Background Tristan and Isolde

Origins One of the more influential medieval tales. Believed to be older than the Arthurian legends and probably French in origin. Also believed to be the source/inspiration for the Lancelot, Guinevere and Arthur love triangle. Evolved to the point where Tristan became one of the knights of the round table.

Tristan His father visited Cornwall and fell in love with the king’s sister (who conceived a child). His mother died after giving birth to him. Gorvenal, a member of his father’s court, raised him and trained him to be a warrior and a poet. King Marc of Cornwall had no idea he had a nephew. Name means “sad man.”

The Kingdom of Cornwall Tristan went to Cornwall and impressed Marc with his hunting skills. He became a knight of Marc’s court and it was eventually revealed that he was Marc’s nephew. His skill in battle led him to become Marc’s champion.

The Bad Guy Morholt, a duke from Ireland, demanded tribute from King Marc. Tristan challenged him to single combat and killed him with a blow to the head with his sword. Isolde, the daughter of the king and a gifted healer, tended Morholt’s body and found a splinter that had broken off from Tristan’s sword.

The Plot Thickens… Tristan was mortally wounded in the fight with Morholt. Because he was in disguise Isolde treated him and saved his life (but they didn’t fall in love just then because he had to go home). Meanwhile, King Marc’s advisor’s urge him to take a wife. He is reluctant until he finds a beautiful golden strand of hair and decides he will only marry the woman to whom that hair belongs.

The Quest Tristan vows to find this woman for his uncle. But in the meantime there is the small matter of a dragon that has been terrorizing Ireland…

The Triangle Tristan and Isolde fall in love either because of fate or a love potion. But Isolde has been promised to Marc and Tristan has vowed to bring her back as a bride for his uncle. They are trapped by duty.

Assignment: You need to read the excerpt from Tristan and Yseult and look for evidence of courtly love and medieval romance. Take notes on what you find in your notebook for use on Monday.