Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 43 summary

What happens

1. Balan notices Balin’s two swords but dismisses his suspicion that they are brothers because Balin carries an unfamiliar shield.
2. Their charge brings down both horses and riders, and they continue fighting with swords until each suffers seven great wounds.
3. Balan names himself, and the brothers recognize each other only after their wounds make death certain.
4. Balin blames his changed shield, while Balan explains that the castle’s customs prevent him from leaving.
5. The lady promises a shared burial, and a priest gives the brothers last rites.
6. Balan dies first, Balin dies at midnight, and the lady arranges their burial and an inscription for Balan.

What to notice

Balin recognizes that both brothers cause each other’s death. Recognition ends their combat but cannot undo their wounds.

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