Le Morte d’Arthur · Theme
Chivalry and Knighthood
How Le Morte d’Arthur develops Chivalry and Knighthood.
The book explores the ideals and failures of knighthood, including codes of honor, prowess in battle, loyalty, and the moral obligations of knights, as seen in the deeds of Arthur, Launcelot, and others.
Where it surfaces
- How Griflet was made knight, and jousted with a knight
The chapter depicts the formal knighting of Griflet and the chivalric obligation to joust, highlighting the ideals and perils of knighthood.
- Book III
The introduction of the Round Table and the early adventures of knights like Gawaine and Tor highlight the code of chivalry.
- How four knights fought against Gawaine and Gaheris
Gawaine is rebuked for lacking mercy, a key knightly virtue, and is later bound by oath to be courteous and merciful to ladies.
- How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of his adventure by the way.
Sir Tor demonstrates knightly prowess by jousting and defeating two knights, then showing mercy by accepting their surrender and sending them to King Arthur.
- How King Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight that led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and how he fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the first stroke.
Pellinore's quest to recover the lady and his willingness to fight for her honor exemplify the knightly duty to protect the helpless.
- How King Pellinore Gat the Lady and Brought Her to Camelot
King Pellinore's promise to treat the lady with no villainy and his acceptance of lodging from a fellow knight exemplify knightly honor and courtesy.
- XVIII
The jousts and the subsequent reconciliation between Sir Marhaus and Sir Gawaine exemplify knightly honor and brotherhood.
- XIX
The knights choose damosels based on courtesy and need, demonstrating chivalric ideals of protection and service.
- How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.
Sir Uwaine embodies chivalric ideals by winning the tournament honorably and defending the Lady of the Rock against injustice.
- How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel Departed from the Court
Launcelot's unmatched prowess and his quest for adventure exemplify the ideals of knighthood.
- How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damosel
Launcelot's promise to aid King Bagdemagus reflects the knightly code of honor and service.
- How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris
Launcelot's prowess in the tournament and his vow to rescue distressed damosels exemplify the ideals of knightly valor and duty.
- How Sir Launcelot Rode with a Damosel and Slew a Knight That Distressed All Ladies and Also a Villain That Kept a Bridge
Launcelot rebukes and slays a knight who violates his oath by distressing ladies, upholding the ideal of knightly protection.
- XI
Sir Launcelot's rescue of Sir Kay and the ladies, and his insistence on honorable yielding, exemplify knightly virtues.
- How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a damosel to heal her brother.
Launcelot's willingness to aid a fellow knight of the Round Table and undertake a perilous adventure exemplifies knightly duty and compassion.
- How Sir Launcelot Overtook a Knight Which Chased His Wife to Have Slain Her
Launcelot's intervention to save a lady and his imposition of a knightly penance highlight the duties and moral expectations of a knight.
- Book VII
The chapter explores the ideals of knighthood, including humility, service, and the proving of one's valor through quests.
- How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a knight to fight for a lady.
Beaumains' patient endurance and the knights' offers of support illustrate chivalric virtues of humility, courtesy, and loyalty.
- How Beaumains Desired the Battle and Was Made Knight
The chapter centers on the ritual of knighthood and the chivalric pursuit of adventure.
- How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damosel
Sir Launcelot knights Gareth, and Gareth demonstrates chivalric virtues by rescuing a knight and refusing reward.
- IX
Beaumains' refusal to flee and his commitment to continue the quest exemplify chivalric perseverance and loyalty.
- XI
Beaumains exemplifies knightly patience and courtesy by enduring the damosel's insults without retaliation, and he seeks to prove his worth through combat.
- How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and made him to be yielden
Beaumains demonstrates chivalric virtue by refusing to take advantage of Sir Persant's daughter, upholding the knightly code of honor.
- XIII
The chapter centers on knighthood, the making of a knight, and the quest to rescue a lady from a perilous siege.
- XIV
Beaumains is knighted by Sir Launcelot and demonstrates chivalric prowess by overcoming multiple knights in battle, earning the lady's gratitude.
- XV
Beaumains demonstrates chivalric courage by blowing the horn at prime, refusing to wait for the Red Knight's might to wane, and preferring an honorable death over shameful defeat.
- XVI
Beaumains challenges the Red Knight for his unknightly customs and fights to rescue the lady.
- How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him to go unto King Arthur's court, and to cry Sir Launcelot mercy
Beaumains demonstrates chivalric mercy by sparing the Red Knight at the request of the lords, and the Red Knight's submission to the lady and the court exemplifies knightly conduct.
- The Tournament at Castle Perilous
The chapter centers on the organization of a grand tournament, a quintessential chivalric event where knights prove their prowess and honor.
- How King Arthur went to the tournament with his knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how the knights encountered.
The tournament showcases knightly prowess, honor, and the code of chivalry as knights from both sides engage in jousts.
- How the Knights Bare Them in the Battle
The tournament showcases knightly combat, with knights demonstrating skill, courage, and adherence to the ideals of chivalry.
- XXIX
The tournament showcases knightly combat, brotherhood, and the recognition of noble qualities.
- How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within his castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him
Sir Gareth embodies chivalric ideals by rescuing widowed ladies and compelling defeated knights to pledge fealty to King Arthur.
- Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast
The chapter showcases knightly ideals through jousting, homage, and the creation of Round Table knights.
- How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and hunt
Tristram's education in France and his mastery of arms, music, and hunting embody the chivalric ideal of a well-rounded knight.
- How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady, and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go
The combat is conducted with formal challenges and courtesies, culminating in Bleoberis' offer to let the lady choose, exemplifying knightly conduct.
- How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England
Sir Tristram accepts the dangerous mission out of duty to his uncle, and later demonstrates knightly prowess by jousting and defeating two of Arthur's knights, upholding the ideals of chivalry.
- How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how Gouvernail told him of King Anguish
Tristram's rescue of the child and his offer to champion King Anguish exemplify knightly duty and service.
- How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot
The battle between Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram exemplifies knightly combat, honor, and the code of yielding to a worthy opponent.
- How Sir Launcelot Rescued Sir Gawaine from Sir Carados, and Sir Tristram Departs for Cornwall
Sir Launcelot embodies chivalric duty by rescuing a fellow knight from captivity.
- How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle
The tournament and single combat between Tristram and Nabon exemplify knightly valor and the code of honor.
- How Sir Lamorak Departed from Sir Tristram, and How He Met with Sir Frol, and After with Sir Launcelot
Lamorak intervenes to rescue Sir Frol from four knights, upholding the knightly duty to defend the outnumbered.
- How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous fighting with Sir Belliance his brother
Lamorak's mercy, kneeling, and oath of peace with Belliance exemplify the chivalric ideals of gentleness and forgiveness.
- How a damosel came into the court and desired a knight to take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised
La Cote Male Taile, a newly made knight, takes up the quest of the black shield, embodying the chivalric ideal of accepting dangerous adventures.
- How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male Taile was prisoner
Launcelot's concern for the young knight La Cote Male Taile and his decision to follow him exemplify the chivalric duty to protect and guide fellow knights.
- How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners
Sir Launcelot demonstrates knightly valor by rescuing a fellow knight and freeing prisoners, embodying the ideals of chivalry.
- VII
Sir La Cote Male Taile's relentless combat despite wounds exemplifies knightly prowess and endurance, while Launcelot's mentorship and the damosel's change of heart reflect chivalric ideals.
- How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four brethren
Sir Plenorius shows mercy to the wounded La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Launcelot demonstrates knightly prowess and generosity in freeing prisoners and offering knighthood.
- How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram
The jousting and foot combat between Tristram and the mysterious knight exemplify knightly prowess and the code of chivalry.
- XI
The knights display chivalric courtesy by yielding and swearing peace.
- How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.
The chapter highlights knightly prowess and the pursuit of quests, as Palomides follows the Questing Beast and Tristram and Lamorak seek to uphold their honor through jousting.
- How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging where they must joust with two knights.
Tristram insists on upholding knightly honor by accepting the castle's challenge, while Dinadan's reluctance highlights the burdens of chivalric duty.
- How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from Morgan le Fay
Tristram's jousts with Kay and Sagramore demonstrate knightly combat and the pursuit of worship, while Launcelot's praise underscores the ideal of the most worshipful knight.
- How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur's party because he saw Sir Palomides on that party
The tournament showcases knightly prowess, courtesy, and the code of chivalry, as seen in Launcelot's restraint and Tristram's intervention to prevent an unfair fight.
- How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides, and how he jousted with King Arthur, and other feats
The chapter showcases knightly combat, jousting, and the pursuit of honor through feats of arms.
- How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides
The jousts and tournament display knightly combat, honor, and the code of chivalry.
- How Sir Tristram met at the peron with Sir Launcelot, and how they fought together unknown
The battle between Tristram and Launcelot exemplifies knightly prowess and honor, ending in mutual respect and friendship.
- How Sir Palomides by adventure met King Mark flying, and how he overthrew Dagonet and other knights
Sir Palomides demonstrates knightly strength and honor by defending King Mark and defeating multiple knights.
- How Sir Dinadan told Sir Palomides of the battle between Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristam
Dinadan offers companionship and service to Palomides, exemplifying knightly courtesy.
- The Tale of Sir Lamorak's Prowess and the Questing Beast Knight
The chapter highlights knightly conduct, including jousting, hospitality at castles, and the bonds of fellowship among knights.
- How Sir Elias and Sir Tristram fought together for the truage, and how Sir Tristram slew Elias in the field
Tristram, though wounded, takes up the battle for the sake of Cornwall and his king, embodying knightly duty and courage.
- Of the third day, and how Sir Palomides jousted with Sir Lamorak, and other things
Knights demonstrate prowess in jousting and combat, with King Bagdemagus and Sir Palomides earning honors.
- Of the fourth day, and of many great feats of arms
The tournament showcases knightly valor, with Sir Lamorak's extraordinary feats and the code of honor among knights.
- LXV
Tristram and Palomides demonstrate chivalric conduct by sparing Breuse and by Palomides offering to take on the challenge from Galihodin.
- LXVIII
The tournament showcases knightly prowess, honor, and the pursuit of worship through feats of arms, as Tristram and Palomides seek to win glory against the best knights of Arthur's court.
- How Sir Launcelot said to Sir Palomides, and how the prize of that day was given unto Sir Palomides
The knights display chivalric ideals such as mercy (Launcelot sparing Palomides), prowess, and mutual respect in combat.
- How Sir Dinadan Provoked Sir Tristram to Do Well
The knights discuss the ideals of knighthood, including courtesy, strength, and bounty, exemplified by Launcelot and Tristram.
- How King Arthur and Sir Lancelot came to see La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides smote down King Arthur
The chapter contrasts proper knightly conduct—coming gently to behold a fair lady—with Palomides' unknightly aggression, and highlights Launcelot's loyalty and Tristram's sense of honor.
- LXXXV
Both Tristram and Launcelot act to rescue a fellow knight in mortal danger, embodying knightly honor and compassion.
- How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp a dolorous lady from her pain, and how that he fought with a dragon.
Sir Launcelot embodies the ideal knight by rescuing the lady and slaying the dragon, fulfilling the prophecy of the leopard of king's blood.
- How Sir Bors came to Dame Elaine and saw Galahad, and how he was fed with the Sangreal
Sir Bors demonstrates chivalric virtues by jousting, sparing his opponent, and accepting the castle's dangerous adventure despite warnings.
- How Sir Percivale Departed Secretly from His Brother, and How He Loosed a Knight Bound with a Chain, and of Other Doings
Percivale's rescue of the bound knight Persides and his condemnation of the lady's unchivalrous custom exemplify knightly duty and the defense of the helpless.
- Book XII
Launcelot's actions and adventures exemplify the ideals of knighthood, including bravery, honor, and service.
- Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir Pervivale and Sir Ector came thither, and Sir Percivale fought with him
Launcelot's mercy in not slaying any of the five hundred knights and the honorable conduct of the joust between Percivale and Launcelot exemplify knightly virtue.
- How at the Vigil of Pentecost a Damosel Came for Sir Launcelot to Dub a Knight
Launcelot's willingness to answer the damosel's call and dub Galahad a knight exemplifies the chivalric duty to serve and honor the order of knighthood.
- How Galahad Gat Him a Shield
The test of the shield exemplifies the chivalric ideal that only the worthiest knight may bear it, highlighting the hierarchy of knighthood.
- Of the marvel that Sir Galahad saw and heard in the tomb, and how he made Melias knight
Galahad knights Melias and instructs him to be a mirror unto all chivalry, emphasizing knightly ideals.
- Book XIV
Launcelot's actions and encounters throughout the chapter exemplify the virtues of chivalry, including courage, honor, and service to ladies.
- How Sir Launcelot jousted with many knights, and how he was taken
Launcelot's impulse to aid the weaker party in a tournament reflects the chivalric ideal of using strength to support the underdog.
- IX
Bors exemplifies knightly duty by restoring a lady's lands and later choosing to defend a maiden's virtue over rescuing his own brother.
- How Sir Bors Left to Rescue His Brother, and Rescued the Damosel; and How It Was Told Him That Lionel Was Dead
Bors demonstrates knightly duty by rescuing a maiden and later shows deep fraternal loyalty.
- How Sir Galahad Fought at a Tournament
Galahad's intervention in the tournament to aid the besieged knights exemplifies the chivalric duty to protect the weak and uphold honor in battle.
- The Tourney at Winchester
The tournament showcases knightly prowess, honor, and the code of chivalry as knights from various kingdoms compete.
- How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine Departed Out of the Field, and in What Jeopardy Launcelot Was
Sir Launcelot's refusal of honors due to his wounds and his focus on duty over glory exemplifies the chivalric ideal of humility and service.
- XIII
The tournament at Winchester and the knights' pursuit of worship and honor exemplify chivalric ideals, as seen in Launcelot's prowess and Gawaine's quest to find the unknown knight.
- How Sir Launcelot Armed Him to Assay If He Might Bear Arms, and How His Wounds Brast Out Again
Launcelot's determination to prove his strength and participate in the tournament exemplifies the knightly ideal of courage and martial prowess.
- Of great jousts done all a Christmas, and of a great jousts and tourney ordained by King Arthur, and of Sir Launcelot
Knights joust for honor and prizes; Launcelot accepts Guenever's favor to prove his worth.
- How King Arthur marvelled much of the jousting in the field, and how he rode and found Sir Launcelot
The chapter emphasizes knightly virtues such as courage, loyalty, and the duty to aid a fellow knight in danger.
