Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 353 summary

What happens

1. Sir Tristram and Sir Palamides fight for over two hours, exchanging wounds until Tristram knocks away Palamides’ sword.
2. Tristram refuses to kill an unarmed knight, and Palamides asks forgiveness for his offenses connected with La Beale Isoud.
3. Palamides requests confession and baptism, and Tristram takes him to the suffragan with Sir Galleron.
4. After the confession and blessing of water, Palamides receives baptism with Tristram and Galleron as godfathers.
5. At Camelot, the court welcomes his baptism, and Galahad sits in the Siege Perilous during the feast.
6. The knights disperse, Tristram returns to Joyous Gard, Palamides pursues the Questing Beast, and the narrative introduces the Sangreal.

In this chapter

What to notice

Palamides turns the encounter from combat toward reconciliation. His appeal leads to forgiveness and his request for baptism.

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