# Sir Palomides — Le Morte d’Arthur character guide > Sir Palomides in Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Palomides, Sir Palomides the paynim **First appearance:** 0004-i ## Snapshot A Saracen knight of great prowess who loves Isoud hopelessly and chases the Questing Beast across the realm. ## Who they are Palomides is a paynim knight whose skill earns him a place among Arthur's best, yet he remains outside the fellowship by faith and by fortune. He loves La Beale Isoud, who belongs to Tristram, and pursues the Questing Beast that no knight may catch. Tristram rebukes him for smiting down a stranger at a tournament, and Palomides answers that a thing done may not be undone. His divided loyalties and unrequited love make him the great melancholy figure of the Tristan books. ## Relationships ### [King Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_arthur) _friendship_ Arthur respects Palomides as a skilled knight of the Round Table, despite his Saracen origins. ### [King Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_arthur) _friendship_ Arthur respects Palomides as a skilled knight of the Round Table, despite his Saracen origins. ### [King Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_arthur) _friendship_ Arthur respects Palomides as a skilled knight of the Round Table, despite his Saracen origins. ## In the story ### [Book V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/book-v) A Saracen knight who challenges Tristram and later becomes a rival for Isoud's affection. ### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/book-vi) Encountered in a joust where Launcelot overthrows him. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xiii) Listed among other noble knights, though not among the top three. ### [The Tournament at Castle Perilous](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxvi) Among the knights siding with the castle against King Arthur. ### [How King Arthur went to the tournament with his knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how the knights encountered.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxvii) Jousts with Sir Gawaine; both are unhorsed. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxix) Engages in a strong battle with Sir Bleoberis. ### [Book VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/book-viii) Saracen knight who pursues Isoud and becomes a rival to Tristram; appears in jousts and adventures. ### [How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/ix) A Saracen knight who loves La Beale Isoud, gives her gifts, and dominates the first day of the tournament, defeating many knights. ### [How Sir Tristram Won the Degree at a Tournament in Ireland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/x) Defeated by Tristram, forced to forsake La Beale Isoud and bear no armor for a year. ### [Of the Wedding of King Mark to La Beale Isoud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxix) Rescues Dame Bragwaine from death and brings her back to the queen; demands his promised boon before King Mark. ### [The Abduction of Queen Isoud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxx) Demands Queen Isoud as his boon and abducts her, then besieges her at Sir Adtherp's castle. ### [How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle ceased.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxxi) Abducts La Beale Isoud, fights Tristram, and is spared; ordered to leave the country. ### [Book IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/book-ix) Saracen knight who jousts with Tristram and later becomes a rival. ### [How La Cote Male Taile Overthrew Sir Dagonet and Proved His Worth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/iii) Encountered La Cote Male Taile and unhorsed him. ### [How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights, and how he escaped by the mean of a lady](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned alongside Sir Bleoberis as a wily knight who recognized La Cote Male Taile's prowess. ### [How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xii) Follows the Questing Beast and smites down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear, then departs after the beast. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xviii) Sends a damosel to seek news of Tristram. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xix) Sends a damosel to seek Tristram, meets King Mark and rebukes him, then turns toward Logris. ### [How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging where they must joust with two knights.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxiv) Arrives with Gaheris to challenge the custom, jousts with Dinadan and fights Tristram. ### [How Damosel Bragwaine Found Tristram Sleeping by a Well](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxvii) Seen riding a great black horse with a black shield; identified by Sir Persides as one of the best knights in the world, yet unchristened. ### [How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir Palomides, and how Launcelot overthrew two knights.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxviii) Overthrows Sir Persides and then Sir Tristram; declines a joust with Tristram, preferring to save his strength for the tournament. ### [How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxix) Sends a squire to challenge Launcelot to a joust, is overthrown by Launcelot. ### [How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur's party because he saw Sir Palomides on that party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxxi) Joins King Arthur's side, prompting Tristram to take the opposing side. ### [How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought him with him to his lodging](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxxii) Found bound to a tree in a frenzy, lamenting his defeats by Tristram; rescued and hosted by Tristram, but leaves at dawn. ### [How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides, and how he jousted with King Arthur, and other feats](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxxiii) Recognized by his indented shield, he is twice unhorsed by Sir Tristram and later pulled from his saddle and dropped. ### [How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxxiv) Attempts to attack the wounded Tristram but is smitten down by him. ### [How the prize of the third day was given to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxxv) Suffers a fall from Sir Tristram and becomes nearly mad with despite; later nearly drowns his horse in a river. ### [How Palomides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was, and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for Sir Tristram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxxvi) Arrives at the castle in a distraught state; boasts against Sir Tristram but is shamed by Sir Dinadan. ### [How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan were taken and put in prison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxxvii) Imprisoned alongside Tristram; initially reproaches him but later comforts him when he falls sick. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xl) Imprisoned with Tristram and Dinadan; initially brawls with Tristram but later mourns his sickness. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/ii) Wounded by Sir Breuse Saunce Pité and his men, rescued by Tristram, and agrees to fight Tristram in a fortnight. ### [How Sir Tristram Sought a Strong Knight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as having been smitten down by the strong knight alongside Tristram. ### [How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous and Sir Dodinas le Savage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as the knight Sir Tristram is scheduled to fight within three days. ### [How Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and of the great joy that the king and other made for the coming of Sir Tristram.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as Tristram's intended opponent for battle. ### [How Sir Palomides by adventure met King Mark flying, and how he overthrew Dagonet and other knights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xiii) Overthrows several knights of Arthur's court and is revealed to be the son of the lady of the manor. ### [How King Mark and Sir Dinadan heard Sir Palomides making great sorrow and mourning for La Beale Isoud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xiv) Makes a piteous complaint of love for La Beale Isoud, denouncing King Mark as a coward and traitor. ### [How Sir Dinadan told Sir Palomides of the battle between Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xvi) Reveals his sorrow, his broken day of battle with Tristram, and his love for La Beale Isoud. ### [How Sir Lamorak jousted with divers knights of the castle wherein was Morgan le Fay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xvii) Arrives at Morgan le Fay's castle with Dinadan, condemns the queen's custom, and witnesses Lamorak's jousting. ### [How Sir Palomides would have jousted for Sir Lamorak with the knights of the castle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xviii) Wounded by the Knight with the Red Shield and later insists on pursuing him for revenge. ### [How Sir Lamorak jousted with Sir Palomides, and hurt him grievously](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xix) Challenges Sir Lamorak to a fight out of vengeance, but later repents and asks for mercy. ### [The Tale of Sir Lamorak's Prowess and the Questing Beast Knight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xx) Is defeated by Sir Lamorak in a joust, later revealed as the knight who rescued King Mark from Sir Dagonet. ### [How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred met with a knight fleeing, and how they both were overthrown, and of Sir Dinadan.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxv) Found at Beale-Valet, still recovering from a wound given by Sir Lamorak; becomes angry upon hearing of Tristram's happiness with La Beale Isoud. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xli) Disguises himself with the Questing Beast device, champions a damosel in combat, and beheads Sir Goneries. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xlii) Jousts with Sir Galahalt, is thrown from his horse when Galahalt accidentally kills it, but receives Galahalt's horse as a gift and is released from the maiden's challenge. ### [How Sir Archade appealed Sir Palomides of treason, and how Sir Palomides slew him.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xliii) Accused of treason by Sir Archade; defeats and kills Archade in a judicial duel. ### [Of the third day, and how Sir Palomides jousted with Sir Lamorak, and other things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xliv) Jousts with Sir Blamore de Ganis and later with Sir Lamorak, fighting valiantly. ### [Of the fourth day, and of many great feats of arms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xlv) Fights Sir Bleoberis de Ganis; both are unhorsed and continue on foot in an evenly matched battle. ### [Of the Fifth Day, and How Sir Lamorak Behaved Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xlvi) Defeats several knights of Arthur's blood in jousts, then is overthrown by Sir Lamorak. ### [How Sir Palomides fought with Corsabrin for a lady, and how Palomides slew Corsabrin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xlvii) Fights and slays Corsabrin for a damosel's pensel; declares his intent to be christened after seven true battles. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xlix) Wins third place in the tournament. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/liii) Meets Tristram and Breuse at the well; claims to follow the Questing Beast and loves La Beale Isoud; jousts with Sir Bleoberis and is unhorsed. ### [Of Sir Palomides, and how he met with Sir Bleoberis and with Sir Ector, and of Sir Pervivale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/liv) Challenges Sir Bleoberis, recounts past defeats by Launcelot, Tristram, and Lamorak, and laments Lamorak's death. ### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lvii) Unhorses Gareth and Dinadan, but is himself unhorsed by Tristram; then repents his hatred and pledges service. ### [How they approached the Castle Lonazep, and of other devices of the death of Sir Lamorak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lviii) Describes witnessing Sir Lamorak's prowess and recounts the details of his murder. ### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lix) Accompanies Tristram; volunteers to undertake the quest to avenge King Hermance's death, promising to return for the tournament. ### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxi) Arrives at a castle and hears the story of King Hermance's betrayal and death. ### [LXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxii) Takes up the quest to avenge King Hermance's death, fights and defeats a rival knight for the right to the battle. ### [Of the preparation of Sir Palomides and the two brethren that should fight with him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxiii) Arrives to avenge King Hermance's death; recounts the slaying of Sir Lamorak; prepares to fight the two brethren Helius and Helake. ### [Of the battle between Sir Palomides and the two brethren, and how the two brethren were slain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxiv) Fights and kills the two brethren Helake and Helius, then travels to Joyous Gard to meet Sir Tristram. ### [LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxv) Volunteers to fight Galihodin's knights, unhorses Breuse Saunce Pité, and is deeply enamored of La Beale Isoud. ### [LXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxvi) Jousts and defeats multiple knights, including Sir Galihodin and Sir Gawaine, demonstrating his prowess. ### [LXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxvii) Helps Sir Gareth after his joust and advises him to rest for the next day. ### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxviii) Fights alongside Tristram, jousts fiercely, unhorses Sir Edward and Sir Sadok, compared to a wood leopard by King Arthur. ### [How Sir Tristram was unhorsed and smitten down by Sir Launcelot, and after that Sir Tristram smote down King Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxix) Fights as a Green Knight on a white horse, is unhorsed by Sir Bleoberis, and later fights on foot to prevent King Arthur from being remounted. ### [How Sir Tristram changed his harness and it was all red, and how he demeaned him, and how Sir Palomides slew Launcelot’s horse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxx) Performs marvelously due to love for Isoud, slays Launcelot's horse, and is praised as the best knight that day. ### [How Sir Launcelot said to Sir Palomides, and how the prize of that day was given unto Sir Palomides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxi) Wins the prize of the tournament for his relentless and outstanding performance, never resting or changing his armor. ### [How Sir Dinadan Provoked Sir Tristram to Do Well](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxii) Acknowledges his own discourtesy to Launcelot and vows to be Launcelot's knight. ### [How King Arthur and Sir Lancelot came to see La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides smote down King Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxiii) Smites down King Arthur in anger, is unhorsed by Sir Launcelot, and is rebuked by Sir Tristram for his unknightly deed. ### [How the second day Palomides forsook Sir Tristram, and went to the contrary part against him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxiv) Feigns weariness and betrays Tristram by joining the opposing side out of envy. ### [How Sir Palomides changed his shield and his armour for to hurt Sir Tristram, and how Sir Launcelot did to Sir Tristram.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxvi) Disguises himself to harm Tristram, fights him, and is thrown down before Launcelot intervenes. ### [How Sir Tristram departed with La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides followed and excused him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxvii) Disguised as a knight with a silver shield; follows the company and excuses his actions, claiming he did not recognize Tristram. ### [How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came unto their pavilions as they sat at supper, and of Sir Palomides.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxviii) Rebuked by Arthur for attacking Tristram unknowingly; later suffers envy and weeps all night. ### [How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides did the next day, and how King Arthur was unhorsed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxix) Begins the tournament strongly, unhorsing Sir Kainus and another knight, but is later overshadowed by Tristram and pulled down by Sir Ector. ### [How Sir Tristram turned to King Arthur’s side, and how Palomides would not.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxx) Refuses to change sides, departs in sorrow, and later confronts Tristram with accusations of treachery. ### [How Epinogris complained by a well, and how Sir Palomides came and found him, and of their both sorrowing.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxxii) Finds Epinogris by a well and shares his sorrow over losing the fellowship of Sir Tristram and the love of La Beale Isoud. ### [How Sir Palomides brought Sir Epinogris his lady; and how Sir Palomides and Sir Safere were assailed.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxxiii) Promises to help Sir Epinogris recover his lady; fights his brother Safere unknowingly. ### [How Sir Palomides and Sir Safere conducted Sir Epinogris to his castle, and of other adventures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxxiv) Captured and sentenced to death for slaying a knight at the tournament of Lonazep; asks to be commended to Sir Tristram, Queen Isoud, King Arthur, and the Round Table. ### [LXXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxxv) Bound and led to death, rescued by Sir Launcelot, then acknowledges Tristram's intent to help. ### [How Sir Tristram and Launcelot, with Palomides, came to joyous Gard; and of Palomides and Sir Tristram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxxvi) Stays at Joyous Gard, fades from unrequited love for La Beale Isoud, composes a lament, and defends his love to Tristram. ### [How There Was a Day Set Between Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides for to Fight, and How Sir Tristram Was Hurt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxxvii) Sets a day for battle with Tristram, citing his love-sickness for La Beale Isoud. ### [How Sir Palomides kept his day to have foughten, but Sir Tristram might not come; and other things.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxxxviii) Keeps his day at the well with witnesses, but withdraws upon learning Tristram is hurt; departs and avoids Tristram. ### [How Sir Tristram departed unarmed and met with Sir Palomides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xii) Strikes down a knight and then encounters Tristram, but refuses to fight him unarmed out of shame and honor. ### [How Sir Tristram Got Him Harness and Overthrew Sir Palomides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xiii) Has a long-standing avow delaying his baptism; agrees to let Tristram take up the challenge. ### [How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides Fought and Accorded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xiv) Fights Tristram, confesses his love for La Beale Isoud, is forgiven, and is baptized. ### [The Tourney at Winchester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/x) Fights on Arthur's party, encounters Sir Galahad and they unhorse each other. ### [How Sir Bors returned and told tidings of Sir Launcelot; and of the tourney, and to whom the prize was given](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xviii) Smites down twenty knights at the tournament but departs suddenly. ### [How Sir Launcelot behaved him at the jousts, and other men also](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxiii) Encountered by Sir Gareth and later by Sir Launcelot, receiving a fall from each. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/v) Joins Launcelot's faction along with his brother Sir Safere. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xiii) Fights on Launcelot's side, overthrows many knights, and urges Launcelot to fight without restraint. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xvii) Among the knights who pledge to follow Launcelot into exile. ### [How Sir Launcelot Passed Over the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xviii) Made Duke of the Provence by Launcelot. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_palomides - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters