Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 228 summary

What happens

1. The crowd celebrates Sir Launcelot for honoring Sir Tristram and declares Launcelot the winner.
2. Arthur, Launcelot, and Sir Dodinas le Savage search Tristram’s pavilion, but Tristram and Sir Dinadan are gone.
3. Sir Gaheris reports that the wounded Tristram knocks down Palamides at Palamides’s own request, and Arthur praises Tristram’s achievements.
4. Launcelot explains his failure to recognize Tristram, regrets wounding him, and condemns Palamides’s pursuit.
5. Arthur holds a feast, while Palamides pursues Tristram and attempts to jump a river.
6. Palamides’s horse falls into the water, and Palamides swims ashore, abandoning it.

In this chapter

What to notice

Launcelot connects his attack to failed recognition. His explanation separates the wound he causes from any deliberate hostility toward Tristram.

Quick check