Tristan & Isolde
The potion that doomed two lovers
The knight who escorts Isolde to marry his uncle, King Mark; on the voyage they mistakenly drink a love potion and fall into an impossible passion that destroys them.
01Why it matters
It is a root of European courtly love and a direct forerunner of Romeo and Juliet; it inspired the most influential opera of Romanticism.
02The conflict
Tristan's loyalty to the king against the passion born of the potion.
03The iconic moment
Isolde arriving a moment too late to save the dying Tristan.
04What survived
Wagner's opera "Tristan und Isolde" (1865); countless medieval versions.
05What to watch, read & listen
06Where to travel
07Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Tristan & Isolde famous?
It is a root of European courtly love and a direct forerunner of Romeo and Juliet; it inspired the most influential opera of Romanticism.
How does the story of Tristan & Isolde end?
Isolde arriving a moment too late to save the dying Tristan. Wagner's opera "Tristan und Isolde" (1865); countless medieval versions.
Where can you visit the story of Tristan & Isolde?
You can visit Tintagel Castle, in Cornualles. Tied to Arthurian legend.
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