Tirant lo Blanc: A Love Story Amidst War
Tirant lo Blanc: Chapters 115-296
A Foreign Knight in Constantinople
The King of Sicily receives a letter from the besieged Emperor of Constantinople. The Sultan and Grand Turk have conquered much of their land, creating a perilous situation. Hearing of the valiant warrior Tirant, the Emperor seeks his aid to expel the infidels. Tirant accepts, leading a large army from Italy to Constantinople, where he receives a magnificent welcome and is appointed Captain of the armies and imperial justice.
Love and Intrigue in the Imperial Court
Tirant’s encounter with Carmesina, the Emperor’s daughter, marks a turning point in the story. He falls deeply in love, and she reciprocates, though their love is complicated by their social positions. A subtle interplay of joy, pain, hope, and despair characterizes their relationship. Their confidantes, Stephanie and Diaphebus, form a parallel romance, facing similar social challenges. Carmesina also receives support from Plaerdemavida, a cheerful and spirited maid.
War and Victory
The Sultan resumes his offensive against Constantinople, forcing Tirant to seek refuge in Maleveí Castle to strategize. Outnumbered, he uses cunning to compensate for the imbalance of forces, feigning a retreat to surprise the enemy. The perfidious Duke of Macedonia exploits this deception, informing the Emperor of Tirant’s supposed defeat and flight. However, Tirant achieves a decisive victory over the Moors, sending the spoils and prisoners to Constantinople. This further fuels the Duke’s hatred, leading Tirant to resign his captaincy, a decision the council strongly condemns.
Continued Battles and Courtship
King Philip of Sicily sends an army under the Duke of Messina to aid Tirant. Carmesina joins the fight, leading a women’s army. During a battle, Tirant attempts to kill the Duke of Macedonia but is wounded and the Duke is killed by the King of Africa. Tirant’s bravery secures victory. Celebrations follow, including the weddings of Stephanie and Diaphebus, and Tirant’s proposal that Diaphebus receive the County of San Angelo, making his cousin the Grand Constable. Secret meetings occur between Tirant and Carmesina, and Diaphebus and Stephanie.
Jealousy and Intrigue
Further battles ensue, with Tirant consistently victorious. Grand festivals celebrate the arrival of galleys under the command of Tirant’s cousin. Tirant secures the Emperor’s approval for the marriage of Stephanie and Diaphebus, with Diaphebus becoming the Duke of Macedonia. Stephanie supports Tirant and Carmesina’s love, despite the jealous Easygoing Widow’s machinations. The Widow uses deceit and false accusations to sow discord between Tirant and Carmesina, ultimately leading to Tirant’s injury and the death of Lauseta.
Resolution and Reconciliation
The Empress secretly supports the love between Hippolytus and herself. Tirant, recovering from his injuries, prepares for further battles. The absence of strong leadership in the Greek army allows the Turks to win a major victory, capturing Diaphebus. Tirant leads the imperial fleet to battle, where Plaerdemavida reveals the Widow’s treachery, leading to her condemnation.