# Tristram — Bulfinch’s Mythology character guide

> Tristram in Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** XII Tristram, the unhappy Tristram, Sir Tristram, XIV Sir Tristram

**First appearance:** 0002-bulfinch-s-mythology

## Snapshot

Cornish knight whose skill in arms and harping won him fame, and whose heart was divided between two women named Isoude.

## Who they are

Tristram moves through the Arthurian world as a knight of unmatched versatility, equally feared in tournaments and prized at court for his music. His marriage to Isoude of the White Hands is an attempt to escape a love he knows is hopeless, but the old passion and the magic that bound it refuse to release him. His wounding and the long wait for sails from Cornwall make him the emblem of loyalty stretched past endurance.

## Relationships

### [King Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/king_arthur)

_professional_

King Arthur is Tristram's liege lord and king, with Tristram serving as a Knight of the Round Table.

### [Isoude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/isoude)

_romantic_

Isoude and Tristram are tragic lovers bound by a love potion, their passion causing turmoil and sorrow.

### [Isoude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/isoude)

_romantic_

Isoude and Tristram are tragic lovers bound by a love potion, their passion causing turmoil and sorrow.

### [King Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/king_arthur)

_professional_

King Arthur is Tristram's liege lord and king, with Tristram serving as a Knight of the Round Table.

### [King Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/king_arthur)

_professional_

King Arthur is Tristram's liege lord and king, with Tristram serving as a Knight of the Round Table.

## In the story

### [Author's Preface](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/author-s-preface)

Referenced in the tale of Tristram and Isoude involving a magic draught.

### [Metrical Romances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/metrical-romances)

Referenced in the specimen from Robert de Beauvais as the subject of a story.

### [XII: Tristram and Isoude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xii-tristram-and-isoude)

The knight who falls in love with Isoude while recovering in Ireland, later retrieves her for King Mark but shares a love potion with her.

### [XIII: Tristram and Isoude (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xiii-tristram-and-isoude-continued)

Banished from Cornwall, he slays the giant Taullas, rescues King Arthur, and competes in a tournament, all while pining for Isoude.

### [XIV: Sir Tristram’s Battle with Sir Launcelot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xiv-sir-tristram-s-battle-with-sir-launcelot)

Rescues Sir Palamedes, challenges him to a duel, fights Sir Launcelot by mistake, and is welcomed to Camelot as a Knight of the Round Table.

### [Sir Tristram as a Sportsman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/sir-tristram-as-a-sportsman)

Presented as the great authority and model in hunting and falconry, describing his training and expertise in the chase.

### [XV: The Round Table](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xv-the-round-table)

Takes the seat of Moraunt of Ireland, rescues Isoude, and is honored at Camelot.

### [XVI: Sir Palamedes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xvi-sir-palamedes)

Rides unarmed, fights Sir Palamedes, spares him, and serves as godfather at his baptism.

### [Sir Tristram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xvii-sir-tristram)

Protagonist; marries Isoude of the White Hands, is mortally wounded, and dies after being deceived about the sails.

### [H](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/h)

His dog Houdain is mentioned.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/i)

Referenced as beloved of Isoude the Fair and married to Isoude of the White Hands.

### [T](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/t)

Mentioned as one of Arthur's knights, husband of Isoude of the White Hands, lover of Isoude the Fair.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/tristram
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters