GvSTr-1: In his prologue the author discusses the relations between the author and his readers and critics. One should well receive what a good man does with good intentions and for our good. Praise and esteem make art blossom whereas faultfinding makes it fall into neglect. The author has undertaken the labor to please the noble hearts and he offers the fruits of his labor to this world as a pastime and to ease sorrowful hearts. The author does not want to be part of a world only dedicated to pleasures but prefers to be part of the community of “noble hearts” who combine joy and sorrow. There is no true love without sorrow. The noble lover loves love-tales for hearing them he will love more ardently. This love-tale will be good reading, for it will ennoble the mind, fortify constancy and enrich the readers’ lives. Whoever hears or reads of virtues will increase in them. Worth and reputation can only be attained by the teaching of love. The author will tell the story of Tristan and Isolde which has often been told but he will give the authentic version according to Thomas of Britanje and some French and Latin books. The story tells of two lovers who endured sorrow and joy, the pains of love and its ecstasy, and although they are long dead their names live on and their death will endure forever to the profit of well-bred people.

Motif References:

GvSTr-243: The land of Parmenie is ruled by a fair and young lord, who is loyal, brave, generous and noble. He has all qualities a lord should have but one: He over-indulges himself in pleasures dear to his heart and does entirely as he pleases. For his arrogance and lack of indulgence he has to suffer later on. Following the strict standards of Charlemagne he uses to return evil with evil and matching force with force. His downfall is due not to malice but to his youth. His name is Riwalin, his byname Kanelengres. Besides the land of Parmenie he holds a separate land as fief from a Breton duke called Morgan.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings
W 118 (Bm) Pride
Q 331 Pride punished
L 419 Proud ruler (deity) humbled - miscellaneous

GvSTr-333: Three years after he has become a knight Riwalin attacks his liege lord and razes many of his castles. He forces towns to yield and ransom their lives and goods. Morgan defends his lands and wages war against Riwalin harming him as much as he can but he has to retreat to his strongest castles. Riwalin besieges him, holds many tournaments before the walls, ravages the land and thus enforces a year’s truce which is confirmed by hostages and by oath. Thereupon Riwalin returns with his men, rewards them generously and sends them home.

Motif References:

M 150 Other vows and oaths
P 533.1 Hostages
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
P 558 (Bm) Truce

GvSTr-407: Soon after these achievements Riwalin decides to travel for pleasure, and he equips himself with magnificence for a one year journey. He has often heard people praise the young king Marke of Cornwall, whose fame is growing. Marke rules Cornwall, which has come to him by heritage, and holds England since the Britons were driven out of Wales (Gales) by the Saxons. The land which formerly was called Britanje now has its name from the people from Wales and is called England. When the Saxons had taken the land and shared it amongst them all wished to be kings and took to war against each other. Finally they placed themselves and their lands under Marke’s protection and served him well ever since. Riwalin wants to stay at Marke’s court for one year to improve in courtliness and chivalry. He entrusts his land and people to Rual li Foitenant, who is his loyal marshal, and then crosses the sea with twelve companions. They go to see Marke in his castle at Tintagel (Tintajole) where they are well received. When the king hears why the knight came to his court he invites him to stay. Riwalin is pleased with the court and he is liked and esteemed by everybody.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings
P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
P 110.0.1 (Bm) Faithful steward [knight] as regent
Z 702 (Hi) Eponymous account of place name

GvSTr-518: Marke proclaims a great festival and has messengers sent into the lands to invite the knights from England to come to Cornwall according to the yearly custom. The feast is to be held on a beautiful meadow near Tintagel and will last throughout the month of May. The guests are lodged in great joy and Marke entertains them lavishly. There are all sorts of courtly entertainments and sports.

Motif References:

P 634 Feasts

GvSTr-625: There are many beautiful ladies attending the feast but Blanscheflur, the king’s sister, outshines all of them. The bohourt starts and the ladies are watching. Riwalin excels in jousting and the ladies praise him. Blanscheflur has already fallen in love with him. When the bohourt is over Riwalin heads to where Blanscheflur is sitting and greets her. Riwalin considers the lady’s words and her behavior and arrives to believe that she loves him. He falls in love with her. Neither of them knows how it fares with the other. Riwalin’s feelings drift between hope and despair and finally he becomes love-sick. Blanscheflur starts suffering from love-sickness too but has no idea what is troubling her. She perceives that Riwalin is her heart’s joy and sees him whenever she can. Riwalin returns her looks and greets her with looks whenever possible. He is sure of her love now.

Motif References:

T 10 Falling in love
T 24.1 Love-sickness
T 34 Lovers meet at social gathering
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman

GvSTr-1117: When Marke’s festival is over news come to him that an enemy-king has invaded Cornwall. Marke summons an army and defeats the enemy. Riwalin in this war is severely wounded and bore home to Tintagel. This gives rise to laments at court and in the country. Blanscheflur is in despair and beats herself from grief. Only her hope to see him once again keeps her from dying from sorrow. She discloses her grief to her nurse who secretly arranges a meeting. She dresses the girl as a beggar-woman, masks her face with veils and goes with her to Riwalin. The nurse declares that she has brought a physician-woman and so gets her admitted to him. When Blanscheflur sees the dying man she sits at his side her cheek on Riwalin’s. Then she swoons and lies senseless for a long time. When she has recovered she takes him in her arms and kisses him. Her kisses bring him vigor so that he strains her to him and Blanscheflur begets a child. Riwalin is all but dead both of the woman and of love and due to God’s helping. Riwalin recovers.

Motif References:

Z 255 Hero born [conceived] out of wedlock
T 500 Conception and birth.
F 950 Marvelous cures
K 1340 Entering into girl’s [man’s] room by trick
K 1817.1 Disguise as beggar

GvSTr-1371: But their happiness does not last for long for messengers come to Riwalin. Morgan has summoned a great army against his country and Riwalin gets ready for the journey without delay. When Blanscheflur hears the news she is in despair, she laments and swoons. Riwalin comes to take leave of her and again she swoons. He takes her in his arms until she comes to herself and she tells him that she carries a child, whose birth she fears not to survive. If her brother would let her live he would nevertheless disinherit her and she would have to rear her child without the support of a father. Besides this would bring shame to her brother and his kingdoms. Riwalin offers her a choice: should he stay with her or go? He offers her to sail with him. They agree that she would steal away in secret and go aboard. Riwalin then takes his leave from the king and the court and he and Blanscheflur put to sea.

Motif References:

R 225 Elopement

GvSTr-1583: When Riwalin has returned home he summons his marshal, the loyal Rual li Foitenant. Riwalin tells him about his love and Rual is glad about it. He advises him to appoint a great festivity when this affair is settled and to take Blanscheflur publicly to wife in the presence of kinsmen and vassals. First of all he should avow his marriage in church. Riwalin follows Rual’s advice. He takes Blanscheflur in marriage and delivers her into the hands of his marshal who takes her to Kanoel. This is the castle after which Riwalin is called Kanelengres. Rual conveys the lady to his wife.

Motif References:

W 34 Loyalty
P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
T 100 Marriage

GvSTr-1654: When Rual returns to his lord they prepare for war. Messengers are sent over their lands and they gather their knights. Then they ride out with their army against Morgan and his men. In this defense of his country Riwalin is slain, his men manage to get him away and bury him. When Blanscheflur hears the news she does not weep, her heart however turns to stone. She neither complains nor cries, she falls completely mute. She lies in agony till the fourth day, then she dies giving birth to a son.

Motif References:

L 111.4 Orphan hero.
T 211.9.1 Wife dies of grief for death of husband
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
T 682 Hero a posthumous son
F 1041.1.2 Death from grief for death of lover or relative
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief

GvSTr-1789: Perfect loyalty is shown by faithful marshal Rual and his wife after Riwalin’s and Blanscheflur’s death. Riwalin is buried and the marshal and his wife take the orphan and hide him. They have it proclaimed that their lady was with child and that it had died with her. The people lament the death of their lord and their lady and her child. Blanscheflur is buried and there is much weeping and wailing. Rual and the barons are unable to resist their enemy by force. Rual surrenders the land to Morgan and makes peace.

Motif References:

W 34 Loyalty
P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

GvSTr-1892: Rual passes the child off for his own son in order to protect him from Morgan and commands his wife Floraete to lie like a woman in childbed. The worthy and chaste Floraete pretends childbirth, and in the greatest secrecy the babe is laid beside her. Apart from a midwife nobody knows of it. The marshal and his wife rear their lord’s child with great love. After six weeks when she is due to be churched of the son according to custom she takes him to the church. Then the child is to be baptized. Rual considering the sorrowful circumstances of the child’s birth decides that it should be named Tristan. Out of loyalty to his dead lord and because he fears Morgan’s enmity Rual spreads the rumor that the infant has died in his mother’s womb.

Motif References:

Z 71.12 Formulistic number: forty [Forty days’ limit]
Z 183 Symbolic names.
P 270.4 (Bm) Hero raised by foster parents
P 271 Foster father
P 272 Foster mother
P 275 Foster son
T 580 Childbirth
T 596 Naming of children
Z 730 (Bm) Eponymous account of personal name
N 839.1.1 (Bm) Faithful steward [marshal] as foster father
K 1920 Substituted children

GvSTr-2041: To his seventh year Tristan remains in care of his foster-mother Floraete. Then the marshal places him in the care of a wise teacher and sends him abroad to learn foreign languages and to study books. Besides these studies the youth learns playing stringed instruments of all kinds. He also is taught the riding skills a knight should have, and he does well in all sorts of sports like fencing, wrestling, running, jumping and throwing the javelin and he learns the skills of hunt as well. He excels at all kinds of courtly pastimes. When he is fourteen years old, Rual fetches him home to Parmenie and has him get to know the land and the people of the kingdom.

Motif References:

P 30 Princes
P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
P 270.4 (Bm) Hero raised by foster parents
T 600 Care (education) of children
N 839.1.1 (Bm) Faithful steward [marshal] as foster father

GvSTr-2147: One day merchants from Norway land in Kanoel and display their wares. News arrive at the castle that there are falcons and birds of the chase to buy and two of the marshal’s sons and Tristan beg their father to have some falcons bought for Tristan. Rual who is more devoted to Tristan than to his own sons goes there with them to the ship and whatever each wishes for is obtained for them. When they are about to leave Tristan catches sight of a chess-board which is marvelously decorated and its set of men superbly carved. He addresses the merchants in their language and they invite him to play the game. While Rual and his sons leave the ship Tristan stays behind with his tutor Kurvenal. The strangers are amazed at the youth’s admirable manners and his knowledge and they finally decide to abduct him to get profit from him. While the players are absorbed in their game the ship puts to sea so gently that neither Tristan nor Kurvenal are aware of it. When they finish their game and see what happened they start lamenting. Kurvenal is set in a little boat. He arrives back home and reports what happened. The marshal and his wife are in grief for lost Tristan.

Motif References:

R 10.3 Children abducted
P 361 Faithful servant [vassal]
K 789 (Bm) Chess game to lure man into captivity.
K 2249.4 Treacherous merchant.

GvSTr-2399: Meanwhile the Norwegians sail on with Tristan. But by the will of God such a heavy storm arises that the merchants despair of their lives. One of the men says that the cause of their distress is the kidnapping of young Tristan and they resolve to set him free. At once, as soon as they are all agreed, the storm comes to an end and they put to land at once. The wind has beaten them to Cornwall (Kurnewale) where they set Tristan ashore. Then they turn back immediately.

Motif References:

Q 213 Abduction punished
Q 552.14 Storm as punishment
N 817.0.1 God as helper

GvSTr-2480: Homeless Tristan who is clad in precious garment sits down and cries as children do. He prays to God to lead him where he might find fellow men. For the moment he sees nothing but wilderness and the wild sea and is afraid of wild beasts. When the day is coming to an end he decides to climb a hill to see if there is any habitation nearby. As there is no staying there Tristan makes his way through the wilderness till he comes to a road. There he sits down to rest and again laments of his mischief. Meanwhile as he sits and laments he perceives two old pilgrims approaching. They are clad as pilgrims use to be, each of them bears a staff, and they have sewn-on sea-shells on their clothes and other tokens from distant lands. On their backs they bear saintly palms which show that they are penitents. They are intoning psalms and prayers. On seeing them Tristan at first is quite anxious but soon leaps up to meet them and the pilgrims greet him in a friendly way.

Motif References:

V 530 Pilgrimages

GvSTr-2687: When they ask him where he came from, Tristan is very cautious and disguises his true identity. He pretends that he was born in this country and has ridden out hunting. But he lost his horse and got lost. He asks the pilgrims where they are going and they say they are heading for Tintagel. Tristan sets out together with them. On the way they question Tristan but the boy answers no more than is required. Both his clothes and his beautiful manners hold their attention and they wonder who he might be.

Motif References:

N 846.1 Palmer as helper.
J 1113 Clever boy [youth, knight]
K 1831.0.1 Disguise by changing name

GvSTr-2757: When they come upon the hunters of king Marke of Cornwall who have chased down a stag Tristan pretends to have found his people again and takes leave from the pilgrims. In the meantime the stag has been killed and the huntsman-in-chief laid it out like a boar. Tristan joins the huntsmen and asks them in a courtly way to stop breaking up the stag in their fashion. They ask him what he means and he shows them the courtly art of breaking up a stag according to the custom of the land where he was reared. He teaches them the technical terms of this art and explains their meaning and origin to them. All is well arranged in its place and the hounds get their share too. Then Tristan tells them how to present the stag in the approved manner at court. The huntsmen are amazed at the boy’s knowledge and ask him to come with them. When they want to know all his circumstances Tristan fabricates a story: He says that he eluded his father who is a merchant in Parmenie and sailed away with some merchants. That is how he came to this country. At their question he says his name is Tristan and they wonder about it because they think “Fair and smiling youth” would be more appropriate.

Motif References:

J 146.2 (Li) The educated youth
P 414 Hunter
F 679.5 Skillful hunter
J 1113 Clever boy [youth, knight]

GvSTr-3146: Soon they come to Tintagel. Tristan breaks two garlands from a lime-tree, one for himself the other for the huntsman. Then he tells them to ride two and two together, preserving the shape of a stag and to present all well. He asks for a horn, when he will blow they should blow the same. When they ride in troop-wise with the stag and all the castle is filled with the music the king and his household are amazed since it has never been heard there before. Marke and his courtiers hurry to find out. When Tristan first sees the king his instinct draws him to his uncle. He greets the king and Marke and his retainers thank him. The king asks his huntsman about the stranger and he tells him that the youth identified as Tristan, the son of a merchant from Parmenie, but that he does not believe this story. How could a merchant spend so much time on his son’s education? Then he tells his lord all about Tristan’s art of venery.

Motif References:

P 414 Hunter
F 679.5 Skillful hunter
N 738 Accidental meeting of nephew and uncle

GvSTr-3316: The king has the foreign youth brought to him. Tristan is a beautiful boy: his mouth is red like a rose, his color radiant, his eyes clear, he has brown locks, his arms and hands are shapely and white, his figure is tall, his feet and legs are beautiful. He has elegant clothes. Marke talks to him and makes him his huntsman-in-chief. Tristan now has unwittingly come home although he thinks himself homeless. King Marke likes to see him and is glad to have him at his court. They have a hunt so that Tristan can show his hunting-lore to the king and his retainers. The huntsmen kill a stag and Tristan breaks it up for them.

Motif References:

P 293.2 Mother’s brother as helper.
P 414 Hunter
F 575.2 Handsome man
F 679.5 Skillful hunter
N 738 Accidental meeting of nephew and uncle

GvSTr-3484: From this time on Tristan lives as a courtier among them and is much beloved. One day after supper Marke listens to a harper, a master of his art from Wales. Tristan says he is playing well and names the lay he played: a lay composed by Bretons about “Sir Gurun and his Mistress”. When the harper has finished he asks Tristan if he is versed in harping and asks him to harp up. Tristan plays so beautifully that the entire household gathers to listen. He plays the lay on “Graland the Fair’s Proud Mistress”. When he has ended the king begs him to play another and Tristan continues with a lay about “Noble Thisbe of Old Babylon”. Tristan sings the notes of his lay beautifully in Breton, Welsh, Latin and French. Marke tells him that he would like to hear his lays more often and Tristan promises to play for him.

Motif References:

J 146.2 (Li) The educated youth
P 428 Musician
H 503 Test of musical ability
F 679.9 Skillful musician (plays nine mouth harps at once)

GvSTr-3644: At the king’s questions Tristan says that he can play some other stringed instruments as well but none to his satisfaction. Parmenians taught him the fiddle and organistrum, Welshmen the harp and the rote, Bretons from the town of Lut the lyre and the sambuca. Then the king asks the boy about the languages he has learnt and the courtiers - Norwegians, Irishmen, Germans, Scots and Danes - test his acquaintance with foreign tongues. King Marke begs Tristan to be his companion and promises to give him everything he wants.

Motif References:

J 146.2 (Li) The educated youth
P 428 Musician
H 502 Test of learning
F 679.9 Skillful musician (plays nine mouth harps at once)

GvSTr-3755: Meanwhile faithful Rual sets out on a quest for lost Tristan and resolves never to return before hearing news of his whereabouts. He searches in Norway and in Ireland but his searching is in vain. When he has no resources left he sends his people home and goes begging from land to land. After three years of searching Rual has lost his handsome appearance. Accidentally he comes upon the two pilgrims in Denmark and questions them about his young lord. They describe the youth they met three years ago and tell him that they left the boy near Tintagel in Cornwall. Rual sails to Britain and finally arrives in Cornwall.

Motif References:

N 846.1 Palmer as helper.
H 1385.16 (Bm) Quest for abducted [lost] foster son.

GvSTr-3878: It is one Saturday morning and people are going to mass. Rual waits before the church and looks if he could find someone to question about Tristan. An old courtier tells him that there is a young squire, an exile, highly valued by the king who is called Tristan and will soon be made a knight. Rual asks him to tell Tristan that a poor man from his country wishes to speak to him. Tristan recognizes his foster-father at once and greets him affectionately. Tristan takes his “father” to the king - despite Rual’s ragged outfit - and Marke bids him welcome. The courtiers gossip on Rual’s outfit. However unpresentable Rual’s appearance is his physique and bearing are magnificent and he is a real nobleman. The king orders that he should be provided with some fine clothes and Tristan looks after his foster-father. Then Tristan takes him back to Marke and now Rual pleases the courtiers well. Marke has him seated on his side at table and has Tristan serve him well.

Motif References:

U 110 Appearances deceive
H 1385.16 (Bm) Quest for abducted [lost] foster son.

GvSTr-4111: When they leave table Marke questions Rual about his country and journeys. Rual finally tells the story of Tristan’s parents and his birth. He cannot conceal his grief and starts weeping. The king too is struck with grief and weeps. Then Rual tells them about the child, how he managed to hide it, how Tristan was baptized, how he was educated and how the youth was abducted. The court is deeply moved by Rual’s story and considers him to be the most loyal vassal one could think of. Finally Rual hands Marke a ring which the king received from his father on his deathbed and gave to his sister. Marke then asks for his name and Rual identifies. Marke has already heard much about his wisdom, honor and loyalty. Marke receives him with the noble honors due to him and the courtiers follow. The king tells Rual how Tristan came to his court. Tristan is puzzled by the news about his family but Rual advises him to ask his uncle Marke to knight him and help him to get back home. Tristan will be happy to become a knight and Marke gives his land and people and all his possessions at his nephew’s disposal. This meets with acclamation and the court praises king Marke.

Motif References:

W 34 Loyalty
H 94 Identification by ring
P 253.0.1 Sister’s son
P 271 Foster father
P 275 Foster son
P 293.1 Mother’s brother as foster father

GvSTr-4545: Rual and Tristan acquire clothes and equipment for 30 knights whom Tristan wishes to be his comrades. Their clothes are extraordinarily splendid. On this occasion the author praises the artful poetry of Hartmann of Aue and criticizes the inventors of wild tales, who hunt after stories which no one can understand and which do not delight the listeners’ hearts. He then praises the words of Bligger of Steinach, the poetic gift of Heinrich of Veldeke from whose art spread the skill of German poetry. There are many “nightingales” as well, but he will not speak much of them. The Nightingale of Hagenau is already dead, but there is the Nightingale of Vogelweide to bear the banner.

Motif References:

GvSTr-4819: Then the author returns to his story and prays for help to the Helicon (Elikone), the ninefold throne whence the nine fountains pour from which flow the gifts of words and meaning. Its lord Apollo (Apolle) and the nine ladies, the Camenae (Camenen), preside over those gifts giving their springs of inspirations to people as they choose. The author prays that they might bestow on him the drop of inspiration so that he could tell his story well. If he chose to describe Tristan’s equipment in a very exquisite manner, say that Vulcanus (Vulkan) worked Tristan’s sword and armor, as well as his coat of arms, the boar, on his shield, devised his helmet with a fiery dart in token of love’s torment, said that Cassandra (Cassander) the wise Trojan woman prepared with her insight Tristan’s clothes - Cassandra was endowed by the gods in heaven with supernatural powers - what effect would this have? Vulcan and Cassandra never equipped knights better than Mettle and Means, Discretion and Courtesy, which the author will use to arrange the knighting ceremony.

Motif References:

GvSTr-4973: Tristan is quite superior to his companions in fine manners and good qualities, yet in the clothes there is no difference. As soon as they heard mass and received the blessing Marke takes charge of Tristan, binds on his sword and spurs and reminds him of the values of chivalry. Then he hands him his shield and kisses him. Tristan now invests his companions with sword and spurs and shields and recommends them chivalric duties. And then they start jousting.

Motif References:

P 53 (Bm) Obtaining knighthood

GvSTr-5067: Yet Tristan’s success always is dogged by misfortune. Now that he has been knighted the fact that his father was killed torments him. Thus Tristan and his counselor Rual get a fine ship ready and then ask king Marke to give them leave to sail to Parmenie to see to their affairs there. The king offers them whatever they will need or wish for. After Tristan would have set his affairs to rights he must return to Cornwall. King Marke will always share his land and wealth with his nephew and after his death he will receive it all: For his nephew’s sake Marke will stay unmarried all his life. Tristan and Rual take ship home to Parmenie without delay.

Motif References:

P 17.16 (Bm) Nephew as heir.
M 135 Vow never to remarry
P 253.0.1 Sister’s son

GvSTr-5175: When they land in Parmenie Rual steps ashore ahead of them and welcomes Tristan back home as lord of the land. Then he receives the knights and leads them all up to Kanoel. Rual faithfully surrenders to Tristan all that has been in his keeping. Floraete is very happy about their return. Then all the lords of the country are summoned and assemble in Kanoel. They receive their fiefs from their lord Tristan with their vassals and their lands. They take the oath of fealty and become liegemen. Suffering from secret pain because of Morgan Tristan takes council with his kinsmen and vassals and declares that he would go to Brittany to receive his fief from his enemy. Tristan and his company set out for Brittany at once, well-equipped and prepared.

Motif References:

P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]

GvSTr-5313: When Tristan arrives in Brittany he learns that Morgan is on a hunt. Tristan orders his knights to arm themselves under their robes. They tell their train to ride back quietly and stop for nobody, then they divide their knights in two companies, the larger force retires to cover the train, the others go with Tristan. Some huntsmen direct them to Morgan’s camp. When they finally meet him he greets them politely. Tristan addresses the duke and asks him to invest him with his fief. At Morgan’s question Tristan identifies as Tristan, the heir of Riwalin. Morgan forfeits him the fief saying he is a bastard. Tristan insists that his father married Blanscheflur and that he would attest it to the full. Morgan refuses his attestation and Tristan runs at him and kills him. Heavy fighting arises. In the evening the strangers are encircled by the enemy. Tristan and his men however get away and win a victory over their enemies: Rual taken by suspicion of how Tristan has fared followed him with a hundred knights. When he arrives in Brittany he learns the news and attacks the Bretons. The enemy takes to flight. The knights of Parmenie set up camp, have their dead buried and the wounded taken home. Thus Tristan has taken his fief by his own hand and now possesses his father’s entire legacy.

Motif References:

P 233.6 Son avenges father
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War

GvSTr-5638: This achieved Tristan turns his thoughts back to Cornwall, but is reluctant to leave Rual. The clever youth decides to share himself between his two fathers. Therefore Tristan gives a great feast, to which he invites the great nobles of the country. He knights two of Rual’s sons and makes them his heirs in succession to Rual. Twelve companions are knighted with them, one of them is Kurvenal. Then he has a council with his kinsmen and vassals and men of wise judgment. He tells them that his uncle has made him co-regent and will stay unmarried in his favor so that he will be his heir. According to his uncle’s wishes he now will return to him. He grants to Rual the revenues from the lands, Tristan retains his sovereign title but leaves all else as hereditary fiefs to Rual and his heirs. There is great distress among the knights about this decision and Rual is all but happy about it. Tristan then leaves the country with Kurvenal, his tutor. Parmenie is full of lamenting and Floraete is grieving.

Motif References:

P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
P 110.0.1 (Bm) Faithful steward [knight] as regent
M 207 Land grants (bargains).

GvSTr-5871: When Tristan arrives in Cornwall he gets bad news: Morolt (Morolt) came from Ireland to demand tribute from Cornwall and England under threat of armed combat. King Gurmun the Gay (Gurmun Gemuotheit) of Ireland is the son of the king of Africa (Affrica). When his father died the land passed to Gurmun and his brother. But Gurmun was too ambitious to share the kingdom and left all his land to his brother. He chose good knights and obtained permission of the Romans that he should have possession of all he could subdue, yet concede them some right and title to it. He then took possession of Ireland and forced its people to take him as king and assaulted the neighboring countries. In the course of these events he subdued Cornwall and England as well, which became tributary to him - King Marke was only a boy at the time. Gurmun married the sister of the mighty duke Morolt who was his champion. In the first year Cornwall and England sent three hundred marks of bronze, in the second silver, in the third gold. In the fourth year Morolt arrived from Ireland armed for battle and enforced a tribute of thirty boys from either land for courtly usage. Every fifth year Cornwall and England are obliged to submit their statutory tribute to Rome, their mistress.

Motif References:

P 14.15 King has champion to enforce respect
P 17 Succession to the throne
M 207 Land grants (bargains).
P 251.5 Two brothers
S 262.2 Tribute of youths regularly sent to foreign king.
P 531.1.1 Tribute required of conquered foreigners
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
H 1221 Quest for adventure

GvSTr-6011: Tristan returns to Tintagel where the lords are assembled to draw lots for the tribute. He addresses the lords saying that they should not give up their sons to serfdom but choose a strong champion fit for single combat. They reply that nobody is strong enough to face Morolt and live. Tristan offers to be their champion and they accept. Marke fails in persuading his nephew to renounce his purpose for his sake. The tribute is renounced and the matter will be settled by war or single combat. Morolt is not prepared for a war and will have the matter decided by single combat. Tristan offers his glove to him and challenges him to combat. Morolt accepts the challenge and counts to obtain victory.

Motif References:

Z 150 Other symbols
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
P 557.4 Customs concerning single combat
H 1561.2.1 Holmgang: single combat on an island.

GvSTr-6497: The combat takes place three days later. A huge crowd has gathered on the shore to watch it. King Marke being sure that Tristan would die is in great distress. Marke assists his nephew in arming himself and girds him with a good sword. A fine helmet is sent for, which has the appearance of crystal: it is hard and gleaming and on it stands the Dart, foreteller of Love, which proves a true prophet in days to come. Marke places the helmet on Tristan’s head, then he hangs round him an excellent shield with a boar on it as his coat-of-arms. However splendid Tristan’s outward appearance might be his body is even more splendid. And there is no finer mount than Tristan’s horse.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
P 557.4 Customs concerning single combat
F 575.2 Handsome man

GvSTr-6725: Meanwhile a battle-ground has been appointed for the champions, a little island in the sea, near enough to the shore for people to watch the fight. It is agreed that apart from the combatants none should set foot on it till the end of the combat. Two boats are ready for the champions. Morolt ferries himself across, and when he arrives he gallops his horse over the island. Before Tristan embarks he consoles Marke and with the sign of the cross he leaves in God’s name. When he lands on the island he sets his boat adrift and mounts his horse. At Morolt’s question he says that one boat will meet the victor’s needs. Morolt says Tristan could stop the combat if the tribute would be confirmed, for no knight pleased his eyes as much as Tristan. Tristan insists that the tribute must be abolished if peace is to be made.

Motif References:

P 557.4 Customs concerning single combat
H 1561.2.1 Holmgang: single combat on an island.

GvSTr-6837: Then they start to fight. When they have broken their spears they continue fighting with their swords. Morolt has the strength of four men. The other side comprises fourfold force as well: God, Right, Tristan and Willing Heart. They fight fiercely and Morolt strikes Tristan a blow through the thigh. Morolt says that he will not be cured: the sword that has wounded him is bated with deadly poison. Only his sister Isot, Queen of Ireland, who is versed in herbs and plants of many kinds and in the art of medicine, can save him. Tristan not at all impressed by his enemy’s words attacks him again and finally strikes him a fatal blow, so deeply that his sword leaves a fragment embedded in Morolt’s skull. This, as it turns out later, will drive Tristan to fear and desperation. Then Tristan addresses his enemy and says that by this decree God has judged of Morolt’s wrong and restored justice. He then strikes off his adversary’s head with his sword.

Motif References:

P 424.5 Female physician [healer]
F 610.4.1 Man with four men’s strength.
F 833.6 Sword with poisoned edge.
H 1561.2.1 Holmgang: single combat on an island.

GvSTr-7090: Tristan returns to the haven, and in Morolt’s boat makes for the beach. There is great joy about his victory, they praise God and sing many hymns of triumph to Heaven. Yet the strangers from Ireland are in great grief. Before they leave Tristan tells them to take the tribute which they see on the island home to their lord as a present from King Marke and his lands. Tristan hides his wound beneath his shield, a ruse that saves his life later on: for the Irish leave without any of them observing it. The Irish cross over to the island and sail away with their slain lord.

Motif References:

J 580 Wisdom of caution

GvSTr-7147: When they reach Ireland they carry the dead champion before their master and repeat Tristan’s message. King Gurmun, his sister the Queen and her daughter Isot are deeply grieved. They kiss the dead man, and the Queen detects the splinter embedded in the head-wound. She removes the fragment and she and her daughter lay it in a casket. After Morolt has been buried Gurmun sends an edict through the kingdom that his men have to keep sharp watch for any living thing, male or female, coming there from Cornwall and kill it. This decree costs the lives of many Cornish without cause for Morolt was justly slain. He placed his trust not in God but in his own strength and his pride has finally been brought low.

Motif References:

L 430 Arrogance repaid

GvSTr-7235: When Tristan has landed people salute him with great joy. Then they see to his comfort and summon the best doctors. They fail however to draw the poison from his wound. Due to his sickness he is scarcely to be recognized. Moreover his wound takes on an offensive stench. Tristan realizes that he is beginning to weigh upon his friends and decides to go to Ireland to be cured by the hands of Morolt’s sister Isot, whose wisdom and beauty has been much praised to him in days past. He sends for his uncle and tells him his secret intention. They agree about his journey, how to hush it up that he is bound to Ireland and how they should spread the rumor that he would go to Salerno to be cured. When Kurvenal is informed of the plan he declares to be ready to accompany his lord. A boat is made ready for the journey in great secrecy. Then Tristan is carried aboard. He commends all his retinue and possessions to his uncle and only takes his harp with him. With only eight men Tristan and Kurvenal put to sea. Marke and the nobles who are told that Tristan is bound to Salerno for healing are in great grief about him.

Motif References:

P 20.1 Clever queen
H 1319.1 Quest for only person who can cure certain sickness

GvSTr-7392: When the ship draws near to Ireland Tristan has its course changed for the capital city of Dublin (Develine) where the wise queen has her residence. They drop anchor to remain for the evening near the city, and in the course of the night Tristan orders to put towards the city. Tristan has him dressed in the worst clothes in the ship and places him in the skiff. His harp and food enough to sustain him for some days is placed inside as well. Tristan has Kurvenal take charge of the ship and its crew and to return home. He should tell his uncle that Tristan will return within one year if he is destined to recover. Kurvenal should put out at court and in the country that Tristan died on the way. With his attendants he should then sail back to Parmenie to settle down with Rual whom he should instruct to reward Tristan’s men according to their services. With much grief they sail away and let Tristan adrift on the sea.

Motif References:

J 647 Avoiding enemy’s revenge
K 1816 Disguise as menial

GvSTr-7511: In the morning the Dubliners see the unmanned boat and hurry to inspect it. When their messengers approach it they fail to see anyone but hear a man singing and harping marvelously out to them. They look inside the boat and wonder how such a wretched looking man could perform such marvels with his music. They greet Tristan and at their question he tells them that he was a court-minstrel who took up trade. He found a rich merchant as his partner and set course to Britain. But out at sea pirates attacked them, murdered his partner and the crew. He alone survived with the wound and obtained the skiff and provisions from them: Thanks to his harp he convinced them that he was a minstrel. He says to have been drifting alone for forty days and nights and has no idea where he is. He asks them to help him. They take him into the city and tell him that he has landed in Dublin in Ireland. When the messengers make for the town they report what has happened and that they came upon an artful minstrel wounded to death. The citizens go to see Tristan, he repeats his story to them and meeting their request willingly sings and harps for them. Finally they carry him from his skiff and ask a physician to help him in return for their money.

Motif References:

P 428 Musician
J 647 Avoiding enemy’s revenge
F 679.9 Skillful musician (plays nine mouth harps at once)
K 1817.3 Disguise as harper (minstrel)

GvSTr-7700: It happens that a priest sees the sick man and how accomplished he is with his hands and voice. He is a skillful musician himself, master of many languages, and the tutor of the queen and her daughter Isot, whom he has taught books and how to play stringed instruments. The priest tells the queen about the suffering minstrel and she has him moved up to the castle. She diagnoses the poison and then asks his name. Tristan says he is called Tantris. The Queen who will be his doctor asks him to play his harp for her if he would not be too weak. Willingly he plays for her and young Isot. He plays better than he has ever played before because he does no more play as a lifeless man without hope. Yet his wound exhales such a stench that none can remain with him for as much as an hour. The Queen asks him to instruct her daughter in any knowledge or accomplishments beyond her tutor’s or her own when the stench has left him. As a reward she will restore his health and looks. Tristan / Tantris accepts the offer.

Motif References:

P 40 Princesses
P 253.11 (Bm) Woman unwittingly nurses brother’s [uncle’s] slayer.
P 322.2 Guest in disguise or under false name
P 340 Teacher and pupil
P 428 Musician
J 647 Avoiding enemy’s revenge
F 679.9 Skillful musician (plays nine mouth harps at once)
K 1817.3 Disguise as harper (minstrel)
K 1831.0.1 Disguise by changing name

GvSTr-7885: They appoint a small room for him and furnish him with all comforts. He now profits from the foresight shown before by hiding his wound. The Queen, who is a very skilled physician, sets all her mind to heal him, for she fails to recognize her enemy. When he has recovered he teaches the princess books and the playing of instruments. The girl is blessed with gifts and has already received an excellent education: she speaks the language of Dublin, and French and Latin, knows to play the fiddle in the Welsh style and to play the lyre and the harp well. Tristan much improves her accomplishments. Moreover he teaches her the art of moralities which is good manners.

GvSTr-8040: It often happens that Gurmun summons the princess to the palace to while away the time for him and his company. She sings, she writes and she reads to them, she fiddles the estampie, strikes her lyre or her harp, and entertains them with lays, strange tunes in the French style, with pastourelle and all sorts of chansons and dances. The author only can compare her to the Sirens (Syrene), who with their lodestone draw the ships towards them. Thus the charming princess attracts many thoughts and hearts both with her song and with her beauty. With Tristan as her tutor Isot has much improved herself. She is able to read and write, can make both the words and the airs of love-songs and masters many instruments. Meanwhile Tristan is fully healed and his skin and color begin to clear again. He fears to be recognized and therefore asks the Queen for leave to sail home. Yet the Queen will not let him go within a year. Tristan says that he has a wife at home who would assume that he is dead and could be given to another. The queen lets him go and her daughter gives him two marks of gold for the journey. Tristan sails away to England and then to Cornwall.

Motif References:

P 40 Princesses
B 53.4.1 (Bm) Sirens’ irresistible [beautiful] song
F 679.9 Skillful musician (plays nine mouth harps at once)
K 1900 Impostures

GvSTr-8230: King Marke and the people rejoice when they hear that Tristan returned in full health. Tristan tells his story in all detail and they are all amazed and laugh a good deal about his voyage and how well he has been healed by his enemy. Then they ask him about Isot, the young Irish princess, and he praises her exquisite beauty. The girl outshines even Helena and is the crown of womankind.

Motif References:

P 253.11 (Bm) Woman unwittingly nurses brother’s [uncle’s] slayer.
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman

GvSTr-8314: Tristan resumes his old life and lives merrily. Envy however soon begins to stir among the lords and they begrudge him the honor and distinction which the court and people accord to him. They hint that he must be a sorcerer otherwise he could never have succeeded in all his enterprises. Thereafter Marke’s counselors urge the king to take a wife from whom he could get an heir. Marke refuses insisting that Tristan will be his heir. The lords’ malice and their envy increases so that they can not hide it from him any longer. Tristan lives in constant anxiety that they would conspire to murder him. He therefore begs his uncle to fulfill the barons’ wishes. Yet Marke wishes no heir but him and tells him not to care for any malice: Only worth bears fruit in envy all the time. Tristan insists and says he would rather leave the court than living in the midst of such enmity. He advises the king to summon his counselors and to ask them for their advice and to spy out their intentions.

Motif References:

P 90 Royalty and nobility - miscellaneous
W 195 Envy
K 2129 Slanders - miscellaneous
K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]

GvSTr-8454: The counselors - aiming at Tristan’s death - resolve at once that Isot from Ireland would be a fitting wife for their king. When Marke hears their advice he reminds them that there is no friendship with Ireland. The lords insist that peace could be made by a marriage and that Isot being the sole heir of the Irish king would bring Ireland to her husband. As a subterfuge Marke finally gives his oath to marry no other than Isot, never dreaming this could happen. The counselors then advise him to make Tristan conduct his embassy to the Irish court. Marke refuses this wicked advice, saying the lords would have to go there themselves, and he tells them to stop plotting against Tristan. Yet Tristan wants to go on this errand if the king would command the lords to come with him. Finally Marke has to give in and all is fixed. The barons are more downcast than ever.

Motif References:

T 51 Wooing by emissary
T 64 King seeks bride only because counsellors insist
M 105 Equivocal oaths
M 146 Vow to marry a certain woman [man]
H 911 Tasks assigned at suggestion of jealous rivals
H 1381.3.1.1 Quest for bride for king (prince)
K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]

GvSTr-8588: With one hundred companions Tristan crosses the sea in a ship well furnished for the voyage. The author then mentions the old tale of Tristan: According to this story a swallow flew from Cornwall to Ireland and took there a lady’s hair with which to build its nest. He characterizes this episode as fantastic. It is absurd as well to say that Tristan sailed the seas at random - this would mean that the king and his envoys would have been fools.

Motif References:

N 781 Hero [heroine] embarks in rudderless boat
H 1213.1 Quest for princess caused by sight of one of her hairs dropped by a bird (or floating on a river).

GvSTr-8633: While Tristan and his company sail to Ireland the barons, lacking in courage, are very uneasy. Their only hopes are now tied to Tristan. When they have reached Ireland they make their landfall at Wexford (Weiseforte). The barons beg Tristan to tell them his intentions but he only orders them to remain hidden below deck. He will stand outside himself and lie to the Irish. While he will be away the next day they should let Kurvenal stand out on the gangway near the port with others who know the language. If Tristan would stay away for three or four days they should no longer wait for him but escape over the sea.

Motif References:

J 647 Avoiding enemy’s revenge

GvSTr-8733: The Royal Marshal of Ireland comes towards them, armed and ready for battle with a great troop. Tristan puts on a traveling-coat the better to disguise himself and takes a golden goblet with him. Then he makes for the harbor with Kurvenal in a skiff. The citizens ignore his friendly greetings and at Tristan’s question if there is anybody among them in a position of authority the marshal asks Tristan what he came for. Tristan says that he and his company are merchants from Normandy. The three of them were in convoy bound for Ireland when a wind parted him from his comrades. When the gale was over he recognized the landscape and sailed on to Wexford. If he could not find safe anchorage there he would put to sea again. If he would be allowed to stay however he offers them a gift: a mark of red gold a day and the goblet as reward for the marshal. He is allowed to put into port and guaranteed security.

Motif References:

K 1817.4 Disguise as merchant

GvSTr-8901: There is living a dragon in the country which has done so much harm that the king swore to give his daughter to whoever would overcome the monster provided he were a knight and of noble birth. Many men have already met their end there. Tristan knows all about it and this has encouraged him to embark on this expedition. Next morning Tristan arms himself and gallops towards the vale of Anferginan where the dragon has his lair. There far away in the distance he sees four men in full flight. One of the four is the Queen’s steward who aspires to be the princess’s lover entirely against her wishes. Whenever knights ride out to try their valor the Steward, who is a coward, also appears for no other reason than that it should be said that he has been seen where men rode out on adventure. But he never set eyes on the dragon without taking to flight.

Motif References:

B 16.5.1 Giant devastating serpent
P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
T 68 Princess offered as prize
W 121 Cowardice
H 335.3 Suitor task: killing ferocious animal
H 1174.2 Task: overcoming dragon
K 2242 Treacherous steward

GvSTr-8967: Tristan rides on in that direction and meets the dragon. Smoke, flames and wind come from its jaws and it comes straight at him. In a long and fierce fight Tristan kills the monster with his sword. The dying dragon lets out a roar so grim as if heaven and earth were falling and the cry echoes far over the countryside. When Tristan sees that the dragon is dead he cuts off the tongue. He then goes to rest somewhere to recover and return at night to his comrades. But he is much wearied from the heat which he suffered and when he perceives a little pool he drops into it all in armor and leaving only his mouth above water. He lies there that day and nights, for the fumes of the dragon-tongue rob him of his senses.

Motif References:

B 11.2.11.2 Breath of Dragon kills man [venomous fiery and fetid breath of dragon]
B 11.11 Fight with dragon
B 11.2.11 Fire-breathing dragon
H 105.1 Dragon-tongue proof. Dragon slayer cuts out the tongues and uses them later to prove his identity as slayer

GvSTr-9097: When the Steward hears the dragon’s roar echoing over the land he thinks it might be dead or so far gone that he could easily get the better of it and he steals away from his comrades. He comes to the remains of Tristan’s horse which fills him with dread. He rides on and when he comes suddenly upon the dragon he almost tumbles off his horse. Altogether terrified he takes to flight. Soon he halts to look back and sees that the dragon is dead. With his spear he charges and thrusts at the dragon. Then he rides searching for the dragon-slayer in hope of finding him exhausted or wounded with the intention to kill him. Finding no trace of him he spurs back to the dragon and stabs and hacks at the dead monster with his sword. He breaks his spear over a stump and rams the front half into the dragon’s gullet.

Motif References:

K 1950 Sham prowess
K 2242 Treacherous steward

GvSTr-9215: Then he rides back to Wexford where he orders a wagon to fetch the head and tells the news of his exploit to everyone. He tells them that the man who faced the dragon ahead of him is dead - the horse’s remains still lie there and shows the dead monster to his friends. As soon as the dragon’s head is cut off the steward summons his relatives and vassals and goes to the king to remind him of his promise. A day is appointed for this business at Wexford and the barons are summoned.

Motif References:

H 105.1.1 False dragon-head proof.
K 1932 Impostors claim reward (prize) earned by hero
K 2242 Treacherous steward

GvSTr-9268: When the ladies are told the news they suffer much torment. The Queen tries to console her daughter who says she would rather stab herself than be the steward’s wife. When night falls the wise Queen consults her secret magic arts in which she is marvelously skilled on her daughter’s situation. In a dream she sees what has happened. Early in the morning she wakes her daughter and with Brangaene and Paranis they ride out to search for the stranger who killed the dragon. They come upon the dragon and turn pale in dread at the sight of him. All four companions then ride off in different directions in search for the dragon-slayer. A gleam from Tristan’s helmet betrays the stranger’s presence to the princess.

Motif References:

D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.)
D 1810.8.2 Information received through dream.
D 1819.2 Deception revealed in dream.

GvSTr-9395: When they draw near to him they believe him dead. They drag him out of the pond and take off his helmet. The Queen examines him and sees that his life is hanging by a thread. When they disarm him they find the dragon’s tongue and failing to find either wounds or bruises are very glad. Queen Isot takes some theriac and doses him with it till he starts to sweat. Soon Tristan opens his eyes and speaks to them. The princess looks at him closely and recognizes him as Tantris the minstrel which he confirms. He asks them to carry him where he could rest the coming day and night and they convey him away and smuggle him into the palace where they look well after him.

Motif References:

P 20.1 Clever queen
N 837 Queen as helper

GvSTr-9511: The second morning the Queen asks Tristan when he came to Ireland and how he killed the dragon. He tells her that he arrived with some merchants and that they were obliged to make a gift in order to save their lives and goods. He then killed the dragon to find protection in this country more easily. The queen guarantees him and his ship safety. The queen then informs him of the steward’s pretensions and his claim to Isot which he would defend by combat if necessary. Tristan offers to settle the matter as soon as he has fully recovered. At his question the queen says that they have brought the dragon’s tongue with them.

Motif References:

H 218 Trial by combat
K 1817.4 Disguise as merchant

GvSTr-9624: Meanwhile his ship’s company is in a wretched state. Having heard the rumors about a knight killed by the dragon they think Tristan is dead and they are lost. They send Kurvenal out to view the horse, which he does. When he finds no trace of Tristan he returns to the ship weeping and lamenting and tells them about it. The news bring great sorrow to the majority of the company though not to all. The twenty barons demand that they should wait no longer for their lord but others are for staying. Finally they decide to stay to make further inquiries. Meanwhile the day has come which the king fixed to decide the case of the steward’s claim to the princess. Gurmun’s neighbors, his kinsmen and his vassals have been summoned to his diet. He has summoned the wise and beautiful Queen as well to counsel him. He takes her apart and asks for her advice. She tells him that the steward did not kill the dragon and that she knows the man who did. The king should go back to the council and order the steward to plead and show his proof. While the queen goes to fetch her daughter the king returns to the palace.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 20.1 Clever queen
P 510 Law courts

GvSTr-9775: The two Isots then join the king and his council. At Gurmun’s order the steward explains his request and shows the dragon’s head as proof of his exploit. The queen then speaks out and accuses the steward that his claim is false and that anybody could have taken the head away with him. Young Isot says she will not be won with such trifles and swears that she never was nor will ever be the steward’s sweetheart. The steward has her words for folly: women would always think the bad good and the good bad and are altogether contrary. The queen replies that the steward has adopted these female traits himself and loves what hates him. The princess does not love him and in this she takes after the queen herself. Then the queen asks the steward to answer the saying that the dragon was killed by another man. The steward offers to fight for his claim against any impostor. The queen swears to bring the dragon slayer to do judicial combat on the third day. The king takes a pledge from them both with firm security.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 20.1 Clever queen
W 200 Traits of character - miscellaneous
H 218 Trial by combat
P 510 Law courts
K 1932 Impostors claim reward (prize) earned by hero
K 2242 Treacherous steward

GvSTr-9987: The ladies thereupon withdraw and resume their nursing of Tristan who is soon well again. Isot keeps on looking at him with increasing interest and the man pleases her well. She thinks that his station in life is out of keeping with his person, who should have honor and possessions. Meanwhile the queen has told Gurmun all about the presumed merchant. The princess has told her page Paranis to polish Tristan’s armor and to attend to his belongings. She then examines each piece in turn and takes up the sword in her hands. When she studies it closely she sees that a piece is missing and goes to fetch the splinter she kept from Morolt’s wound. It fits into the gap. For grief and anger Isot becomes pale and red. Then she considers the names, Tristan and Tantris, and finds the key to the name. She seizes the sword and stands over Tristan where he is sitting in a bath. He denies being Tristan and says she should not earn the name of a murderess.

Motif References:

H 101 Identification by broken weapon.

GvSTr-10170: At this point her mother enters and asks about her strange behavior. The princess tells her that their guest is Tristan and how she found out. Nevertheless the queen urges her to stop for they only could take vengeance by breaking their oath and dishonoring themselves. Tristan once again reminds the queen of her promise to protect him. But even if Isot were alone with him her tender womanliness would have kept her from slaying him. Womanhood and anger have a fight in her breast till at last womanhood triumphs and Isot flings the sword away. The queen says that despite her grief about her brother’s death she would give up this feud in order to avoid lasting disgrace from the steward. Tristan tells them that he had to save his life and if they would spare him he announces them good news. The queen, now having learnt the truth unasked, regrets that although she has him in her power she cannot use it. She will use her power however against her enemy.

Motif References:

W 200 Traits of character - miscellaneous

GvSTr-10362: At this point Brangaene enters and asks what this is all about. The queen tells her that they have got Tristan in their power and that she is in two minds as to whether she should avenge herself. Brangaene advises her to spare Tristan. All three retire to talk the matter over. Brangaene says they should treat Tristan kindly: through Tristan the steward’s fraud is to be exposed. They go to see Tristan, who begs for mercy for he has come to the country for the sake of their advantage. At Brangaene’s pleading they tell him to get up and promise him mercy.

Motif References:

J 1111.6 Clever maidservant.

GvSTr-10502: All four sit down together and, on condition of peace, Tristan promises them to arrange within these two days for the princess to wed a noble king. At the queen’s question Brangaene advises them to make peace. They make their peace by kiss. Then Tristan tells them that his uncle, whom he urged to marry although he wanted to stay single for Tristan’s sake, has sent him on this expedition to Ireland as a wooer. That is why he came and why he killed the dragon. Isot shall be queen both of Cornwall and of England. They agree that the king should be informed and reconciliation brought about.

Motif References:

T 51 Wooing by emissary

GvSTr-10594: The ladies withdraw to their rooms and consider the matter. They talk a lot about things concerning Tristan and Isot tells them how she discovered his name was Tristan. Then the queen sends for the king and asks him to grant a request. She tells him that Tristan, the murderer of her brother is in the castle and that he should receive him into his favor. The king agrees, for Morolt as a nearer relation to his wife concerns her more than him and he renounces the quarrel like she did. She tells him Tristan’s mission and the king is pleased with it. Brangaene fetches Tristan who, on entering, throws himself down at the king’s feet and begs for mercy. Peace is made by a kiss and king Marke and his two lands are included in it. Then the queen asks Tristan to repeat to the king the whole story concerning the dragon and Marke’s suit. When he has finished the king would like to assure himself of this matter and Tristan informs him that his master’s great barons are near at hand.

Motif References:

T 51 Wooing by emissary
P 525.3 He nearest to blood of slain man must avenge his death [Blood-revenge]

GvSTr-10696: Tristan has Paranis quietly fetch Kurvenal, whom the others ignore for he has not come as a knight. Kurvenal speaks to him in French and tells him that the ship’s company resolved to sail this evening. Tristan answers in Breton and asks Kurvenal to bring the news to his company. Then he tells him of his success in all detail. The next morning his barons and knights as well as Kurvenal himself should dress in the finest clothes and await Tristan’s messenger. His jewel-casket and his best clothes should be sent to him too. Kurvenal leaves and brings the news to the ship. They are very happy but the envious barons return as before to their gossiping and accuse Tristan more than ever of sorcery.

Motif References:

W 195 Envy
K 2129 Slanders - miscellaneous

GvSTr-10807: When the day appointed for the judicial combat has come many lords and nobles are assembled in the hall before the king. Tristan’s chest and clothes have arrived and he selects a fine girdle for each of the three ladies. He takes a girdle, a clasp and a chaplet out of the chest, which is full of fine accessories, and leaves it to the ladies to dispose of it as they like. Tristan puts on the clothes and adorns himself. When he rejoins the ladies they are impressed by his handsomeness. Meanwhile Tristan’s company has come and taken their seats in the hall. All of them wear clothes of such quality that the Irish gaze at them. The barons keep silent and refrain from speaking with the natives because they do not know their language. The king sends a messenger to the queen to ask her to come to court with her daughter. Tristan stays behind.

Motif References:

F 575.2 Handsome man
F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)

GvSTr-10889: Queen Isot, the Dawn, and her daughter, the Sun, enter the hall. Young Isot is of resplendent beauty and most elegantly dressed in costly clothes. On her head she wears a circlet of gold, incrusted with all sorts of jewels. Her hair resembles gold. Isot paces beside her mother with measured steps, she sends her eyes roving like a falcon on its bough. Her radiance gladdens the hall and its people. The queen gives the greetings, her daughter inclines her head and says nothing.

Motif References:

F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)

GvSTr-11025: When they have taken their seats beside the king the steward takes his kinsmen and goes before the king to claim rights to judicial combat. The steward refuses to abandon his claim to Isot and the queen sends for Tristan. Brangaene and Tristan come to court. Tristan’s figure and his attire are most excellent. He wears rare fine clothes of unusual splendor. On his head he wears an excellent chaplet adorned with jewels. The throng makes way for him as he enters the palace. When the Cornishmen see him they run to salute him and conduct Brangaene and Tristan to the king. The king, the queen and the princess receive him and then greet Tristan’s company. The knights come in and welcome the strangers. The barons recognize their relations who had been sent from Cornwall as tribute and there is much rejoicing. The king seats Tristan and Brangaene beside him. The natives praise Tristan’s beauty and splendid attire, and the splendor of his followers’ clothes as well.

Motif References:

F 575.2 Handsome man
F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)

GvSTr-11225: Then the king addresses the steward and he claims to have slain the dragon which Tristan denies at once. The steward has brought the dragon’s head as evidence, Tristan has them open it and there is nothing to be found inside. Then he sends for the tongue. The steward begins to totter and to stammer and does not know how to comport himself. Tristan explains to the court what happened. The lords declare that it is clear that the man who arrived there first and took the tongue is the slayer of the dragon. Tristan reminds the king that he has won the princess and the king agrees. Thereupon the steward insists on fighting Tristan. The queen reminds him that this would be a fight for nothing at all. Yet Tristan is willing to fight the steward. The steward seeks the advice of his relatives and vassals but they think the affair disgraceful. They tell him he should drop his claim and he does. The queen mocks at him and moreover the steward’s imposture takes its end in taunts and public ignominy.

Motif References:

H 105.1 Dragon-tongue proof. Dragon slayer cuts out the tongues and uses them later to prove his identity as slayer
H 105.1.1 False dragon-head proof.
K 1932 Impostors claim reward (prize) earned by hero
K 2242 Treacherous steward

GvSTr-11371: The king announces that the man before them is Tristan. He informs them why Tristan has come to Ireland and that peace has been promised between Gurmun and Marke. The Irish court is glad to hear this news. Tristan and the vassals of his king give their oath that Isot will become queen of all England and that she should have Cornwall for her nuptial dower. Hereupon Gurmun surrenders his daughter into the hands of Tristan whom she hates now as before. Tristan asks the king to deliver up any knights and pages that were given as tribute and the king will have this done. Tristan then orders a ship to be procured for Isot and himself and any others he might choose. When it has been supplied he makes ready for the voyage. Wherever the exiles are traced they are sent for at once.

Motif References:

T 51 Wooing by emissary
T 61 Betrothal
R 110 Rescue of captive
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

GvSTr-11433: Meanwhile the wise Queen brews a love-drink. With whomever any man drinks it he has to love her above all things whether he wishes or not and she love him alone. The lady gives the philtre to Brangaene, who has to go away with the princess, to have it in her keeping and guard it well. Isot and Marke should drink all the potion as wine in their wedding night and she should see that nobody shares it with them. She tells Brangaene that it is a love-philtre. Then she commends Isot in her care and Brangaene promises to watch over her.

Motif References:

T 133.1 Faithful servant accompanies bride to new home
D 1355.2 Magic love-philtre

GvSTr-11484: Tristan and his men take their leave. The king and the queen and the whole court follow Tristan down to the harbor. Isot is the whole time weeping beside him and her parents lament. All the court is weeping for Isot. When they have to part, the princess Isot, the Sun, the queen Isot, the Dawn, and Brangaene, the fair Full Moon, there is great grief. Then the ship puts to sea and as they get under way they begin to sing an anthem. The ladies have a private cabin for their comfort during the journey. No others are admitted except Tristan who sometimes goes in to comfort the princess in her distress. But whenever he puts his arm round her Isot recalls her uncle’s death. She detests him for it. He declares that honor and ease are waiting for her abroad and that she should be glad of his help against the steward. Isot however says she would have rather married the steward, for he would mend his ways if he were some time with her. Tristan does not believe that anybody could act worthily against his own nature.

Motif References:

GvSTr-11649: Isot and the ladies unused to voyaging about the seas soon are in distress. Tristan gives orders to put to shore and rest. Most of them go ashore, Tristan however joins the lady to pass the time with her. When they sit discussing various matters Tristan calls for something to drink. There are only some very young ladies-in-waiting in the cabin and one of them hands to Tristan the love-philtre which she mistakes for wine. They drink both of it and think it is wine. When Brangaene comes in and sees what has happened, she turns pale, then seizes the flask and throws it into the sea. She starts lamenting for she knows that this draught will be Tristan’s and Isot’s death.

Motif References:

D 1355.2 Magic love-philtre

GvSTr-11711: When Tristan and Isot have drunk the potion in an instant Love enters their hearts. Isot’s hatred is gone. Yet they hide their feelings from each other. Tristan keeps striving against his own wishes remembering loyalty and honor. Love is his liege lady whom his father served before him and Love makes him suffer more than Honor and Loyalty combined. And Isot too succumbs to love though she strives against it. Love for the man and Modesty who chases her eyes from him bring her into confusion. Isot gives up her struggle and resigns herself to Love and to Tristan. Tristan too begins to cede. They come together whenever there is an occasion and seem to each other fairer than before. Such is Love’s law and love that increases makes lovers fairer than at first.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
T 10 Falling in love
T 21 Mutual love through accidental drinking of love philtre
D 1355.2 Magic love-philtre

GvSTr-11879: The ship puts out to sea again. Tristan and Isot are tormented by their love and frequently blush and blanch in swift succession. They become aware of their love and they watch for time and opportunity for conversations. They talk much to each other. Isot reminds Tristan of all that has happened: how he came to Ireland and was healed by her mother, how he taught her the whole art of writing, and Latin and stringed instruments. She recalls his exploit and how she recognized him. She says that she would have killed him in his bath had she known then what she knows now. He asks her what is vexing her and she tells him "lameir" distresses her. Tristan examines the meaning of the word which means “love” as well as “bitter” and “the sea”. Yet he discusses only “sea” and “bitter” and asks her if the sea is troubling her which she denies. Then he discovers that love distresses her and declares that it distresses him as well. They become more and more intimate with only Brangaene getting aware that they are about to fall in love. They are so lost in thought that they neglect eating and their bodies show their misery.

Motif References:

T 10 Falling in love
T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love
T 24.1 Love-sickness
T 57 Declaration of love

GvSTr-12082: One day Brangaene asks Tristan and Isot about their silent grief. Tristan makes her promise to be gracious to them and then tells her that love is tormenting them. Yet because of her they cannot meet. He asks her to help them. Rather than let them die Brangaene will allow them opportunity to meet. But she advises to refrain from this if they could and to keep it secret. That night the physician Love heals her patients Tristan and Isot by giving them to each other as a remedy. The author considers the marvels of sincere love which are no more to be found.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
P 361 Faithful servant [vassal]

GvSTr-12362: Tristan and Isolde pass the voyage in a life of rapture from love yet they are haunted by fear of the future. That Isot is to be given to a man against her will and her lost virginity torments them. When they have sailed near to Cornwall to make out the land all are delighted except Tristan and Isot. They can not think what to do to keep the king in ignorance that Isot is a maiden no longer. Isot devises the ruse to ask Brangaene to lie at Marke’s side during the first night and the lovers implore the girl till she promises to do it. But she promises it most reluctantly and turns red and pale at the strange request. Then she discloses to Isot that all this sorrow has come upon them because of her carelessness and tells her about the love-philtre. Tristan now is pressed hard by Honor and Loyalty obliging him to bring Marke his wife.

Motif References:

T 89 Tragic love - miscellaneous motifs
P 361 Faithful servant [vassal]
T 400 Illicit sexual relations
K 1843.1 Bride has maid sleep in husband’s bed to conceal pregnancy [lost virginity].

GvSTr-12531: Tristan sends messengers to the king with news of how things have gone. Marke sends messengers to assemble his knights and the natives and the strangers are given a friendly welcome. The king then summons his barons to come to court within eighteen days for his wedding. Many knights and ladies arrive there and they are very impressed by Isot’s beauty. They are settled in wedlock and Isot receives Cornwall and England which Tristan should inherit if she would bear no child. Tristan and Isot and Brangaene have made their plan of action wisely for the wedding night. Brangaene and the queen have exchanged their clothes and Tristan leads her towards the king. Isot puts out the lights and Brangaene does duty for Isot at Marke’s side. Isot is in great fear that Brangaene might be unfaithful to her. But Brangaene soon leaves and Isot takes her place. The king asks for wine, as it is the custom if a man has lain with a virgin, and Tristan brings lights and wine. When they both have drunk they lie down together. To the king one woman is as another.

Motif References:

P 17.16 (Bm) Nephew as heir.
P 18 Marriage of kings
P 361 Faithful servant [vassal]
K 1843.1 Bride has maid sleep in husband’s bed to conceal pregnancy [lost virginity].

GvSTr-12679: Isot is greatly loved by the king and praised by the people. The lovers have their joy for nobody has any suspicion and the queen is in Tristan’s keeping. Isot however lives in fear for she dreads scandal because of Brangaene who perhaps loving the king might disclose her secret to him. She therefore hires two foreign squires and makes them swear an oath to perform whatever she asked and to keep it a secret. Then she orders them to take the girl along with them to a forest and to cut off her head. They should take note of all she says and report it to her. As a proof they should bring her the girl’s tongue. She promises to knight them the next day, to enfeoff them and make them gifts as long as she lives. When this is confirmed she tells Brangaene that she has a headache and asks her to fetch some herbs. Brangaene rides off with the two squires.

Motif References:

H 105.2 Tongue [liver] as proof that man [woman] has been murdered.
K 1843.0.1 (Bm) Substituted bride to be slain to dispose of witness.

GvSTr-12768: The squires lead Brangaene deep into the forest and then draw their swords to kill her. Brangaene cries for mercy and asks them why they are about to kill her. They tell her that she wronged the queen. Brangaene says she never did anything to displease her unless one thing: when they sailed from Ireland they both had two shifts as white as snow. Out at sea it grew so hot that the queen put on her pure white shift and soiled it. When she married the king her sheet was no longer presentable and so Brangaene lent her her own after first refusing, which is the only offense she can think of. The squires take pity and agree to let her live. They bind her high up in a tree so that she might be safe from the wolves, then cut off the tongue of one of their dogs and ride off.

Motif References:

H 105.2 Tongue [liver] as proof that man [woman] has been murdered.
Z 142 Symbolic color: white
P 361 Faithful servant [vassal]
K 512.2 Compassionate executioner: substituted heart [liver].
H 1556 Tests of fidelity [loyalty]
K 1843.0.1 (Bm) Substituted bride to be slain to dispose of witness.

GvSTr-12876: They tell the queen that they have murdered the girl and declare that they have got her tongue as proof. At her question they repeat Brangaene’s story to her. On hearing this Isot accuses them of having murdered the girl she entrusted to them to escort her. If they would not give her back she will have them killed. The squires reply that Brangaene is still alive. Isot keeps one of them with her while the other rides to fetch the girl. When Brangaene has been brought back to Isot she takes her in her arms and kisses her. The two squires are given twenty marks of gold as a reward on condition that they keep the matter secret.

Motif References:

H 105.2 Tongue [liver] as proof that man [woman] has been murdered.
P 614 (Bm) Bribes

GvSTr-12939: Now that Isot has found Brangaene loyal and constant, they are deeply devoted to each other in love. Brangaene is praised by the court and is the counselor of the king and the queen. She serves Isot well with regard to her lover Tristan and nobody grows suspicious. The lovers communicate by tender glances in the crowd without danger of observation and they often embroider their public conversation with emotive words. None conceives the true nature of their perfect amity which all think inspired by the close kinship between Marke and Tristan. Thus the lovers cheat the whole court. Tristan and Isot pass their time both in joy and in sorrow and they keep their secret well.

Motif References:

T 41 Communication of lovers
P 361 Faithful servant [vassal]
T 481 Adultery
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper

GvSTr-13101: Tristan spends much of his time at fighting and tournaments and passes his leisure days in hunting. One day a ship lands in Cornwall and a noble Irish baron by the name of Gandin comes to Marke’s court. He is courteous and handsome, rich and valiant. Gandin who is elegantly dressed rides up to the palace alone and unarmed. On his back he carries a small rote which is preciously decorated. He dismounts and greets the king and the queen. Gandin has been Isot’s knight and he came from Ireland for her sake. Marke honors the knight at his best. No one can make Gandin lay aside his rote even when they are having their meal. After dinner Marke asks the stranger to let them hear him play. Gandin will only play if the king promises to give him any reward he would ask for and the king agrees. When he has played two lays for them Gandin asks for Isot as reward which the king refuses. The stranger reminds him of his promise but offers to defend his claim in single combat against whomsoever or the king himself. Since Gandin is very strong neither Marke nor anyone else is willing to fight him.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
Q 115.1 Reward: any boon that may be asked - king’s wife demanded.
M 223 Blind promise (rash boon)

GvSTr-13258: Tristan has been riding out hunting in the forest and on his way back he learns that Isot has been surrendered to Gandin. The stranger has taken the queen, who is much in distress, to his magnificent pavilion at the landing-place where they wait till the tide should get his ship afloat. When Tristan comes back home he mounts his horse, takes his harp and rides to the port. He leaves his sword and horse behind and hastens to the tent with only his harp. Gandin who is trying to console Isot greets him and Tristan says he is from Ireland too and asks Gandin to take him home with him. Gandin promises to do so and begs Tristan to play for them. If he consoles the lady he will give him fine clothes as reward.

Motif References:

R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted
J 1510 The cheater cheated
K 1817.3 Disguise as harper (minstrel)

GvSTr-13323: Tristan plays so beautifully that Isot leaves her weeping and thinks only of her lover. When he has ended the ship has come afloat. Yet Gandin asks Tristan to play the lay of Dido. When the lay is over the ship can only be reached by horse. Tristan receives the gift of clothes and fetches his horse. Gandin finally agrees to hand up the queen to him. Then he gallops a short distance away which annoys Gandin. Tristan identifies and says that he thus duped the deceiver in return. Tristan rides away with Isot and brings her back to his uncle. Gandin sails back to Ireland in sorrow and shame. Tristan says to Marke that it was a great folly on his part to give away the queen so easily and that he should guard her better in future.

Motif References:

R 161.1 Lover rescues his lady from abductor.
J 1510 The cheater cheated
K 1817.3 Disguise as harper (minstrel)

GvSTr-13455: Tristan is more praised than ever at court and in the country. He has a companion by the name of Marjodo who is a noble baron and vassal of the king and his steward-in-chief. Being secretly in love with the queen he seeks Tristan’s friendship and they share their lodgings. One night, when Marjodo is asleep Tristan sneaks away to meet the queen. The path is covered with snow and the moon is shining brightly. When Tristan has entered the room Brangaene puts a chess-board in front of the light, but she overlooks to close the door.

Motif References:

P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
P 310 Friendship

GvSTr-13515: Meanwhile the steward sees in his dream a boar running from the forest to the king’s court. None of the knights dares to face him and he breaks through the doors of Marke’s chamber, tosses the king’s bed and fouls the linen with his foam. Marke’s knights witness all this but no one interferes. Marjodo wakes up and wants to tell the dream to Tristan. But he finds nobody and suspicious of some secret of his companion he gets up and looks out the door where he sees Tristan’s footsteps. He follows these tracks and comes to the chamber door which he finds open. At first he thinks Tristan might have got in for the sake of some lady-in-waiting but then he suspects he was there to meet the queen. He steals in and overhears the lovers. His love for Isot turns into hatred and anger. Only his fear of Tristan restrains him from divulging the affair immediately and he returns to his chamber.

Motif References:

Z 100 Symbolism
K 1271 Amorous intrigue observed and exposed
D 1810.8.2 Information received through dream.
K 2242 Treacherous steward
K 2297 Treacherous friend

GvSTr-13624: Soon Tristan returns too and they both keep silent which has not happened before. From this estrangement Tristan can tell that Marjodo has some suspicion and keeps a closer watch to his speech and behavior. But it is too late. The jealous steward tells the king of some rumor at court concerning Tristan and Isot and that he should seek advice as to what to do about it for it compromised his honor. Although artless Marke is reluctant to suspect his wife nevertheless keeps a close watch on Tristan and Isot. Tristan however has informed Isot of the steward’s suspicions and the lovers are on their guard.

Motif References:

W 181 Jealousy
K 2242 Treacherous steward
K 2297 Treacherous friend

GvSTr-13677: One night Marke sets a snare for Isot: He pretends to mean to go on a pilgrimage and asks her in whose care she wished to be meanwhile. She tells him that he should leave her and the land in Tristan’s care which makes Marke very suspicious and he watches her closer than ever. He talks the matter over with the steward and he advises him not to let his nephew stay near her. Marke is deeply angered by the whole affair. Isot is very happy and tells Brangaene about Marke’s pilgrimage and his question. Brangaene sees clearly that this has been a trap set by the steward. She then advises her lady what to say to counter such intrigues. Meanwhile Marke is tormented by his suspicion towards his wife and his nephew. The author considers the harm done to love by doubt and suspicion.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love]
H 492 Test of faithfulness of husband and wife.
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
J 1111.6 Clever maidservant.
K 1550 Husband outwits adulteress and paramour
H 1556.4 Fidelity in love tested

GvSTr-13857: One night Marke wants to question Isot further as he and Marjodo have plotted it. The queen however following Brangaene’s instructions catches the king in the snare he sets for her. When he deplores of having to leave her to go on his pilgrimage she says that she did not take this news seriously at first. But now seeing that he really means it it gives her great distress. She starts weeping and lamenting so bitterly that the king forgets all about his doubts. Women can weep for no reason at all and as often as they please. He asks her about her grief and says that she will be in Tristan’s good care while he is away. Isot replies that Tristan is only flattering her; because having slain her uncle he has good reason to fear her hatred. She only pretended friendship towards Tristan for the sake of her husband. Isot insists on accompanying Marke on his travels. Thus Isot manages to rid her husband of his doubts. Marke tells the steward what she has said and the Marjodo advises him to test her once more.

Motif References:

H 492 Test of faithfulness of husband and wife.
K 1510 Adulteress outwits husband
K 1534.1 Queen deceives king by telling him her lover is her enemy.
H 1556.4 Fidelity in love tested
J 2301 Gullible husbands

GvSTr-14031: At night Marke informs his wife that he has to go abroad and she must remain to guard the kingdom. She should send away whoever annoys her and Marke will dismiss Tristan because she does not like him. Isot thanks him for this but keeps him from sending Tristan back to Parmenie because of her. This would harm his honor and furthermore Tristan is the only man able to guard the two kingdoms during his absence. Marke’s suspicion is renewed by her answer. When Isot tells Brangaene about her conversation with the king she is very sorry about it and tells her once more what to say.

Motif References:

H 492 Test of faithfulness of husband and wife.
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
J 1111.6 Clever maidservant.
K 1550 Husband outwits adulteress and paramour
H 1556.4 Fidelity in love tested

GvSTr-14160: At night Isot asks Marke if he was serious about sending Tristan away. She says that Tristan could easily deprive her of lands and title if Marke were befallen by some accident on his journey. Marke should banish his nephew or arrange for him to travel with him and leave her in the care of Marjodo. She would however prefer to go with her husband. The lands should be left in care of whoever is willing. The king abandons his suspicions once again and judges the queen completely innocent whereas he thinks the steward a liar.

Motif References:

K 1510 Adulteress outwits husband
K 1534.1 Queen deceives king by telling him her lover is her enemy.
J 2301 Gullible husbands

GvSTr-14239: There is a dwarf at court by name Melot le petit of Aquitaine (Melot petit of Aquitan), who has some skill in astrology and is cunning, artful and eloquent. Melot is one of the king’s familiars and has admittance to the queen’s apartments. Marjodo conspires with the dwarf to watch Tristan and the queen. Melot soon has ascertained that they are lovers and tells Marke about it. Marke, Melot and Marjodo settle on the ruse to reveal the truth by forbidding Tristan court. The king tells Tristan to avoid meeting the ladies since the court were busy with some rumor that could cause the queen and himself scandal. Tristan complies with Marke’s wishes. The lovers suffer sorrow from Marke’s suspicion as well as from their separation.

Motif References:

T 24.1 Love-sickness
F 451.8.2 Proper names for dwarfs
F 451.3.12 Dwarfs are intelligent.
F 451.5.2 Malevolent dwarf
K 1271 Amorous intrigue observed and exposed
K 1550 Husband outwits adulteress and paramour
K 2277 Treacherous dwarf.

GvSTr-14348: Marke discerns their suffering at once and arranges a hunt to test them. He has it announced that he would be out hunting for twenty days and takes leave from the queen. He charges the dwarf to spread his intrigues round the lovers’ secret doings. Then Marke leaves with great clamor. Tristan pretends to be ill and stays at home. Brangaene goes to see him and they lament about their situation. Tristan asks the maiden for advice.

Motif References:

K 1271 Amorous intrigue observed and exposed
K 1552 Ruse to catch adulteress - husband pretends to leave; others remain close by.
K 1818 Disguise as sick man

GvSTr-14402: Brangaene tells him when he sees his chance he should take a twig of olive, cut some slivers lengthwise and engrave them with the initials of their names. Then he should go in the orchard and throw a shaving into the brook which flows to the ladies’ apartments. From the shadow of the olive-tree he should watch and wait for his lady. Tristan thanks her for this advice and Brangaene leaves. Without delay Tristan follows Brangaene’s advice, cuts the slivers and throws them into the brook. Thus Tristan and Isot meet in the shadow of the tree eight times in eight days without anyone getting aware of it. But one night Melot catches sight of Tristan going this way and follows him. He sees that Tristan meets a lady, but cannot say who she is. The next day before noon Melot goes to Tristan and pretends that he has been sent by the queen with a message: Tristan should meet her at the usual place and at the hour at which he is accustomed to come. Tristan however does not believe the dwarf’s words and tells him angrily to be off.

Motif References:

H 35.4 Recognition by unique manner of carving chips.
T 35.1 Fountain as lovers’ rendezvous.
T 41.3 Lover’s signal
H 135.0.1 (Bm) Love messages on slips of wood sent downstream.
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
J 1111.6 Clever maidservant.

GvSTr-14587: Melot rides to the forest and informs the king of what he found out. The king rides back with him to spy on the lovers. Failing to find any cover in the orchard they climb into the foliage of an olive-tree. When night comes Tristan steals out and sends his message to Isot by their appointed signal floating along. While Tristan is waiting for Isot under the olive-tree he notices Marke’s and Melot’s shadows for the moon is shining brightly. Tristan prays to God to have them both in his keeping and make Isot somehow aware of this ambush.

Motif References:

T 41.3 Lover’s signal
K 1551 Husband returns home secretly and spies on adulteress and paramour

GvSTr-14661: Meanwhile Brangaene has noticed Tristan’s message-bearing shavings and Isot has read them. She rushes to the tree. Tristan however does not come to meet her as he usually does and when Isot approaches the tree she notices the three shadows instead of one. From this and from Tristan’s strange behavior she detects the trap. So she halts some way off and pretends to wonder that he expected her to talk to him at this time of night and that she would not have come had Brangaene not insisted. She reminds him of the rumors about them and swears that she never loved any man but him who had her maidenhood. She only shows honor to him because he is dear and near to her husband. Tristan stresses their innocence as well and laments that because of evil rumors they have lost the king’s favor. He begs the queen to make her husband hide the animosity which he bears without cause for just one week. Tristan then will leave court and there would be gossip if he left court in the king’s disfavor. Isot deplores of the king’s ungraciousness towards her without any cause and she once again stresses the fact that she is Tristan’s enemy. Yet she will further his suit as best she can. Then they take leave from one another.

Motif References:

M 105 Equivocal oaths
K 475 Cheating through equivocation
K 1510 Adulteress outwits husband
K 1513 The wife’s equivocal oath.
K 1533 Gullible husband behind the tree. (Tristan and Isolt.) Husband goes to wife ‘s love tryst and hides behind a tree. The wife, having learned of his presence, tells lover that he should not allow their innocent relations to lead to gossip. Husband is appeased
K 1534 Queen deceives king by unfriendly conversation with lover.
K 1551 Husband returns home secretly and spies on adulteress and paramour
K 2319 Deception by equivocation - miscellaneous

GvSTr-14920: Marke is deeply distressed for having suspected his wife and nephew and accuses the dwarf of deceiving him and slandering his wife. They descend from the tree and ride back to the hunt. Next morning Marke leaves the hunt behind and returns to court. When he inquires about Tristan Isot tells him that he is in pain. Brangaene brought a message from him to her begging her to make Marke moderate his harshness toward him the coming week to allow him to leave court with honor. The king says that he learnt of Tristan’s complete innocence and that the queen should settle their quarrel. She says he would soon resume his suspicions. The king however vows that he would never again suspect his nephew or Isot. Tristan is summoned and suspicion buried. Isot is entrusted to Tristan’s keeping with all due form and he guards and advises her in every way. The lovers enjoy a pleasant life again.

Motif References:

K 1510 Adulteress outwits husband
J 2301 Gullible husbands

GvSTr-15051: The author stresses the danger coming from false friendship. Melot and Marjodo feign friendship towards Tristan but he is on the alert and he warns Isot in turn. Like snake and dog Melot and Marjodo are always laying their traps for the lovers. They keep working upon Marke with accusations till he begins to suspect the lovers once more.

Motif References:

K 2297 Treacherous friend

GvSTr-15121: One day on the advice of his false counselors the king has himself bled and Tristan and Isot too. The lovers have no suspicion. On the evening of the following day when Marke has gone to bed only Marke, Isot, Tristan, Brangaene and one young lady-in-waiting are in the chamber. Marke and Melot get up to go to church. Before they leave Melot sprinkles some flour on the floor so that anyone stepping to or away from the bed could be traced. Brangaene who has seen the stratagem warns Tristan. Love-blind Tristan leaps on to Isot’s bed yet his vein opens and his blood stains the bed. He leaps back to his bed and lies till dawn. Marke comes back and finds no traces on the floor but sees Isot’s bed completely soiled with blood. At his question she says that her vein opened and just stopped bleeding. Examining Tristan’s bed Marke finds blood there as well. His doubts and suspicions are renewed. Having found guilty traces in the bed but not on the floor he does not know what he should believe or what to do.

Motif References:

N 386 Lover’s wound breaks while he is in bed with mistress. He bleeds to death
T 475.3 (Bm) Bloodstain as proof of illicit romance.
J 1146 Detection by strewing ashes (sand) [flour]: lover leaves footprint.
K 2242 Treacherous steward
K 2277 Treacherous dwarf.
K 2297 Treacherous friend

GvSTr-15271: Marke summons his nobles and tells them his troubles due to the rumor at court. He declares that he will not show favor to the queen till she has publicly vindicated her innocence and asks them for advice. The nobles advise him to hold a council at London (Lunders) in England and make known his troubles to the clergy. The council is called to meet after Whitsun week. Marke and Isot are both in great fear, Isot for her life and honor, Marke for his reputation and happiness. Marke complains to his nobles of the slander and asks them for advice how to settle the issue. Many give their views. Then the old and wise Bishop of the Thames (Thamise) gives his advice: There have been allegations made against Tristan and the Queen who yet have not been proved guilty by any sort of evidence. These allegations have been gossiped about. The king should summon the Queen to have her questioned about the matter in the presence of the council.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
P 510 Law courts

GvSTr-15426: Isot is sent for and the bishop as the king’s spokesman asks her to account for the suspicions. Isot answers that no one is so blessed as to have no vices attributed to him and she is not surprised that she is the victim of such talk. Moreover she is far from home and has no friends and relations in this country. She asks the Bishop for advice how she could prove her innocence. The king replies that he wants to leave it there and that she only should give surety by the ordeal of the red-hot iron. Isold complies and promises to submit to their judgment in six weeks in Carleon (Karliune). Then the king and the council withdraw.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
H 221.2 Ordeal by hot iron
H 412.4.1 Chastity ordeal: holding hot iron
J 1160 Clever pleading

GvSTr-15538: Isot is harassed by fears for her honor and sorrows how to whitewash her falseness. With prayer and fasting she commends her anxiety to Christ. Meanwhile she has thought about a ruse. She writes and sends a letter to Tristan telling him to come to Carleon early on the appointed day and wait for her on the shore. Tristan disguises as a pilgrim, stains his face, disfigures his body and clothes and comes to meet her. When the royal couple lands the queen recognizes him at once. Isot commands that the pilgrim should carry her across from the ship to the harbor for at such a time she would not be carried by a knight. While Tristan is carrying Isot to land she whispers to him that he should tumble to the ground with her which he duly does. He falls so that he rests lying in the queen’s arms. Isot keeps the attendants from punishing the “pilgrim” and they all praise her for it. Isot says that now the cannot maintain that no man other than Marke lay in her arms.

Motif References:

K 1510 Adulteress outwits husband
K 1817.2 Disguise as palmer (pilgrim)

GvSTr-15634: They set out to Carleon where a great crowd of priests, nobles and commoners has gathered. The iron is laid in the fire. The queen has given away all her silver and gold, her jewelry, her clothes and palfreys to win God’s favor. Isot hears mass in the church. She wears a rough hair-shirt and a short woolen robe. Her sleeves are folded back to the elbow and her arms and feet are bare. Then the reliquary is brought and Isot stretches out her hand to take the oath upon the relics. They have a discussion as to what her oath should be. The queen finally proposes her oath to the king: that no man in the world had carnal knowledge of her or lay in her arms or beside her than the king and the poor pilgrim. The king agrees to her oath and orders her to take the iron. Isot carries it without being burnt. Thus it is confirmed that Christ is pliant as a windblown sleeve. He is just as one would have Him. By this ordeal Isot redeems her honor and is again much beloved of her husband and praised and esteemed among the people. The king has set aside his doubts and suspicions once more.

Motif References:

M 105 Equivocal oaths
M 110 Taking of vows and oaths
M 114.4 Swearing on sacred relics
V 140 Sacred relics
H 221.2 Ordeal by hot iron
H 412.4.1 Chastity ordeal: holding hot iron
K 475 Cheating through equivocation
P 510 Law courts
V 530 Pilgrimages
K 550.1 Escape by equivocal oath.
K 1513 The wife’s equivocal oath.
K 2310 Deception by equivocation

GvSTr-15769: When Tristan has carried Isot ashore and done as she had asked him he sails from England to Duke Gilan in Swales. Gilan is a young and wealthy man and unmarried. Tristan is very welcome to him since he heard a great deal about his exploits and he is eager to please his guest. One day as Tristan sits beside him lost in sad thoughts he sighs unwittingly. Gilan notices it and sends for his little dog Petitcriu which has been sent to him from Avalon (Avelun) by a fairy woman as a token of love. A rich and wonderful cover is spread on the table with a tiny dog upon it. The dog is shining in so many colors that one cannot tell what color it has: the breast is snow-white, the loins are green, one flank is red, the other yellow, underneath it is azure and above purple, a mixture of green, red, white, black, yellow and blue. Round the dog’s neck goes a chain of gold with a bell so sweet that its music drives away Tristan’s sorrows. Tristan is filled with wonder by the dog’s coat and the bell’s music. When he strokes the dog its coat seems to him like the finest silk. The dog neither growls nor barks, and shows no sign of anger whatever games one plays with it. It neither eats nor drinks. When Petitcriu has been carried out again, Tristan’s grief returns. He starts thinking about how he might obtain the little dog for his lady to soothe her grief.

Motif References:

B 182.1 Magic dog
F 241.6 Fairy dogs
B 731.6.0.1 Polychromatic dogs
D 812 Magic object received from supernatural being.
D 1359.3.1.3 Grief dispelled by sound of bell attached to magic fairy dog.

GvSTr-15919: Near the land of Swales lives a giant called Urgan li vilus who has his dwelling on the bank of a river. Gilan and his land are subject to the giant and have to pay him tribute in order to live free of molestation. These days Urgan has arrived and taken cattle, sheep and pigs as his tribute. Gilan tells Tristan how this tribute has first been imposed on them. Tristan asks what he will receive as reward if he would rid them of this trouble. Gilan promises to give him anything he would fancy.

Motif References:

Q 115 Reward: any boon that may be asked
F 531.5 Giants and men
P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]

GvSTr-15962: Tristan sends for his horse and armor and asks to be shown the way which the giant returns with his booty. They direct him to a wild forest. Tristan gets ahead of him and bars the way of the herds at a bridge the giant has to cross. Urgan turns toward the bridge with his long pole of steel and when he sees the knight before the bridge he addresses him scornfully. He asks his name and swears that this will cost him his life. Tristan names himself and says the giant will not get any farther with his booty. The giant is well informed of Tristan’s exploits against Morolt and Gandin but says that he will not be an easy match. Then he swings the pole to throw it at Tristan but the knight swerves aside and escapes, his horse is cut in two. The giant mocks at Tristan. The knight however wounds Urgan in one eye, then cuts off his hand and gives him a second blow on the thigh. Urgan then chases Tristan beneath the trees. The giant’s wound however bleeds so heavily that he fears for his strength, leaves his adversary, picks up his hand and returns to his stronghold.

Motif References:

G 511 Ogre blinded.
F 531.4.5.2 Giant with iron bar as weapon
H 1561.6 Test of valor: fight with giant [warrior, dwarf-hero, dragon etc.]

GvSTr-16078: Tristan stays in the forest with the booty. Reflecting that he has no other proof of his exploit than the stolen tribute he immediately makes after Urgan. When he comes to the castle he finds neither the giant nor any living person. Urgan has left his hand on the table and run down the hill to find some herbs to treat his wound. He knows that he can keep his hand if he manages to join it to his arm in good time before it is quite dead. Yet Tristan sees the hand and he takes it with him. When Urgan comes back he perceives that he has lost his hand and pursues Tristan who quickly hides the hand beneath a tree-trunk. Tristan makes for the bridge and meets the giant with his spear. Urgan strikes back with his pole, but overshoots the mark. Tristan then pierces the giant’s other eye. The blinded man lashes out fiercely and Tristan runs to cover out of range. When Urgan steps near to the end of the bridge Tristan races up to him and throws him down to his death.

Motif References:

G 511 Ogre blinded.
F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
F 628.2.3 Strong man kills giant
D 1518.2 Root restores amputated hands and feet.
H 1561.6 Test of valor: fight with giant [warrior, dwarf-hero, dragon etc.]

GvSTr-16179: Tristan takes Urgan’s hand and goes to meet Gilan. The duke regrets that Tristan has taken upon himself this fight for he thinks the giant would kill him. When he sees Tristan coming he is overjoyed. Tristan shows him the hand and tells him about the fight. They ride back to the bridge and find the dead giant. There is great rejoicing in the land and Tristan is much praised. When they have arrived back home Tristan reminds the duke of his promise and asks for the fairy dog as reward. Gilan offers him his sister and half of his possessions but Tristan insists on being given Petitcriu. Although Gilan would prefer to give him anything else but the dog he eventually gives in thus keeping his promise.

Motif References:

Q 10.1 (Bm) Reward for saving land from giant.
Q 196.1 (Bm) Marvelous dog as reward.
Z 201.3 (Bm) Hero’s famous dog- Tristan‘s Peticrome
D 810 Magic object a gift
D 855 Magic object acquired as reward.

GvSTr-16267: When Tristan has won the dog he feels very happy and sends a Welsh minstrel with the dog to Isot to give her back her happiness. He hides Petitcriu in the minstrel’s rote and writes a letter to Isot telling her how he acquired the dog for love of her. The minstrel arrives at Marke’s castle in Tintagel and hands the dog and letter to Brangaene who gives it to Isot. The queen rewards the minstrel and dispatches by him a letter in which she tells Tristan to return for she has brought about the reconciliation with Marke. Tristan returns without delay. The king and his court and the people hold him in high esteem as before. Yet Marjodo and Melot only honor him on the outside of their hearts.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
T 41 Communication of lovers
P 428 Musician

GvSTr-16337: Isot tells the king that the little dog has been sent by her mother from Ireland with the instruction to make him a delightful little house of gold and precious things. Inside they spread a rich brocade for him to lie on. Petitcriu is with Isot wherever she is or rides. But she breaks off the bell which made her forget her sorrow for she will not rejoice while her lover’s heart can find no ease. From this the bell loses its virtue and never sounds with its old music and never again quenches sorrow. Faithful Isot has surrendered her joy to the sadness of love and to Tristan.

Motif References:

H 1556.4 Fidelity in love tested
D 1741 Magic powers lost

GvSTr-16407: Once more Tristan and Isot are happy at court and are as intimate again as ever. They hide their feelings thoroughly. Yet once more suspicion rises about Tristan and Isot. However great their fears they have not the power to refrain from many a tender look. Marke secretly reads the truth in their eyes for he keeps always watching them. Pain and anger robs him of his reason and he summons the lovers to court before the household. He addresses Isot publicly saying that he is well aware of her love for Tristan and that he will bear no longer the shame and the grief. But he will not harm them in any way because he loves them both. They should take each other by the hand and leave Marke’s court and country. He will not have this companionship of love any more which means shame to him.

Motif References:

Q 241 Adultery punished
Q 431.8 Banishment as punishment for adultery
K 1271 Amorous intrigue observed and exposed

GvSTr-16625: The lovers leave court, they ask Brangaene to remain at court until she should have news from them. Tristan takes twenty marks of gold of Isot’s store for him and Isot. He takes his harp, his sword, his hunting-bow and his horn with him on the journey as well as one of his hounds, called Hiudan. He tells his followers to return to Rual, only Kurvenal should remain with him. Then the three of them ride from the court. Brangaene remains in great grief. They leave her with Marke and tell her to stay so that she might bring about a reconciliation.

Motif References:

Q 241 Adultery punished
Q 431.8 Banishment as punishment for adultery

GvSTr-16683: The three of them make for the wilderness, journeying for two days. Tristan has long known of a cavern in a mountainside on which he has chanced while there out hunting in the forest. The cavern was hewn into the mountain in heathen times before Corynaeus’s (Corineis) days when giants ruled there. They used to hide inside when they needed privacy and desired to make love. Wherever such a cavern was found they barred it by a door of bronze and it was dedicated to Love. Its name was “La fossiure a la gent amant” (la fossiur’ a la gent amant), which means “The cave of Lovers”. The cave is round, broad, high and perpendicular, snow-white, smooth and even. The vault is finely keyed and on the keystone there is a crown beautifully adorned with goldsmiths’ work and decorated with precious jewels. The pavement is of shining marble, as green as grass. At the center there is a bed cut from crystal, broad, high well raised from the ground and engraved along its sides with letters announcing that the bed is dedicated to the Goddess of Love. In the upper part of the cave some small windows are hewn out to let in the light.

Motif References:

R 315.1 Cave as eloping lovers’ refuge.
F 531.6.6 Giants as builders of great structures
F 757 Extraordinary cave

GvSTr-16732: The cave has a door of bronze. Outside above the door there are three lime trees but beyond them not a single one. Everywhere downhill there stand innumerable trees and somewhat apart on a plain there flows a spring, which is cool, fresh and clear. Above it there stand three lime trees sheltering the spring from sun and rain. Bright flowers and green grass are striving to outshine each other. The sweet singing of birds is to be heard and their music is lovely. There is shade and sunshine, air and breezes. Away from the mountain and its cave for a day’s journey there are only rocks and wilderness without any paths. Tristan and Isot make their abode in the mountain-cave.

Motif References:

R 315.1 Cave as eloping lovers’ refuge.
F 756.2 Plain that is earthly paradise [locus amoenus]
F 757 Extraordinary cave

GvSTr-16777: When they have taken up their quarters they send Kurvenal back to put it out at court that Tristan and Isot have arrived in Ireland in order to proclaim their innocence. Kurvenal is to take up residence at court and assure Brangaene of their friendship. Further he should find out whether Marke might be plotting against their lives and in that case inform them. They beg him to return with news once every twenty days. While they live in the wilderness Tristan and Isot nourish themselves by looking at each other, they feed on love and desire. They are not troubled that they should be alone in the wilds without company - they make an even number. They are living in a paradise: their loyal household are the lime, the sunshine and the shade, the spring, the flowers, grass, blossoms and leaves, their servants all sorts of birds which serve them with their singing. Their feast is Love bringing to them the homage of King Arthur’s Round Table and all its company a thousand times a day.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
Z 100 Symbolism
R 315.1 Cave as eloping lovers’ refuge.
F 756.2 Plain that is earthly paradise [locus amoenus]
F 851 Extraordinary food

GvSTr-16927: The cave is constructed in the rock on account of some hidden significance. The roundness of the cave betokens Love’s Simplicity (einvalte): Love must be without cunning or treachery. Breadth signifies Love’s Power (craft), which is without end. Height is Aspiration (hôher muot) which mounts up and up to where the preciously adorned Crown of the Virtues (tugende gôz) gathers the vault to the keystone. The Virtues encrusted with precious stones, inlaid in filigree of gold and adorned with praise that people of lower aspiration gaze at them and marvel. From this grow the feathers by which the spirit takes wing and flying brings forth praise and soars in pursuit of those Virtues. The wall is white, smooth and even, which signifies Integrity (durnähte reht) without any Suspicion (arcwân). The green and firm marble floor means Constancy (staete). Love should be transparent and translucent like the crystal bed dedicated to Love.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
Z 100 Symbolism

GvSTr-16989: On the inside, across the door of bronze, there run two bars and there is a latch let through the wall which is governed by a lever passing from the outside to the inside. There is neither lock nor key to it: any device which one applies to a door on the outside to open or to shut it betokens Treachery. When anyone enters at Love’s door who is not admitted from within this is not Love but either Deceit or Force. Love’s gate is there to prevent it and no tool but Love can open the door of bronze. Within two bars, one of cedar and the other of ivory are turned towards each other on either side. The bar of cedar betokens the Discretion and Understanding (wîsheit, sinne) of Love, the other of ivory means her Purity and Modesty (kiusche, reine). The house of Love is guarded by these two seals and Deceit and Force locked out. The lever let into the latch from without is a spindle of tin, the latch is of gold: tin means Firm Intent for intimate dealings (guote andaht ze tougenlîchen dingen), gold stands for Success (linge). Any man can guide his Intent to his pleasures as is the case with tin. But if a man can strive for Love with a true will this lever of tin will carry him on to golden success.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
Z 100 Symbolism

GvSTr-17062: Overhead there are three little windows hewn through the solid rock into the cave: the first stands for Kindness (güete), the second for Humility (diemüete), the third for Breeding (zuht). Through these three the light of Honor (ere) shines in. That the cave is secluded in the wilderness means that Love and her concerns are not assigned to the streets or to the open country, but hidden away in the wilds and can only be reached by following dangerous tracks obstructed with rocks up and down through the mountains. Whoever is so blessed to reach the cave will find his heart’s delight there. The author knows this well for he has been there and has seen all of it in detail. He has known it since he was eleven yet he never was in Cornwall.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
Z 100 Symbolism

GvSTr-17143: Tristan and his mistress have a joyful life in their wilderness, strolling through the meadow talking and listening to the singing of the birds and to the murmur of the spring. When the sun climbs and the heat increases they withdraw into the shade of the lime tree. There they sit together and tell love-tales of those who died from love in days gone by: of Phyllis of Thrace, of Canace, of Byblis who died broken-hearted for her brother’s love, of unhappy Dido queen of Tyrus and Sidon. In their refuge they play their harp and sing in turn, perform amorous lays, and the music echoes in the cave very sweetly. With these lovers the cave has met its true purpose and its perfect inhabitants. By day they ride out into the wilderness hunting wildfowl and game and sometimes chase the red deer with Hiudan their hound whom Tristan trained soon to run on the scent of game without giving tongue. They spend many a day with hunting but only for amusement and not for the hunting-bag.

Motif References:

T 81 Death from love
R 315.1 Cave as eloping lovers’ refuge.
F 756.2 Plain that is earthly paradise [locus amoenus]

GvSTr-17279: Meanwhile king Marke endures much grief and he mourns for his wife and his honor. One day he rides out hunting in the forest. His huntsmen find a herd standing there and the hounds separate a strange hart from among them, strong, big and white, maned like a horse with under-sized horns scarce renewed. They pursue him all day without hunting him down and he escapes towards the cave. Marke is much annoyed and they camp in the forest. Tristan and Isot heard all day the clamor of the hunt and are in fear that their presence has been betrayed to Marke. Early next morning the master-huntsman leaves camp and puts his hound to the scent. The hound leads him to the spring.

Motif References:

B 731.7.3 (Bm) Milk-white deer

GvSTr-17351: The same morning very early Tristan and Isot have gone to their meadow and they listen to the sweet birdsong. Then they return into their cave for they are very much afraid that their secret might be discovered. Tristan thinks of a plan: they lie down apart from each other and Tristan has his naked sword placed between them. Thus they fall asleep. The huntsman discovers the tracks of the lovers in the dew which he thinks to be the trail of the hart. He follows them to the door of the cave. Unable to advance any further he works his way all round the cave and chances on a window. Seeing a man and a very beautiful woman there and catching sight of the sword between them he thinks it strange and being afraid he turns back.

Motif References:

T 351 Sword of chastity

GvSTr-17459: On his way back he comes upon Marke and tells him that he has some news. At Marke’s question he says that he has found a lovers’ cave with a man and a beautiful goddess in it and a sword between them. Then he guides Marke to the place. Peering through the window the king recognizes his wife and nephew. The sight both pleases and pains him: it makes him think they are innocent and pains him because he had been suspicious. Love chases away his doubts and suspicion. Isot appears to him more beautiful than ever: a sunbeam is shining on her cheek, on her chin and lips and Marke is captivated by her radiance. Seeing the sun shine down on her face he blocks the window with some grass, flowers and leaves. Then he goes away in tears and rejoins his hounds. He breaks off the hunt and orders his huntsmen to return so that no other should discover the lovers there. When the lovers awake they find the blocked window and detect the footprints of a man. They are very much afraid.

Motif References:

T 351 Sword of chastity
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
J 2342 Husband refuses to believe in wife’s infidelity

GvSTr-17663: Marke summons his counselors and kinsmen to ask them for their advice. He tells them how he found the lovers and that he believes them to be innocent. The counselors are wise men and advise him according to his desires: He should recall his wife and nephew and take no further notice of slanderous talk. Kurvenal is summoned and sent as messenger to the lovers to ask them to return to court. Tristan and Isot are glad to do so for the sake of God and their honor though they never again are to be as close and familiar to each other as they have been. Marke and his court are devoted to their honor. The king commands and urges them to keep within the bounds of propriety and refrain from any intimacy which gives them much pain.

Motif References:

T 92.1 The triangle plot and its solutions
T 298 Reconciliation [reunion] of couple

GvSTr-17727: Marke is happy once more although he possesses in his wife neither love nor affection. Blinded by Love he accepts things as they are and treats her with affection as if he would be very dear to her. Neither Tristan nor Isot are to blame of that life bare of honor that the king leads with his wife for neither of them is deceiving him. Marke knows well that his wife has no love for him. According to the author there exist many Markes and Isots who are blind in their hearts and eyes. The women are not to blame of it because they are innocent of any offence when they let their husbands see what they are about. Lust obstructs a man’s vision and in beauty there lurks danger. So it has come to be with Marke who thus overlooks the wrong that he suffers from her.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
T 92.1 The triangle plot and its solutions
T 200 Married life
K 1501 Cuckold

GvSTr-17821: When Tristan and Isot are debarred from their pleasures they begin to be tormented by desire much more than before. Surveillance, the enemy of Love, drives them to distraction, especially Isot. The author accuses surveillance of robbing many a woman’s honor: A virtuous woman does not need to be guarded for she will guard herself, and no man has the power to guard a vicious one. And if a man sets a watch on a virtuous woman she will hate him. Close-keeping will spoil her character. A wise man, therefore, should keep no watch over her privacy other than by counsel and instruction and by tenderness and kindness. Every worthy man should trust in his wife and himself so that for love of him she may shun all impropriety.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
T 257 Jealous husband or wife.

GvSTr-17929: A man should abstain too from prohibitions, for women do many things just because they are forbidden from which they would refrain were it not forbidden. In this many women are children of mother Eve who broke the first prohibition. God allowed Eve to do as she pleased with all that there was in Paradise excepting only the fig-tree which he forbade her on pain of death. The author thinks Eve would never have broken God’s commandment had it never been forbidden her. Thus they are all daughters of Eve who are formed in her image. But when a woman grows in virtue despite her inherited instincts and keeps her honor intact she is only a woman in name, but in spirit she is a man. People should highly praise any woman showing concern for her womanhood and on whomever she bestows her love the man will be most fortunate. In this paradise the man would not be worse off than Tristan and Isot.

Motif References:

W 200 Traits of character - miscellaneous

GvSTr-18119: Tristan and Isot are tormented by the watch set on them. The royal command to avoid each other so afflicts them that never before they did give such thought how they could meet. One day at noon the queen suffers from sun and love and goes to the orchard. She orders a bed to be made in the shade and lies down. She tells all her ladies except Brangaene to withdraw and sends message to Tristan to come. Tristan does just as Adam did by taking the fruit from Eve and comes to see his mistress. Brangaene joins the ladies and orders the doors to be closed. Marke comes and wants to see the queen and Brangaene taken by surprise does not say a word. The ladies direct Marke towards the garden and he finds his wife and nephew enlaced in each other’s arms and sleeping peacefully. The king who now knows the full truth goes away in silence. He summons his counselors and vassals, tells them that he found Tristan and the Queen together. They should accompany him to take note of the pair so that he should be given judgment against them according with the law of the land.

Motif References:

T 35 Lovers’ rendezvous
T 481 Adultery
K 1271 Amorous intrigue observed and exposed
K 1550.1 Husband discovers wife’s adultery

GvSTr-18249: When Marke has scarce left the orchard Tristan awakes and sees him leave. He wakes Isot and alarms her that they are betrayed. He tells her that they must part and begs her not to forget him. Isot says that nothing could ever separate them and that Tristan should not forget her for anyone. Then she gives him a ring as a witness to their love. They kiss and Tristan leaves. Meanwhile the king has gathered his counselors but he arrives too late. They find Isot alone lying on her bed. Seeing this the counselors say that the king should stop reproaching the queen for he never discovered anything that goes against her honor. Once more Marke leaves his anger and goes away.

Motif References:

T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
K 1510 Adulteress outwits husband

GvSTr-18409: Tristan goes to his quarters, takes all his retainers and makes for the harbor. He boards the first ship he finds and sails to Normandy. Tristan thus flees death at the hands of Marke and searches for suffering and death to his heart which is absence from Isot. There is a rumor of a great war in Germany and somebody tells Tristan. He makes for Germany at once and fights there as a mercenary under the banner of the Holy Roman Empire. Meanwhile Isot is in pain and she only lives because she knows Tristan alive. Yet she prefers that he is absent and unharmed than present and in danger for his life. When Tristan has been in Germany for six months or more he longs to return to his homeland to discover what rumors there were about his lady. He travels back to Normandy and thence to Parmenie to Rual’s sons. Rual and his wife have died; yet his sons are glad to see him. Tristan laments the death of his foster-parents and visits their grave. Rual’s sons place their persons and property at Tristan’s disposal and are entirely at his service. They attend him to tournaments and to the hunt and to whatever pastime he wishes.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights
P 461 Soldier [mercenary warrior]

GvSTr-18690: There is a duchy lying between Brittany and England called Arundel. In it there is a fearless and courteous old duke, whose neighbors have ravaged and occupied his lands. He lacks in means to offer battle. He has a son, who is a valiant knight, and a beautiful daughter by the name of Isot of the White Hands (Isot als blansche mains). Her brother is called Kaedin li frains (Kaedin li frains), her father the Duke Jovelin and her mother the Duchess is named Karsie. When Tristan gets to know of this feud he sets out for Arundel without delay and finds the lord of the land at a castle named Karke. Tristan is very well received there for they know him well by repute. The Duke submits to his advice and instructions and Tristan and Kaedin swear friendship to each other.

Motif References:

M 201 Making of bargains and promises
P 311 Sworn brethren
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War

GvSTr-18756: Tristan questions the Duke about this feud and the enemy’s dispositions. Then Tristan and Kaedin with a company of knights station themselves in a good castle which lies on the enemy’s path. They are not strong enough for open battle but they are able to harm the enemy’s territories with fire and pillage. Tristan sends a message to Parmenie that Rual’s sons should bring him their aid which they do without delay. Tristan secretly escorts the knights from Parmenie into the duchy. He leaves half of the men at Karke and takes the other half into the castle which has been entrusted to him. All of them have orders to conceal their strength. With hundred knights he rides to the frontier plundering and burning in the enemy’s country.

Motif References:

P 550 Military affairs
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
K 2350 Military strategy

GvSTr-18837: Before night has fallen the rumor is spread through the country that Kaedin has ridden out on foray which angers the enemy’s leaders Rugier of Doleise, Nautenis of Hante and Rigolin of Nantes. They summon all their resources and make for Karke the next day. But Tristan and Kaedin follow on their tracks and when the others imagine that they are safe attack them from all sides. When those in the castle see the fighting before them they gallop out at the gates and press the enemy with bitter fighting. Finally Rugier, Rigolin and Nautenis are taken prisoner and much loss is inflicted on their retinue. The enemies save themselves as best they might and strive to escape. Then Tristan and Kaedin invade the hostile territory and send their booty to Karke. When they have fully avenged their wrongs Tristan sends his retainers back home to Parmenie. Tristan advises that the prisoners should be pardoned and accept from their lord whichever of their fiefs he returned to them. They promise peace forever.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
P 550 Military affairs
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)
K 2350 Military strategy

GvSTr-18953: After these events Tristan is much praised in Karke and in all Arundel. Kaedin’s sister Isot is noble and intelligent. She is so lovely that she reminds Tristan of the other Isot. Because her name is Isot he grows sad whenever he looks at her. But he loves his suffering because he likes to see this Isot and because he prefers his pining for the Fair Isot to any pleasure. He gives no more thoughts to war and tournaments but only thinks of love. Her name and his love puzzle him altogether and he sends so much tender looks towards her that she grows aware of his affection.

Motif References:

T 10 Falling in love
T 92 Rivals in love
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman

GvSTr-19092: Kaedin soon notices how they look at each other and he introduces Tristan into his sister’s company more often than before and urges her to entertain Tristan. They fall in love with each other. Tristan is pained by his love for two Isots and his faithlessness towards the fair Isot and he lays the new love aside. Yet when he sees the girl suffering from love he seeks to amuse her. He tells her beautiful stories, sings to her, writes and reads and entertains her in every way. He composes for every sort of strings many lays and much fine music. At this time he makes the lay of Tristan which is much esteemed till the end of time. When the court is sitting together he composes love-songs, rondeaux and courtly little airs and he brings always the name of Isot in his refrain. All think that he has their Isot in mind and are very glad of it.

Motif References:

T 10 Falling in love
T 92 Rivals in love
F 679.9 Skillful musician (plays nine mouth harps at once)

GvSTr-19244: Isot gives him so much attention that she sets Tristan on fire for the second time. Tristan is in two minds about whether he wants Isot or not. He swerves between his desire and his constancy which makes him return to his mourning. The signs of his secret sorrow are plain to see and the whole court declares that his suffering is because of Isot - it is however Isot the fair. Tristan and Isot of the White Hands suffer from unshared love. Tristan is filled with pity that she loves him with vain hopes and he strives to free her from her sorrow. But he only inflames her more and at last he falls into indecision for the third time.

Motif References:

T 10 Falling in love
T 24.1 Love-sickness
T 92 Rivals in love

GvSTr-19367: From this story lovers can see that one can bear a distant sorrow for an absent love with much greater ease than loving near at hand and missing love within one’s reach. Tristan suffers torment for the far-away Isot and retreats from the near. Isot of the White Hands pursues the man who flees from her and by his behavior towards her he has deceived her. Above all the mentioning of the name Isot in his songs compels her to love him. She finally draws him back to her and he once again is pondering about himself and the life he is leading. He thinks about the saying that one love diminishes the strength of another and will put this to the test. He thinks his mistress is happy while he is wretched, he longs for her but she longs little for him and she has her partner and is at home while he is alone and abroad. She never sent a messenger to inquire about his life. Then he considers that she could not do so for he would not easy be found. Yet she ought to have tried to find out for if only someone began to look he would seek until he would find him. Therefore he thinks that she cares but little for him while he avoids other women for her sake.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
T 92 Rivals in love

Matière de Bretagne

Gottfried von Strassburg, Tristan (>1210) Ganz, Peter (ed.): Gottfried von Stassburg, Tristan. N.d. Ausg. v. Reinhold Bechstein. 2 vols. (=Dt. Klassiker d. Mittelalters 4) Hildesheim 1978

Gottfried von Strassburg, Tristan (>1210)
Ganz, Peter (ed.): Gottfried von Stassburg, Tristan. N.d. Ausg. v. Reinhold Bechstein. 2 vols. (=Dt. Klassiker d. Mittelalters 4) Hildesheim 1978