A
long time ago, in the dark and heroic years of the
Middle Ages, a terrible Fire Dragon settled in Ireland,
terrorizing the population on his nocturnal forays
during which he burned everything he came across. In
desperation, the King of Ireland, publicly declared that
he would give the hand of his daughter, the fair Iseult,
to the knight who could deliver his country from the
beast.
At that time, there was a young knight at the Irish
court called Tristan, who was there as a messenger from
his uncle, King Mark of Cornwall, to ask for the hand of
the beautiful Iseult for his King. The young man did not
hold out much hope of accomplishing his mission, for the
King of Cornwall was advanced in years, and he doubted
that the beautiful princess would consider him a good
match. On hearing the royal declaration, Tristan thought
that if he could kill the dragon the maiden would be his
and he could take her to King Mark.
Tristan and the Dragon stalking each
otherKnowing that water was fatal for fire
dragons, Tristan took a wine skin full of water
and hung it over the door to the monster's lair.
Then he lay in wait for the dragon to come out.
So fierce was the dragon and so many deaths had
he caused that not even the most valiant knight
in the kingdom dared challenge him. However, the
major-domo of the royal household, who nursed a
secret passion for the princess Iseult, was
hiding near the cave, watching to see what would
happen. The crafty steward had no intention of
killing the beast, he was much too afraid, but
he was certain that by using his wits, he would
be able to take advantage of the exploits of
some brave knight and receive the credit for
killing the dragon himself.
From his hiding place, the astonished major-domo
saw an unknown youth present himself before the
monster's cave and call him in a loud voice.
When the dragon appeared, the wine skin full of
water fell on him and quenched his fire. Then, a
fierce struggle began between the knight and the
dragon. At last, after long hours of gruelling
combat, Tristan managed to kill the monster, but
was so exhausted that he only had the strength
to cut out and keep the dragon's tongue before
losing consciousness.
At the sight of the slain dragon and the
senseless knight lying on the ground, the
treacherous steward decided to turn the
situation to his advantage. With one stroke he
cut off the monster's head and presented himself
to the king as the author of the deed, claiming
the promised reward. Iseult was in great despair,
for she did not desire the old major-domo for a
husband. She could not believe that the steward
had succeeded in such a difficult task, and the
princess paid a secret visit to the dragon's
cave.
When she reached it and saw the unconscious young man,
Iseult understood that they had been tricked. She liked
the knight's handsome features and, as she did not know
of Tristan's plans, she sent her servants to bring back
the wounded man in secret to the palace, where she
tenderly cared for him. Two days later, the court
gathered to announce officially that the dragon had been
slain and to give the triumphant major-domo the
princess's hand. Proud as a peacock the steward of the
royal household stood at the foot of the throne waiting
for his reward.
Iseult, dressed in gold and silver sat next to the King,
and the room was thronged with countless courtiers
decked out in their finery. The King had not yet spoken
when Tristan burst into the room and asked for the hand
of the princess. 'By what right do you ask for her and?'
asked the King, furiously. 'By the right of my sword and
as the slayer of the dragon, Your Majesty', replied the
young man.
The court burst out laughing, but the fury of the Irish
lord was evident. 'You presumptuous young man, perhaps
you are unaware that the major-domo has killed the
monster?' Then the beautiful princess broke in, for she
could not help thinking that the unknown knight was much
handsomer and that his kisses would be much sweeter than
those of the steward. 'Let him explain, father, I
implore you.' 'Very well,' agreed the King, 'let the
stranger speak.'
'Let the dragon's tongue speak for me', retorted Tristan.
'The dragon is dead, you impudent young man, how can he
speak?' 'Look in his mouth, your Majesty', replied the
hero. The steward was thrown into confusion when they
opened the monster's mouth and saw that his tongue was
missing. 'Here is the missing tongue', and Tristan
showed the astonished courtiers and the smiling Iseult
the tongue of the animal which he had kept.
And so the major-domo's trick was discovered, and he was
severely punished for his treason. The King declared
Tristan the winner and then Tristan announced that he
did not claim the princess's hand for himself, but for
his uncle, Mark of Cornwall. The monarch was delighted
at the news, for the King of Cornwall was rich and much
appreciated by the Irish court. As for Iseult, she did
not allow herself to be too disappointed by this
announcement, for she had decided to win the heart of
the valiant knight.
The legend tells how Tristan also fell in love with the
beautiful princess, and this love led to a sad tale in
which the two lovers ended up dying, unable to part.
