Perilous Lake
A lake in the Forest of Morrois associated with treachery and ambush in the Tristan tradition.
Introduction#
The Perilous Lake is a location in the Forest of Morrois in Cornwall. Unlike many perilous places in Arthurian romance, its danger does not appear to stem from enchantment or supernatural power, but from human deceit and violence.
King Mark’s Ambush#
King Mark of Cornwall sent Sir Kay to the lake under the pretense of an adventure, intending instead to ambush and kill him there.
Unknown to Mark, Kay joined forces on the road with Sir Gaheris. When Mark and his nephew Andred attacked, they succeeded in defeating Kay, but Gaheris overcame them both. Rather than killing King Mark, Gaheris compelled him to revoke Tristan’s exile from Cornwall.
The Forest of Morrois#
The lake lies within the Forest of Morrois, one of the principal wilderness settings of the Tristan romances.
This forest is strongly associated with exile, hidden refuge, pursuit and betrayal – and the place for Tristan and Isolde’s separation from courtly life.
The Perilous Lake reflects these same themes of uncertainty and danger.
Nature of the Place#
Despite its ominous name, the lake itself is not clearly described as enchanted or supernaturally dangerous.
The title “Perilous” may simply reflect:
– the dangers surrounding the location
– its reputation within local adventure tradition
– or the violence associated with Mark’s plot
Some later speculation has connected the lake with places such as Dozmary Pool on Bodmin Moor, long regarded in folklore as deep or bottomless, though no direct identification is made in the romances.
The Perilous Lake demonstrates that danger in Arthurian romance is not always magical. In this case, the peril comes from treachery, political hostility, and the unstable loyalties surrounding King Mark’s court.
Sources#
Le Morte Darthur | Sir Thomas Malory, 1469-1470
