The Romance of Tristan

Although this story gives us many great examples of how relationships were in this time period, it also leaves much room for the reader to come up with their own inferences on how life was eight hundred years ago. At first my opinion was that the knight would only use his power to help the king if he was getting what he wanted in return. At this period in the story King Mark is pleased to hear that his vassal is respecting him and is being obedient. ” This quote is dealing with the bond of trust Tristan formed with King Mark. Even though Tristan was being adulterous, the barons are still looked at as the evil ones. This same theory can be seen through the actions of the king as well. This suggests that maybe the transition from one lord to another was not as easy as many historians believed. This makes me believe that maybe there was some sort of religious side to these relationships. When the king finds out about the two lovers actions he sentences them to death. ” There would have to be a certain trust maintained on both parts during this relationship. Instead of killing him, he realizes that there is more to their relationship then what meets the eye. It seems to me that there was always a certain level of trust that had to be measured during this time. Tristan begins to remember how he should act towards his lord, and he starts to change his views. I think since the king has the most power in these types of relationships, that this could possibly have been a common occurrence.