Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 237 summary
Chapter 237 of 503 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 237, Sir Tristram carries Morgan le Fay’s shield through the tournament, drawing King Arthur’s attention and frightening Queen Guenever with its accusation of dishonor. Arthur confronts the unknown knight about its source, while the closing passage states that Tristram strikes down Arthur and Uwaine without understanding the shield’s meaning.
What happens
- The King of Scots and the King of Ireland resist Arthur’s knights as Sir Tristram strikes down many opponents.
- Morgan’s damsel tells Arthur that the shield warns of dishonor involving him and his queen, then secretly disappears.
- Guenever tells Sir Ector de Maris that Morgan means to harm her and Sir Launcelot.
- Arthur cannot identify Tristram because he hears that Tristram is in Petit Britain with Isoud la Blanche Mains.
- As the two kings retreat, Arthur and Sir Uwaine confront Tristram, who names Morgan as the shield’s giver.
- The closing passage states that Tristram strikes down Arthur and Uwaine and does not know why the shield was made.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Le Morte Darthur, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this chapter
What to notice
Guenever identifies the shield as a deliberate attack on herself and Launcelot. Her fear contrasts with Arthur’s uncertainty and Tristram’s ignorance.
Quick check
Who gives Tristram the shield he carries at the tournament?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Le Morte Darthur, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
