Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 403 summary
Chapter 403 of 503 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 403, Sir Bors finds Sir Lionel at a hermitage, but Lionel accuses him of betrayal and demands a fight because Bors chose to help a gentlewoman. Bors refuses to fight his brother, who severely wounds him and attempts to behead him, until a hermit intervenes.
What happens
- After lodging with an old lady, Sir Bors hears about a tournament and hopes to find his brother or fellow questers.
- At a hermitage, Bors joyfully greets Sir Lionel, who accuses him of abandoning him to rescue a gentlewoman.
- Lionel threatens death, mounts his horse, and demands that Bors defend himself.
- Bors kneels and begs for mercy, refusing to fight the elder brother he believes deserves respect.
- Lionel rides over Bors, wounds him severely, and dismounts to remove his helmet and behead him.
- The old hermit runs forward and throws himself over Bors.
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What to notice
Bors appeals to their bond as brothers rather than defending himself. Lionel's refusal to listen makes the conflict between family love and revenge explicit.
Quick check
Why does Lionel accuse Bors of betrayal?
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