Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 477 summary
Chapter 477 of 503 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 477, Sir Gawaine learns that Sir Launcelot reportedly kills his unarmed brothers without recognizing them, vows revenge, and presses King Arthur to gather an army. Arthur besieges Joyous Gard, while Launcelot avoids open battle against the king and keeps his followers inside for fifteen weeks.
What happens
- Sir Gawaine faints with grief, then joins King Arthur in mourning Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris.
- Arthur says the brothers are already buried and reports that Launcelot kills them without knowing their identities.
- Gawaine vows to pursue Launcelot until one kills the other and demands that Arthur prepare for war.
- Arthur summons his knights throughout England and tells the assembled army that Launcelot takes his queen.
- Launcelot gathers supporters and supplies inside Joyous Gard rather than face Arthur’s larger army in open battle.
- Arthur and Gawaine besiege the town and castle, while Launcelot forbids anyone to go out for fifteen weeks.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Gawaine makes his personal revenge a demand for royal action. Arthur accepts that demand and gathers the army that besieges Joyous Gard.
Quick check
Why does Launcelot avoid meeting Arthur in the field?
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