Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
LXI explained
Sir Palomides arrives at a castle near the Humber and learns of the tragic death of King Hermance, who was betrayed by two treacherous knights he had raised from childhood.
What happens
Sir Palomides arrives at a castle near the Humber and learns of the tragic death of King Hermance, who was betrayed by two treacherous knights he had raised from childhood. The tale serves as a warning to all estates about the dangers of trusting villains over noble blood.
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
- Betrayal and Treachery
King Hermance is betrayed and murdered by two knights he raised and trusted, highlighting the peril of misplaced trust.
- Kingship and Governance
The story serves as a warning to kings and lords about the importance of surrounding themselves with loyal, noble-born advisors.
Characters to notice
- Sir Palomides
Arrives at a castle and hears the story of King Hermance's betrayal and death.
- King Hermance
The slain king of the Red City, betrayed by two knights he raised from childhood.
Key passages
“Give a churl rule and thereby he will not be sufficed; for whatsomever he be that is ruled by a villain born, and the lord of the soil to be a gentleman born, the same villain shall destroy all the gentlemen about him: therefore all estates and lords, beware whom ye take about you.”
If a low-born person is given power, they will never be satisfied; a villain will destroy all the noblemen around him, so all lords should be careful whom they trust.
A moral warning about the dangers of empowering base-born individuals.
