49 pages • 1 hour read
Tristan
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Book Brief
384
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Cornwall • Medieval Europe
1209
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Tristan by Gottfried von Strassburg is a courtly romance that narrates the tragic love affair of Tristan and Isolde, who fall in love after accidentally drinking a love potion, despite Isolde being promised to Tristan’s uncle, King Mark. Their affair leads to Tristan’s exile and a series of adventures aimed at distracting him from his yearning for Isolde.
Romantic
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Adventurous
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,840 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Gottfried von Strassburg's Tristan highlight its masterful narrative and poetic elegance, lauding the work's sophisticated exploration of courtly love and medieval chivalry. However, some critics note its dense archaic language as a potential barrier for modern readers. Overall, the richness of its themes and storytelling remains widely praised.
Who Should Read Tristan?
A reader who enjoys Tristan by Gottfried von Strassburg is typically fascinated by medieval romance, chivalric culture, and epic narratives. Fans of Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory and The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer will find this work compelling for its rich storytelling and historical significance.
1,840 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Isolde
Isolde
A surpassingly beautiful woman who, after receiving lessons from Tristan, becomes a talented musician and linguist. She is a key figure in the court and part of a significant romantic relationship in the narrative.
Mark
Mark
Tristan’s uncle and a king, depicted as a good and just ruler whose virtues are overshadowed by Tristan's. His marriage brings about a shift in his character from stable to caught in a tumult of emotions.
Brangane
Brangane
Isolde’s friend and lady-in-waiting, known for her beauty and loyalty. She plays a supportive role, assisting Isolde and Tristan through key events in the narrative.
384
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Cornwall • Medieval Europe
1209
Adult
18+ years
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