The Tale Of Gamelyn

The tale begins with Sir John of Boundys on his death bed. Knowing the end is near, Sir John calls upon wise knights to assist him in dividing his land among his three sons. He specifically mentions to give an equal amount of land to his son Gamelyn, the youngest of the three. However, the knights ignore his wishes and decide to offer all his estate to the two elder sons, excluding Gamelyn on the premise that he is too young. When the knights disclose their decision to Sir John, he is outraged, reiterating that he wants the three sons to have equal inheritance. Yet Sir John dies shortly after, and the eldest son, Johan, proceeds to charm Gamelyn into a new deal: since Gamelyn is a minor, Johan will be in ownership of Gamelyn’s inheritance, and in return Gamelyn will be clothed and fed. As time passes, Gamelyn realizes he’s fallen victim to foolery and that this deal with his brother is unbearably unfair. When Gamelyn confronts Johan about his injustice, A fight breaks out, resulting in a wrestling match between Gamelyn and an unknown competitor. This is Gamelyn’s opportunity to show his worth; for the winner will receive a ram and a ring of gold.

Gamelyn overcomes this challenge and accepts his winnings. A surprised Johan panics, bolting the castle doors and locking Gamelyn out. Gamelyn proceeds to knock the door down and tell the servants that he has an abundance of wine and will now be in charge of the castle. He enjoys this high rank for eight days, then Johan finally retaliates. He commands the servants to bind Gamelyn in chains and have him stand for two days without any food or drink; Gamelyn grows quite weak and sickly.

A servant in the house, Adam Spencer, becomes aware of Gamelyn's struggling and decides to help him. He brings him into a private room, feeds him, and assists in devising a plan. He tells Gamelyn that Johan is holding a feast on Sunday and numerous churchmen will be there. He purposes that Gamelyn should stand before them, while still bound in chains, and beg them to release him.

The day of the feast comes and Gamelyn executes this plan: he cries out dramatically while the churchmen are feasting. However, no one complies with his desperate request to be released. Gamelyn grows angry and violent, ripping off his chains and rushing into the hall in search of a weapon. He grabs a staff and begins viciously attacking the churchmen, beating and battering them significantly.

Soon, a nearby Sheriff hears news of this disturbance. Since Gamelyn and Adam have broken the king's peace, the Sheriff is determined to arrest them both. To detain Gamelyn and Adam before the arrival of the Sheriff, twenty four men come to collect them. Yet, the two evade the law by escaping into the forest.

While hiding in the woods, the pair encounters a group of outlaws and immediately partake in their devious actions, which consists primarily of robbing churchmen. However, Gamelyn's unlawful activities soon draw attention to himself and he is discovered and arrested. When Otho, Gamelyn's other older brother, hears the news of Gamelyn's arrest and his past altercations with Johan, he attempts to set his younger brother free. First he goes to Johan and beseeches him not to imprison Gamelyn, for he is family. However, Johan obstinately refuses, insisting that Gamelyn must stay imprisoned until there is a trial. Not satisfied with this answer, Otho offers himself as bail, and Johan accepts—on the condition that if Gamelyn fails to show up for court, Otho will be held responsible. Otho agrees, and Gamelyn is subsequently set free after which he and Otho ride to Otho's house. The next morning Gamelyn asks Otho's permission to go into the forest to see how his cronies are doing. Otho says yes, but only if he promises not to stir up any trouble and is back in time for his trial. Gamelyn ventures into the forest, ends up staying there for much longer than anticipated, and slips back into his old ways.

As time passes, Gamelyn realizes that he has completely forgotten his promise to Otho, and the day of the trial is coming near. So, he gathers his men and they venture to where the trial is being held. Gamelyn presents his case before King Edward, and the king forgives him, in consideration of all the injustices Gamelyn has endured. All of his friends are pardoned as well. As the story comes to a close, Gamelyn is named Otho's heir (since Otho has no son) and the two enjoy new titles appointed by the king. Otho becomes sheriff of the county and Gamelyn chief forester of all the free forests. Gamelyn then marries a beautiful woman and he and his brother live the rest of their lives in peace and happiness.