Motif
mercy to a defeated enemy
mercy_to_a_defeated_enemy
A motif of the Covenant and Sacred Bond family. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.
2 occurrences
2 traditions
celtic welsh (1) · norse (1)
celtic welsh
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The Mabinogion C. E. G. / THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN / PEREDUR THE SON OF EVRAWC / GERAINT THE SON OF ERBIN; lines 3551-3606 confidence: high
Geraint defeats the pursuing knights one by one, overthrows Earl Dwnn by a lance thrust that splits shield and breaks armour, and grants mercy when the Earl asks.
After Earl Dwnn is brought to the ground and asks for mercy, Geraint grants it.
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norse
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The Story of Burnt Njal: From the Icelandic of the Njals Saga CHAPTER CXLIX. / OF KARI AND BJORN. / CHAPTER CL. / MORE OF KARI AND BJORN.; lines 16350-16458 confidence: high
Kettle of the Mark rushes at Kari and thrusts with a spear; Kari avoids the thrust, breaks the spear-shaft, and grasps Kettle in his arms.
After overpowering Kettle, Kari stops Bjorn from killing him and grants him peace despite saying Kettle’s life is in his power.
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