Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How the second day Palomides forsook Sir Tristram, and went to the contrary part against him explained
On the second day of jousting, Sir Palomides feigns weariness to deceive Sir Tristram, then secretly joins the opposing side to win glory.
What happens
On the second day of jousting, Sir Palomides feigns weariness to deceive Sir Tristram, then secretly joins the opposing side to win glory. Sir Tristram, urged by Sir Gareth, unleashes his full strength and outshines Palomides, drawing the admiration of King Arthur and 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
- Betrayal and Treachery
Palomides deceives Tristram by feigning weariness and then joining the opposing side to steal glory.
- Honor and Reputation
Tristram's response to Palomides' envy demonstrates the importance of proving one's worth in combat.
Characters to notice
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Demonstrates superior knightly prowess, outshining Palomides on the second day.
- Sir Palomides
Feigns weariness and betrays Tristram by joining the opposing side out of envy.
- Sir Gareth of Orkney
Encourages Tristram to assert his strength and reminds him of Dinadan's words.
- King Arthur
Observes the jousts and praises Tristram's skill, acknowledging him as surpassing Palomides.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Identifies Tristram to Arthur and affirms his exceptional knighthood.
Key passages
“Yonder rideth a knight ye may see he doth knightly, for he hath strength and wind.”
Look at that knight riding; you can see he fights like a true knight, with strength and endurance.
Launcelot points out Tristram's superior knightly qualities to Arthur.
“I feel myself so weary, and so sore bruised of the deeds of yesterday, that I may not endure as I did yesterday.”
I am so tired and battered from yesterday's fighting that I cannot perform as well today.
Palomides lies to Tristram about his condition to mask his betrayal.
