Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 242 summary

What happens

1. Sir Tristram reaches the tomb of Sir Lanceor and Columbe, where Merlin predicts a meeting between exceptional knights and lovers.
2. Looking for Sir Palamides, Tristram encounters a white-clad knight who greets him as someone keeping a promise.
3. Their mounted charge brings both riders down, and they fight with swords for four hours while their servants grieve.
4. Sir Launcelot gives his name first, and Tristram responds with his own name and declares his love for him.
5. Both kneel and offer their swords, each granting victory to the other before they rest and exchange kisses.
6. They ride to Camelot and meet Sir Gawaine and Sir Gaheris, who have promised Arthur to bring Tristram to court.

In this chapter

What to notice

The exchange of names ends the struggle for superiority. Both knights show respect by offering the victory rather than claiming it.

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