Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 51 summary
Chapter 51 of 503 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 51, Sir Gawaine defeats a knight who kills his hounds, refuses his plea for mercy, and accidentally beheads the lady shielding him. Gaheris condemns his conduct, and Gawaine spares the knight but orders him to report his defeat to King Arthur.
What happens
- Gawaine and Gaheris follow their greyhounds into a castle, where the dogs kill the white hart.
- The hart’s owner kills two hounds, drives away the others, and fights Gawaine in revenge.
- Gawaine defeats the knight and refuses his request for mercy, preparing to behead him.
- The knight’s lady shields him, and Gawaine accidentally cuts off her head.
- Gaheris condemns Gawaine’s lack of mercy, while the grieving knight rejects Gawaine’s offer to spare him.
- The knight names himself Ablamor of the Marsh and leaves for Camelot, carrying two greyhounds and promising to report to Arthur.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Gaheris makes mercy a condition of knightly honor. His judgment directly challenges Gawaine’s treatment of a defeated opponent.
Quick check
Why does Gawaine’s sword strike the knight’s lady?
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