Queen Isoud

Also known as: Isoud / La Beale Isoud · Family: King Mark's court · Role: queen · First appears: Book VIII, Chapter XXX

In Book VIII, Chapter XXX, Sir Palamides claimed Queen Isoud as his promised boon and took her away, declaring, “I will that ye wit that I will have your queen to lead her and govern her whereas me list.” She ran into the forest and nearly drowned herself, but Sir Adtherp rescued her and brought her to his castle; when she saw Sir Palamides approaching, she ordered the gates shut. Sir Lambegus also pledged to pursue and rescue her for Sir Tristram’s sake, while the material names Dame Bragwaine as her friend.

In Chapter XXXI, Sir Tristram and Sir Palamides fought over Queen Isoud’s love until she intervened, fearing for both knights. She persuaded Sir Tristram to spare Sir Palamides, then commanded Sir Palamides to leave the country, which he reluctantly agreed to do. She also sent Queen Guenever word that only four lovers lived in the land: Sir Launcelot, Queen Guenever, Sir Tristram, and herself. In Chapter XXXII, Sir Tristram brought her home to King Mark, but Sir Andred watched her conversation with Sir Tristram and reported it to the king; later, Sir Tristram was found in bed with her and bound.

In Chapter XXXIV, King Mark made Queen Isoud drink from the enchanted horn, condemned her and the other ladies when they failed its test, and swore they should be burned, though the barons refused because the horn was made by sorcery. In Book IX, King Anguish is identified as her father, while Sir Palomides is said to have been fought off when she was rescued. In Book X, King Arthur liked her greatly, and Sir Launcelot called her the fairest lady in the world except Queen Guenever.