel with Athos, but the encounter is interrupted by the arrival of Cardinal Richelieu's guards led by Jussac. Despite being outnumbered, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis prepare to fight, and D'Artagnan chooses to join them, declaring his spirit is that of a musketeer. In the ensuing battle, D'Artagnan defeats Jussac, and the four friends overcome the guards, with Bicarat surrendering honorably. They return triumphantly to M. de Tréville's hotel, and D'Artagnan feels he has begun his apprenticeship as a musketeer.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage and Heroism

D'Artagnan chooses to fight despite being outnumbered and inexperienced, and the musketeers display bravery against the Cardinal's guards.

### Loyalty and Friendship

D'Artagnan joins the three musketeers, forming a bond of loyalty that leads to their collective victory.

### Honor and Chivalry

Athos shows courtesy in the duel, and Bicarat's honorable surrender is respected by the musketeers.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Arrives for the duel, chooses to fight alongside the musketeers, defeats Jussac, and feels he has entered his apprenticeship.

### Athos

Waits for the duel, wounded but fights valiantly, changes to left hand, and accepts D'Artagnan's help.

### Porthos

Fights Bicarat, receives a thrust through the arm, and jests during the combat.

### Aramis

Fights two adversaries, kills one, and forces the other to surrender.

### M. de Jussac

Leads the Cardinal's guards, is defeated by D'Artagnan, and later commands Bicarat to yield.

### Bicarat

Fights Porthos, wounded in the thigh, surrenders honorably after breaking his sword.

### M. de Cahusac

Fights Athos, is disarmed by D'Artagnan, and later killed by Athos.

## Key lines

> Endure nothing from anyone but the king, the cardinal, and M. de Tréville.

D'Artagnan recalls his father's advice to only submit to the king, the cardinal, and M. de Tréville.

_This principle guides D'Artagnan's decision to fight alongside the musketeers._

> I have not the uniform, but I have the spirit. My heart is that of a musketeer; I feel it, Monsieur, and that impels me on.

D'Artagnan declares that although he lacks the official uniform, his heart and spirit are those of a musketeer.

_This statement cements his allegiance to the musketeers and his choice to fight._

> If I am not yet a musketeer, at least I have entered upon my apprenticeship, haven’t I?

D'Artagnan reflects that while he is not yet a full musketeer, he has begun his training.

_This marks the start of D'Artagnan's journey to becoming a musketeer._

## Links

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