Sir Tristan

Lover of Isolde the Fair. Tristan was the son of Rivalen, lord of Armenye (Mediadus of Leonois in the Prose Tristan, while Malory called Tristan’s father, Meliodas of Liones or Lyonesse), and Blancheflor (Blanchefleur; Malory called Tristan’s mother Elizabeth, and Elyabel in the Prose Tristan), sister of King Mark of Cornwall. The English writers knew him as Tristram; his name means “sad man”.

Roald le Foytenant (Rual), Rivalen’s marshal, was also Tristan’s foster father. His faithful tutor and companion was named Governal (Gorvenal), had trained him in art, music and fighting.

Originally, the medieval romances of Tristan and Isolde came from Celtic myths in Brittany. The popularity of the romance was that it soon spread over other countries such as France, Germany, Britain and Ireland. Later tales have all the characters assimilated into the Arthurian legend.

The best known story about Tristan was the love triangle between his uncle, Isolde and himself. (Four, if you add Isolde of the White Hands into the equation.) Tristan and Isolde fell in love with one another, because they accidentally drank a love potion meant for Mark and Isolde.

Tristan’s horse was called Passe-Brewel or Bel Joeor. His dog was Husdant, who comforted him in a brief banishment from Cornwall. When he went into exile in Brittany, Tristan gave Husdant to Isolde.

His bow was called Fail-not.

When he left Cornwall in exile, Tristan returned to Brittany where he married another woman named Isolde. The Breton Isolde was known as Isolde of the White Hands. The marriage was not a happy one, since Tristan was still in love with Isolde the Fair (Mark’s wife). The Breton Isolde remained a virgin throughout their marriage.

Since the Breton Isolde knew of the Irish Isolde, Tristan’s wife was jealous. In the end, she lied to her husband that Isolde the Blonde would not come to save him from poison.