Le Morte d’Arthur · Character

Gouvernail

Tristram's loyal tutor and squire.

minor

First appearance: i

Gouvernail shows up with force in Book V. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Appointed to govern and teach young Tristram in France.

In the storyHow Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and huntOpen this moment free

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In How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and hunt: Appointed to govern and teach young Tristram in France. Later, in How Sir Tristram…

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Character Web

18 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Vengeance and service
Supporting and legendary figures
Central tragic figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Gouvernail appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book V
Tristram's loyal tutor and companion.
How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and hunt
Appointed to govern and teach young Tristram in France.
How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish the battle with Sir Marhaus
Servant to Tristram; helps him prepare and is sent back to the vessel with a message for King Mark.
VIII
Tristram's man, accompanies him in the vessel to Ireland.
How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was.
Attends to Tristram during his bath.
How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of the Round Table
Advises Tristram against fighting the two knights but defers to his master's will.
How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how Gouvernail told him of King Anguish
Tristram's man who informs him of King Anguish's predicament.
How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark, and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.
Tristram's servant, also entrusted with the love drink.
How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle ceased.
Tristram's man, sent to awaken Palamides.
How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of Queen Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt
Helps rescue Tristram from the rocks and accompanies him to Brittany.
How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany, and slew his adversary in the field
Advises King Howel to seek Tristram's help in the war.
How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram
Squire to Sir Tristram, accompanies him on the voyage and is left with the vessel.
XVIII
Sent by Tristram for his horse and spear as he departs Tintagil.
How Damosel Bragwaine Found Tristram Sleeping by a Well
Arrives to join Sir Tristram and is glad of the lady's presence.
The Knight with the Black Shield
Tristram commands him to prepare a black shield for the tournament.
How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought him with him to his lodging
Tristram's man, rides with Tristram and Dinadan into the forest; later instructs Bragwaine and Persides to avoid quarrels.
How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous and Sir Dodinas le Savage
Sir Tristram's servant, fetches new harness for him.
How Sir Tristram met at the peron with Sir Launcelot, and how they fought together unknown
Watches the battle and expresses concern for Sir Tristram.

Chapter companion notes

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