Tristan and Iseult An Inspired Retelling of the Legendary Love Story [Paperback]

Tristan defeats Ireland's greatest warrior and gains the friendship of his uncle, the King of Cornwall, who entrusts him with a very special mission: to sail the seas in search of a queen.

Rosemary Sutcliff(1920-1992) wrote dozens of books for young readers, including her award-winning Roman Britain trilogy,The Eagle of the Ninth,The Silver Branch, andThe Lantern Bearers, which won the Carnegie Medal.The Eagle of the Ninthis now a major motion picture, The Eagle, directed by Kevin MacDonald and starring Channing Tatum. Born in Surrey, Sutcliff spent her childhood in Malta and on various other naval bases where her father was stationed. At a young age, she contracted Still's Disease, which confined her to a wheelchair for most of her life. Shortly before her death, she was named Commander of the British Empire (CBE) one of Britain's most prestigious honors. She died in West Sussex, England, in 1992.

Discussion Questions for
Tristan and Iseult
Tristan's name means sorrow. [p. 2] How
is his name prophetic? When Tristan wants to
travel to his mother's land of Cornwall, his
father tells him, Cornwall brought me much
of joy and much of sorrow. [p. 5] How does
Cornwall bring Tristan both joy and sorrow?
Discuss what Tristan means when he says,
I will count the sorrow as fair payment for
the joy, my father. [p. 5]
Tristan wants to become a hero, but makes it
clear to his father that he doesn't expect easy
glory. [p.4] Why is it so important to Tristan to
achieve the status of hero without the aid of
his father, King of Lothian, or his uncle, King
of Cornwall? Gorvenal teaches Tristan to ride
a horse and to handle a sword and a spear.
What other skills deemed necessary for a hero
does Tristan learn? How does Tristan become
a hero when he goes to Ireland to fight on his

uncle's behalf?
Discuss why Tristan is considerlS@