The legend of Tristan and Isolde is the tragic tale of two lovers fated to share a forbidden but undying love. Scholars of mythology believe that the legend originated in Brittany, in western France. In time it was associated with the Arthurian legendsstories about the life and court of King Arthur of Britain and became part of the mythology of medievalrelating to the Middle Ages in Europe, a period from about A.D. 500 to 1500 Europe, told and retold in various versions and in many languages.

The Legend. Tristan (sometimes called Tristram), the nephew of King Mark of Cornwall, was a symbol of all the virtues of chivalry,rules and customs of medieval knighthood including bravery and honor. Some accounts also claim that he was a...