The Wrongful King’s Fall

Le Morte d'Arthur

This flow traces King Mark’s rise through Cornwall, his repeated acts of treachery, and the legacy of violence he leaves behind.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A King Inherits Cornwall A King Inherits Cornwall from "Le Morte d'Arthur". Mark’s Royal Position A ruler with power King Mark governs Cornwall and holds authority over Tristram’s early life.

A King Inherits Cornwall from "Le Morte d'Arthur". Mark’s Royal Position A ruler with power King Mark governs Cornwall and holds authority over Tristram’s early life.

Mark’s Royal Position A ruler with power King Mark governs Cornwall and holds authority over Tristram’s early life. His relationship to his nephew initially looks like kinship and patronage. Insecurity beneath rule Mark’s pride and jealousy grow as Tristram’s reputation rises. A king threatened by a stronger kinsman begins to treat royal power as a weapon for private ends.

The Nephew Saves the Realm The Nephew Saves the Realm from "Le Morte d'Arthur". A Debt Mark Cannot Repay Tristram wins the contest Tristram defeats Marhaus and protects Cornwall from Ireland’s tribute claim.

The Nephew Saves the Realm from "Le Morte d'Arthur". A Debt Mark Cannot Repay Tristram wins the contest Tristram defeats Marhaus and protects Cornwall from Ireland’s tribute claim.

A Debt Mark Cannot Repay Tristram wins the contest Tristram defeats Marhaus and protects Cornwall from Ireland’s tribute claim. Mark’s authority is preserved through the nephew’s strength. Gratitude turns to resentment Mark receives the benefits but becomes jealous of Tristram’s fame and his closeness to Isoud. The king cannot tolerate the independence that his own dependence helped create.

The King’s Secret Attacks The King’s Secret Attacks from "Le Morte d'Arthur". Royal Power Becomes Treachery Jealousy guides action Mark attacks Tristram on the road and later seeks to banish or imprison him.

The King’s Secret Attacks from "Le Morte d'Arthur". Royal Power Becomes Treachery Jealousy guides action Mark attacks Tristram on the road and later seeks to banish or imprison him.

Royal Power Becomes Treachery Jealousy guides action Mark attacks Tristram on the road and later seeks to banish or imprison him. His outward reconciliation masks continuing hostility. Isoud is controlled Mark’s marriage to Isoud does not secure her love. His repeated attempts to control her and Tristram deepen the court’s distrust.

The Murder of Boudwin The Murder of Boudwin from "Le Morte d'Arthur". A Brother Is Betrayed Boudwin earns loyalty Prince Boudwin defeats the invaders and becomes a beloved leader. His success makes Mark fear his influence.

A Brother Is Betrayed Boudwin earns loyalty Prince Boudwin defeats the invaders and becomes a beloved leader. His success makes Mark fear his influence. Murder destroys trust Mark kills Boudwin and tries to have his family removed. Anglides escapes with their child, ensuring that the act creates enemies rather than safety.

Mark’s Enduring Infamy Mark’s Enduring Infamy from "Le Morte d'Arthur". A Reputation of Treason His conduct is remembered Mark’s attempts to destroy Tristram and his betrayals of kin make him notorious.

Mark’s Enduring Infamy from "Le Morte d'Arthur". A Reputation of Treason His conduct is remembered Mark’s attempts to destroy Tristram and his betrayals of kin make him notorious.

A Reputation of Treason His conduct is remembered Mark’s attempts to destroy Tristram and his betrayals of kin make him notorious. Knights speak of him as a ruler who rewards service with danger. Violence closes the story His final treachery kills Tristram and Isoud. Mark’s power survives for a time, but his legacy is defined by the destruction his envy caused.

Before Tristram’s return from France

After Tristram is knighted to meet Marhaus

After Tristram and Isoud’s marriage potion takes effect

After Boudwin’s victory over invading forces

After the court learns of his attacks on Tristram