| Sir Tristan | |
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Other Names |
Tristan, Tristram, Tristyn or Tristain |
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First Appearance |
British Mythology |
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Created by |
British Mythology |
Origin[]
Tristan, also known as Tristram, Tristyn or Tristain and similar names, is the hero of the legend of Tristan and Iseult. In the legend, he is tasked with escorting the Irish princess Iseult to wed Tristan's uncle, King Mark of Cornwall. Tristan and Iseult accidentally drink a love potion during the journey and fall in love, beginning an adulterous relationship that eventually leads to Tristan's banishment and death.
The character's first recorded appearance is in retellings of British mythology from the 12th century by Thomas of Britain and Gottfried von Strassburg, and later in the Prose Tristan. He is featured in Arthurian legends, including the seminal text Le Morte d'Arthur, as a skilled knight and a friend of Lancelot.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All literary works featuring Sir Tristan published before January 1, 1929 are in the public domain in the US.
A list of notable works can be found below:
- Tristan
- The Madness of Tristan
- Cligès
- Prose Tristan
- Le Morte d'Arthur
- The Two Tristans
- Tristram of Lyonesse