Story tellers always seem to be on the side of the lovers, despite their illicit, tragic affair. What this story created was the idea of love as a force independent of individuals’ own volition, indeed, having its own ethical imperative. They can be forgiven, because they were driven by love.
Tristan is a typical hero but an interesting story describes how after his fight with a dragon his wounds putrefy and he is shunned, even cast away on a boat. Perhaps the ultimate test of a hero, to lose public acclaim?  
Isolde’s mother has magical and healing powers, like an earth goddess. She herself has similar archetypal qualities.  The lovers run away to the wildwood to live in peace but they each hate themselves for the fate they have brought upon the other.  So they conceive a ruse to restore Isolde to court, honour intact (“none but this beggar who bears me has been between my legs/had me in their arms”).  Still, she has to endure an ordeal of fire.
From Free Buddhist Audio (!)
.prn file extension