The Duel with Morold

Tristan is knighted by his uncle, King Mark of Cornwall, and goes back to his late father's land of Parmenie, where he transfers power to his foster father Rual's family. Returning to Cornwall, he is greatly distressed to hear that the powerful Irish knight Morold is demanding tribute and threatening war if it is not paid. The tribute has been levied for years by Gurmun of Ireland, who had subjugated Cornwall and England when Mark was a child. Gurmun had married the mighty Duke Morold's sister and benefited greatly from the strength and prowess of his brother-in-law, who acts on his behalf in this matter. At the present time the tribute consists of thirty sons of Cornish nobles and thirty from the English aristocracy; these children, designated for slavery in Ireland, are chosen by lot.

When Tristan arrives in Tintagel, he hears cries of distress from every corner. The barons are all assembled at court, wringing their hands about the loss of their children to Morold. Tristan finds them kneeling at prayer, unashamed of their cowardice. Aghast at their behavior, Tristan addresses Mark, Morold, and the court. He exhorts them to defend their honor and their children against this tribute, particularly since all that is needed is one man to fight a duel with Morold. Fathers should be willing to give their lives for their children; to do otherwise violates God's commandment.