Idylls of the King · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Idylls of the King by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
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Chapter 1
Dedication
Tennyson dedicates the Idylls of the King to the memory of Prince Albert, portraying him as an ideal knight and a blameless, noble ruler whose loss darkens the world. The poem mourns his death, celebrates his virtues, and offers consolation to Queen Victoria.
Chapter 2
Idylls of the King
A poetic cycle recounting the rise and fall of King Arthur's court, exploring themes of chivalry, love, betrayal, and the inevitable decay of an ideal society.
Chapter 3
The Coming of Arthur
Arthur, newly crowned, aids King Leodogran of Cameliard against beasts and heathen hordes, then defeats rebellious barons and petty kings. He seeks Guinevere's hand, and after Leodogran's dream confirms Arthur's kingship, the marriage is solemnized. Arthur refuses tribute to Rome, unites the realm, and establishes the Order of the Round Table.
Chapter 4
Gareth and Lynette
Gareth, disguised as a kitchen knave, is granted a boon by King Arthur to serve in the kitchens for a year. He then undertakes a quest for the Lady Lynette, who scorns him for his lowly appearance. With the help of Sir Lancelot, who lends him his shield and horse, Gareth defeats three knights and prepares to face the fourth, the 'Morning Star,' at the Castle Perilous. The chapter also includes Arthur's judgment of a woman who cursed her husband, his rejection of King Mark's tribute, and Gareth's rescue of a baron from drowning.
Chapter 5
The Marriage of Geraint
Geraint, a knight of Arthur's court, marries Enid, the daughter of the impoverished Earl Yniol. After a rumor spreads about Queen Guinevere's guilty love for Lancelot, Geraint becomes suspicious that Enid might be tainted by her close friendship with the Queen. He takes Enid to his own land, where he becomes so absorbed in his love for her that he neglects his knightly duties, leading to public scorn. Enid grows sad, fearing she is the cause of his decline, but hesitates to speak. The chapter also recounts Geraint's first encounter with Enid at her father's ruined hall, his vow to avenge an insult to the Queen by defeating the 'sparrow-hawk' knight, and his later test of Enid's obedience by asking her to ride to court in her faded silk rather than a new gown.
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