Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
LVII explained
Sir Dinadan meets Sir Tristram and, believing him a coward, challenges him.
What happens
Sir Dinadan meets Sir Tristram and, believing him a coward, challenges him. Tristram avoids fighting, but later reveals his true strength by unhorsing Sir Palomides. Palomides, who had sworn hatred of Tristram, repents and offers his service. Dinadan confesses he sought Tristram on the advice of Sir Launcelot.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Sir Launcel…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Honor and Reputation
Tristram's feigned cowardice tests the perceptions of other knights, while Palomides' repentance underscores the importance of knightly honor.
- Betrayal and Treachery
Palomides' declared hatred of Tristram and his subsequent change of heart highlight the tension between enmity and loyalty among knights.
Characters to notice
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Disguises his strength, feigns cowardice, then reveals himself to Palomides and accepts his fealty.
- Sir Dinadan
Mistakes Tristram for a coward, jousts with him, and later admits he sought him on Launcelot's advice.
- Sir Gareth of Orkney
Briefly appears, is unhorsed by Palomides, and is identified as the youngest brother of Gawaine.
- Sir Palomides
Unhorses Gareth and Dinadan, but is himself unhorsed by Tristram; then repents his hatred and pledges service.
Key passages
“Ah, said Sir Dinadan, art thou that coward knight that I met with yesterday? keep thee, for thou shalt joust with me maugre thy head.”
Dinadan accuses Tristram of cowardice and insists on jousting against his will.
Dinadan's mistaken judgment drives the comedic tension of the chapter.
“Sir Palomides, said Sir Tristram, ye say well, and well I wot ye are a good knight, for I have seen ye proved; and many great enterprises have ye taken upon you, and well achieved them; therefore, said Sir Tristram, an ye have any evil will to me, now may ye right it, for I am ready at your hand.”
Tristram acknowledges Palomides' prowess and offers him the chance to settle their enmity in combat.
Tristram's magnanimity contrasts with Palomides' former hatred, leading to reconciliation.
