Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 491 summary
Chapter 491 of 503 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 491, King Arthur defeats Sir Mordred at Dover, but Sir Gawaine receives a fatal blow in his old wound and asks Sir Launcelot to rescue the king. Gawaine accepts blame for their quarrel and dies after writing his appeal, while Arthur wins another battle and drives Mordred toward Canterbury.
What happens
- King Arthur forces his way ashore at Dover and drives Sir Mordred and his army into retreat.
- Arthur finds Sir Gawaine dying, and Gawaine blames his own stubborn refusal to reconcile with Sir Launcelot.
- Gawaine writes to Launcelot, clears him of blame for his death, and begs him to rescue Arthur.
- Gawaine receives the sacrament, dies at noon, and is buried in a chapel within Dover Castle.
- The next morning, Arthur defeats Mordred at Barham Down, and Mordred’s army flees to Canterbury.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Gawaine recognizes his refusal to reconcile with Launcelot as a destructive choice. His letter reverses that refusal by asking Launcelot to help Arthur.
Quick check
What does Gawaine ask Launcelot to do for Arthur?
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