Tristan and Isolde with the Potion

Date created: 1916

In Malory's 'Morte D'Arthur', Tristram was the son of Meliodas, King of Lyonesse and Elizabeth, the sister of King Mark of Cornwall. Tristram became a fine warrior, but was badly wounded in a fierce contest with Sir Marhaus. He sailed across the waters to Ireland for healing and was restored to health by the King's daughter, Isolde, with whom he fell in love. Their secret courtship ended when the Queen discovered that Tristram had slain her brother, Sir Marhaus, and he was hounded from the court. Back in Cornwall, his warm praise of Isolde aroused King Mark's envy, and hoping for his destruction, he ordered Tristram to seek the hand of Isolde on his behalf. The King of Ireland granted the request and Isolde, accompanied by her handmaiden, Bragwaine, set sail with Tristram. On board the ship, Tristram and Isolde found a flask containing a magical love potion, given to Bragwaine by Isolde's mother for King Mark, and unaware of its powers, they drank the liquid. Spellbound by the potion, Tristram and Isolde continued their romance back in Cornwall despite her marriage to Mark, but one day Mark discovered the lovers together and murdered Tristram in a jealous rage.