The Sword in the Tree

The Sword in the Tree presents a young hero’s journey to avenge his father’s death and regain his own place in the kingdom. By describing the noble Shan and Sir Gareth’s victory over the violent and cruel Uncle Lionel, the novel presents chivalry ultimately triumphing over brutality. 

The author hints at Lionel’s brutality early in the story. While Shan appreciates King Arthur’s good leadership and enjoys England’s era of peace, Lionel does not share Shan’s optimism. He tells his nephew, “You had better keep your dungeon. You may have need of it” (17). This eerie comment suggests that Lionel is fixated on conflict and domination, foreshadowing his takeover of Weldon Castle and imprisonment of his brother in the castle’s dungeon.

Lionel’s quick temper and penchant for violence are also obvious in his reaction to seeing Nappus in the garden. Upon seeing him among the rose bushes, Lionel “turn[s] red with anger” and demands a stone to throw at him (17). This scene is especially ironic since Nappus was the one who healed Lionel when he was wounded. Lionel’s cruel reaction shows that he operates from a need to dominate, rather than a desire to understand. Lionel’s behavior only worsens as he fakes his brother’s death and threatens his nephew with imprisonment, telling him, “I’ll have you in the dungeon!” (35).

In contrast to his uncle, Shan shows his respectful and dutiful nature through his words and actions, confirming his chivalrous character. In the opening passages, Shan is eager to help his father care for the wounded stranger, telling Nappus to come and help. Shan’s interactions with his parents also reveal his respect for his elders and his desire to live up to his responsibilities as heir. Even when he wants to ride through the region with his father, he obeys Lord Weldon’s wishes and stays behind to keep Lionel company: “‘I wish I could go,’ he said. ‘So do I,’ said his father, ‘but your uncle doesn’t like being left alone.’ So Shan stayed with his uncle” (15). 

Although he is heir to Weldon Castle, Shan does not take his position for granted. He still practices his fighting skills to improve his abilities. He tells his uncle that he practices his archery “every day” along with his “climbing, and riding and jumping” (19). Shan does not just want to be a lord like his father; he also dreams of serving the king as a knight someday. To Shan, being a knight is a great honor and responsibility because knights protect the kingdom and its people. Shan tells his friend Magnus, “Some day I’m going to be a knight […] I’ll ride out with my sword and shield. I’ll find people in trouble and help them” (60).

Sir Gareth is a great role model and helper to Shan, as he is already just the kind of knight Shan dreams of becoming. As a brave and capable defender of the people, Gareth represents an ideal, chivalrous medieval knight. Gareth’s courage, friendliness, and respect for the law sharply contrast with Lionel’s manipulative and cruel personality. Gareth’s good character is even evident in his duel with Lionel, as Gareth asks Lionel to yield, rather than killing him: “Sir Gareth had the point of his sword at Lionel’s throat. ‘Will you yield?’ he cried. Lionel stood like a rock. ‘Will you yield?’ Sir Gareth cried again. Slowly, Lionel bowed his head. ‘I yield,’ he said. He gave up his sword” (96). From beginning to end, Shan and Gareth’s triumph affirms chivalry as a heroic trait while condemning Lionel’s violent and selfish behavior.