Tristan and Isolde

 Tristan and Isolde are the main characters of a famous medieval love story, inspired by a Celtic legend. Although the archetypal poem from which all versions of the legend originated has not been preserved, a comparison of early versions can give a general idea of ​​the story's content.

Young Tristan sets out for Ireland to ask Princess Isolde for his uncle, King Mark of Cornwall, and after slaying a dragon that has ravaged the country, Tristan successfully completes the mission.

During the return journey, an unfortunate incident causes Tristan and Isolde to drink the love potion prepared by the queen for her son Mark.

Thus, Tristan and Isolde become bound to each other by an undying love that faces all dangers, but does not destroy their loyalty to the king.

Tristan and Isolde flee to the forest of Morrois and remain there until one day King Mark discovers them asleep with a sword between them.

Soon after, the two reconcile with Mark, and Tristan agrees to give Isolde back to him and leave the country.

Arriving in Brittany, Tristan marries another Isolde, the daughter of a duke, "for her name and beauty", but takes her as his wife only in name. Wounded by a poisoned weapon, Tristan asks for the other Isolde to be brought to him, only she can heal him.

If Isolde agreed to come, the ship she boarded had to have white sails, and if she refused, black sails. His jealous wife, who discovered his secret, seeing Isolde's ship approaching, tells Tristan that the vessel has black sails.

Tristan dies and Isolde, arriving too late to save her lover, gives up in a final embrace. Following the death of the two, a miracle occurs. Two trees grow from their graves and intertwine their branches so that they cannot be separated in any way.

 John Williams Waterhouse