Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 194 summary

What happens

1. Breunor le Noire arrives at Arthur’s court seeking knighthood, and Sir Kay names him La Cote Male Taile because his coat hangs crookedly.
2. Breunor explains that his father’s enemy murders him while he sleeps, and he wears the damaged coat until he gains revenge.
3. Sir Lamorak and Sir Gaheris support his request, comparing his promise to Sir Launcelot du Lake’s beginnings at court.
4. While Arthur hunts the next day, a lion escapes its tower and charges toward Queen Guenever, causing most of her knights to flee.
5. Breunor kills the lion with his sword, and the queen reports his courage to Arthur.
6. Arthur knights Breunor, who asks everyone to use the name La Cote Male Taile.

In this chapter

What to notice

Breunor challenges the fleeing knights’ courage before confronting the lion himself. His action gives Arthur a clear reason to grant him knighthood.

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