Summary and Analysis
Book 8: The Death of King Arthur:
The Vengeance of SirGawain
When Gawain hears of the death of his brothers, he drops his love for Launcelot and swears he will be avenged. He persuades Arthur to lay siege to Joyous Gard. Arthur and Launcelot parley and Arthur is ready to drop the siege, but Gawain will not hear of it. The pope requires Arthur and Launcelot to make peace and orders Launcelot to return Guinevere to the king. Launcelot obeys; Gawain reaffirms his vow of vengeance; and Launcelot is banished — as was Tristram — and returns to his own country with all his forces.