Gandin, Marjodoc, Plot and Counterplot, and Melot Summary

The next chapeter opens with descriptions of Tristan's continuing acts of valor, taking him away regularly from court, and providing a context for the arrival of a ship from Ireland bearing the baron called Gandin. He is a knight who had long admired Isolde, and is determined to win her for himself, even though she is already wed by this time to King Mark. He wears a rote, and tricks the king into promising that if he will play well, he can have anything he pleases. He plays, and pleases the king, and as his requests, asks for the hand of the young Queen Isolde. Since Mark is unable to find anyone among his knights who would face Gandin with Tristan away on a hunt, he relents and allows the knight...