 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.He journeys to the Kingdom of Cornwall in effort to prove himself, and enters the service of King Mark without revealing his identity.After defeating the Irish champion Morholt, Tristan's identity is revealed, and his position as Champion of Cornwall solidified.