Tristram and Isolt

 Isolt and the women of Brittany tend to Tristram's wound. Though Isolt of Ireland was married to King Mark, her heart belonged to Tristram. Despite her marriage, she and Tristram continued to meet in secrecy.

Eventually, the affair was discovered and in fear of their lives the two ran off and went into hiding. King Mark stayed hard on their heels and recaptured Isolt and brought her home, where she remained under close watch. Following the advice of others, Mark banished Tristram from Cornwall.

According to Malory's Le Morte d' Arthur, it was at this time, while Tristram hid in the forest, that he was wounded by a poisoned arrow. A man who claimed the knight had killed his brother happened upon Tristram in the woods, and there he took his vengence.

the wound festered, endagering Tristram's life. Isolt wa a skilled healer, though under such strict guard she was powerless to help him. Knowing that his life was further in peril by remaining in the kingdom, she secretly sent word to her lover. Isolt advised Tristram to leave Cornwall and seek out Isolt of the White Hands in Brittany who would tend his wound.

Tristram was warmly received by King Howel of Brittany and gently nursed by his daughter, Isolt of the White Hands. Here in the peaceful atmosphere, far from the reach of mark, Tristram recuperated and was renewed in body, mind and spirit. Relieved of the stresses that accompanied his first love, Tristram married the noble Isolt of the White Hands. Though he was grateful to her and knew her worthy of his love, Tristram could never consummate the marriage, owing to his undying love for Isolt of Ireland--Queen of Cornwall.



Ferguson, Anna-Marie. Keeper of Words. 1995 Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, Minnesota. (189(

 

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