Tristan, the protagonist, is the son of Rivalin and Blancheflor, whose story opens Gottfried’s poem. His name (triste is French for “sad”) and the circumstances surrounding his birth foreshadow his ultimate tragic fate: Rivalin is killed in battle by Morold, and Blancheflor dies of grief in childbirth. Tristan is thus the child of a tragic love affair who appears destined to himself become a tragic lover, establishing the theme of Tragic Fate Versus Free Will.

Tristan is raised by Rual li Foitenant, his father’s loyal vassal, and tutored by Curvenal, who remains his loyal companion. Gottfried describes Tristan as an exemplar of chivalry and as exceptionally gifted in every art and skill. He plays a variety of musical instruments with virtuosity and speaks several languages with perfect fluency. Furthermore, he is a master huntsman and is exceptional in every aspect of knighthood. Tristan’s talents make him a source of wonder to other people, and he uses his various skills to quickly ingratiate himself in any company in which he finds himself. In Ireland, for example, his skill as a musician quickly brings him to the attention of the royal family. Tristan’s extraordinary skills vault him socially even when he

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