Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 216 summary

What happens

1. At a seaside bridge, Sir Ector de Maris defeats Sir Dinadan, and Sir Tristram defeats Sir Bleoberis after Sir Bors de Ganis refuses him.
2. A damsel warns four knights, then Tristram and Dinadan, about thirty knights waiting to attack Launcelot through Morgan le Fay’s treachery.
3. Dinadan refuses to fight such numbers, but Tristram threatens to kill him unless he stays.
4. The thirty knights and the four rescuers pass each other without fighting, each group waiting for Launcelot.
5. Tristram attacks the thirty knights, Dinadan joins him, and only ten enemies escape.
6. The four observers praise Tristram and offer lodging, but he declines and withholds his name.

In this chapter

What to notice

Tristram openly challenges the ambushers on Launcelot’s behalf. His action interrupts their plan without waiting for their intended victim.

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