SIR TRISTRAM AND ISOLDE

 

The potion seals the fated love of Tristram and Isolt

As a young man, Tristram of Lyonesse left is homeland in search of adventure. His travels brought him to cornwall, ruled by his uncle, King Mark. Mark had been at war with ireland, and during Tristram's stay, Morholt of ireland arrived in cornwall, demanding a tribute from the king. Tristram fought Morholt in single combat and killed the more experienced warror. However, Morholt's weapons had been tipped with poison and Tristram weakened. thinking his end to be near, Tristram asked to be set adrift upon the sea. The boat carried him to Ireland where Isolt and her women found and nursed the stranger. during his recovery, Tristram taught Isolt how to play the hapr, and over time they became fond of one another.

Isolt's father announced that whoever could rid the land of a terrible dragon would receive the hand of his daughter in marriage. Tristram thought to win Isolt on behalf of King Mark, who had been seeking a wife. Tristram took up the challenge and succeeded in killing the dragon. It was at this time that Isolt saw Tristram's sword, and recognized the chipped blade she knew to have killed Morholt, her uncle. Isolt's heart turned from Tristram, but despite her rage she kept her secret, inowing htat if she were to speak of this she would be given in marriage to a man she detested.



Tristram escorted the beautiful Irish princess to Cornwall. Upon this journey the couple were acidentally given a love potion, which ahd been intended for King Mark and Isolt. The love it induced overwhelmed the resentment Isolt held for her escort, who then became her lover

After her marriage, Isolt continued her affair with Tristram. Eventually, they were exposed and after many scandals Tristram went into exile in Brittany, where he married Isolt of the White Hands. When in Brittany, Tristram again received a poisonous wound. Isolt of the White Hands was unable to slow the infection, so Tristram asked for the help of Isolt of Ireland who cured him years before. A ship was sent to cornwall to bring Isolt. Tristram instructed the crew to hoist white sails if Isolt returne dwith them, and black if she did not. In the time it took the ship to return, Tristram's condition deteriorated. The knight was near death as the ship entered the habor. Tristram looked to his wife, who watched from the window, and asked her what color were the sails. Knowing her huband to still love Isolt, the hurt Isolt of Brittany answered--black. At this response Tristram died in despair. Isolt came ashore and hurried to the bedside of her love. On finding herself too late, Isolt ran herself upon Tristram's sword. Both bodies were returned to Cornwall, where they were laid to rest alongside each other. two trees later grew upon and intertwined above the lover's graves.



Ferguson, Anna-Marie. Keeper of Words. 1995 Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, Minnesota.

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