mercy – In this work we are given a look at the well rounded knight who is not simply filled with an all-consuming lust for blood; although the interplay of shame and honor do directly lead to fighting between one or more knights. However the violence that occurs in this reading is set against a back drop of Tristam De Liones’ willingness to show mercy toward his enemies. He takes many opportunities to to allow his foes to admit that they have been beaten and tell him that they want no more of the physical battle they have just endured; this is interesting because Tristam certainly had the ability to secure a true victory in these battles but instead choses to exercise patience and forgiveness. Tristam many times forgives his counterparts and it is no coincidence that this text stresses the power and worth of […]
Original post by bford