Sophie-David
In this Legend Four of Swords, Tristram of the Two of Cups is nursed by Isolt of the White Hands and her ladies. The scene is of a quiet sunlit forest, with waterfalls cascading gently down to a large pool. With a great deal of wisdom, the women have brought Tristram to this sacred place of natural healing and restoration, rather than leaving him in King Howel's draughty old castle. If Tristram is going to get better anywhere, its going to be here.
The story seems somewhat strange to me. I suspect that Isolt of Ireland and Isolt of the White Hands were originally the same person. It seems more than a coincidence that there would be two Isolts in the same story, both of them healers. Perhaps this second Isolt was added to extend and deepen the romance. Both Wagner in Tristan und Isolde and Waldherr in The Lover's Path Tarot Desire card omit the somewhat confusing second Isolt - it is Isolt of Ireland only who can cure Tristan.
Nonetheless this is a beautiful card which agrees with many the versions of the story. Even though Tristram still feels the loss and agony of separation, for a time he rests and partially accepts the love of another. It must have been clear to Isolt of the White Hands whom Tristram still loved, but yet in her own love she nurtured him and sought to win him to her. In this I see no shame or even foolishness. Love always involves risk, and in choosing to follow her heart the story may have well ended differently. Unfortunately for her this tale played out somewhat similarly to Lancelot and Elaine in the Five of Cups.
The story seems somewhat strange to me. I suspect that Isolt of Ireland and Isolt of the White Hands were originally the same person. It seems more than a coincidence that there would be two Isolts in the same story, both of them healers. Perhaps this second Isolt was added to extend and deepen the romance. Both Wagner in Tristan und Isolde and Waldherr in The Lover's Path Tarot Desire card omit the somewhat confusing second Isolt - it is Isolt of Ireland only who can cure Tristan.
Nonetheless this is a beautiful card which agrees with many the versions of the story. Even though Tristram still feels the loss and agony of separation, for a time he rests and partially accepts the love of another. It must have been clear to Isolt of the White Hands whom Tristram still loved, but yet in her own love she nurtured him and sought to win him to her. In this I see no shame or even foolishness. Love always involves risk, and in choosing to follow her heart the story may have well ended differently. Unfortunately for her this tale played out somewhat similarly to Lancelot and Elaine in the Five of Cups.