How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)
Quote #1
Rivalen served Mark so well that as a reward he was given the hand of Mark's sister, Blanchefleur, with whom he had fallen in love. They were married in Tintagel, but news of an attack on his own land immediately recalled Rivalen to Lyonesse. Soon after Rivalen had defeated his enemies Blanchefleur gave birth to a son, but amid great lamentation died in childbirth. The child born in sorrow was named Tristan. (1.39)
Like father, like son: Tristan will also be "given" two women for his service to their fathers in defeating an enemy. Here, Tristan's identity as Mark's nephew and a prince of Lyonesse is established, as is his connection to sorrow. The name Tristan, which means sorrow, signifies both the circumstances of his birth and the suffering he will endure for love.
Quote #2
He arrived at the court of his uncle, King Mark, at Tintagel in Cornwall. He concealed his identity, preferring to serve the king on the same footing as the other knights-bachelor. But his prowess and his accomplishments made him stand out above the rest, and he quickly became a favourite of the king's, and was liked and admired by all the courtiers. (1.39)
The knight who conceals his identity upon his arrival at court is a common plot in medieval romance. Often, as is the case here, the concealment occurs because the knight wishes to prove himself independently of his family connections. The knight's superior birth always reveals itself in his excellence, though, revealing the medieval idea that aristocratic background is evident in the character and figure of a person.
Quote #3
Tristan offered to do battle with Morholt; Mark was glad to consent to this. However, the Irish messengers declared that Morholt could not fight against an adversary who was not his equal in birth. Tristan then revealed his identity as a king's son and Mark's nephew. Mark was overjoyed at finding his nephew and tried to dissuade him from the dangerous undertaking; but he could not alter Tristan's decision to fight, and the combat was arranged for a few days' time on the island of St Samson. (1.40)
Tristan reveals his true identity just at the moment that he resolves to serve as Mark's champion against Morholt. This coincidence of events solidifies Tristan's identity as irrevocably linked to this fight: he is the guy who steps up when nobody else will. He will remind Mark of this when Mark believes his barons over Tristan.