Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
LXXXV explained
Sir Tristram, despite his anger with Sir Palomides, sets out to rescue him from being led to death by twelve knights.
What happens
Sir Tristram, despite his anger with Sir Palomides, sets out to rescue him from being led to death by twelve knights. However, Sir Launcelot, resting by a well, sees the bound Palomides and intervenes first, defeating all twelve knights and freeing Palomides. When Tristram arrives, Palomides prevents a joust between them by revealing Launcelot's deed.
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
- Chivalry and Knighthood
Both Tristram and Launcelot act to rescue a fellow knight in mortal danger, embodying knightly honor and compassion.
Characters to notice
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Sets out to rescue Sir Palomides despite their quarrel.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Rescues Sir Palomides from twelve knights while wearing a golden shield.
- Sir Palomides
Bound and led to death, rescued by Sir Launcelot, then acknowledges Tristram's intent to help.
Key passages
“Howbeit that I am wroth with Sir Palomides, yet will not I suffer him to die so shameful a death, for he is a full noble knight.”
Even though I am angry with Sir Palomides, I will not let him die such a shameful death because he is a very noble knight.
Tristram sets aside personal anger to uphold chivalric duty.
“O Jesu, said Launcelot, what misadventure is befallen him that he is thus led toward his death?”
Launcelot exclaims, 'Good Lord, what misfortune has happened to him that he is being led to his death like this?'
Launcelot's immediate concern upon seeing Palomides bound.
“Fair knights, said Sir Launcelot, whither lead ye that knight? it beseemeth him full ill to ride bounden.”
Launcelot asks the knights where they are taking Palomides, noting that it is shameful for him to ride bound.
Launcelot challenges the treatment of Palomides.
