tristans Tragedy :: essays research papers

"Tristans Tragedy"As told to (authors name) By Tristan"What an unusual Christian name, (authors name) And you say you knowbut two languages? You must jest to render the title of scholar upon yourself.During my training, I have learned seven, all the while being taughthorsemanship and swordsmanship. Alas, all of my accolades serve me not here.True nobility never makes excuses for shortcomings however, in this despair I shadow know no greater loss.After being wounded in battle with the giant Morolt (who was subsequentlyslain by my steel) I journeyed to Ireland in chase of Queen Isolt and hermedicinal power. Disguised as a wandering minstrel, I succeeded in endearingmyself to her court by performing deeds impossible for the average. I alsotaught her daughter, my beautiful Isolt, the art of the lyre. I returned toCornwall, and upon hearing my account of Isolts charm, my king Mark resolved tomake her his own.After convincing her family to allow her to wed the king, we coiff ure back on aship for Cornwall. I remember the night on which we fell in love. Perhaps itwas the wine, or perhaps I was and intoxicated by her. Nonetheless, sheamazingly felt the same drawing to me, and we were unable to contain ouraffections. We continued seeing one another in secret afterwards the wedding afterall, without love her marriage was invalid. After a while, though, ourconniving king took aware of our dealings and banished me to the barren Arundel.It was there I met a cleaning lady of average beauty, but with the only name worthyof my attentions Isolt des Mains-Blancs. (Thats "of the white hands" if yourother language fails you.) I could not betray my love however, so our marriagewas never consummated. Rightly so, because in due time I received a letter frommy true Isolt, giving account of her flight from the king. She pass ameeting with me, saying her ship would bear a white sail. I kept the new Isolton guard for weeks. Finally, I was informed that my Isolt w as descry on a ship,