How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)
Quote #7
The story is told of two trees that grew miraculously, one from Tristan's tomb and one from Yseut's; their branches intertwined over the apse. Three times King Mark had the trees cut down and three times they grew again. Some say it was the power of the love potion that did this. (19.164)
If the trees growing above Tristan and Yseut's grave represent them, Mark's repeated attempts to cut them down symbolize his desire to separate them and destroy their love. Just like Tristan and Yseut when they were alive, Mark is unable to end their love. These trees' resistance to separation might symbolize the inevitability of Tristan and Yseut's love.