A re-telling of the ancient legend, it received the Boston-Globe Horn Book Award in 1972,[1] and was runner-up for the 1972 Carnegie Medal.

Sutcliff tells the story again in an almost identical manner, albeit greatly shortened, in a chapter of her later Arthurian novel The Sword and the Circle (1981).

Tristan's mother is shown as dying in his childbirth, and his name as being from the Latin root word trista reflecting the sadness of Rivalin at the loss of his wife.

Having been wounded by the poisoned blade of Morholt, Tristan wastes away, eventually being set adrift in a boat by his own choice.

Tristan defeats a dragon, is once again healed by Iseult, and though given her hand in marriage as reward, promises to bring her back to Cornwall as bride for his Uncle.

Tristan and Iseult are stranded on a distant shore for a few days, delaying their return to Cornwall, and cementing their own love for each other, despite the commitments of circumstances.