sir gawain and the green knight essay introduction

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Introduction

Maybe you haven't heard of Sir Gawain, but we're willing to bet you definitely know of King Arthur. Sir Gawain is one of Arthur's trusty knights, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a looong poem about him.

This poem is part of the medieval romance tradition, which means it focuses on the journey or quest of a single knight (here, Sir Gawain) and what he learns about himself and his culture in the process of pursuing a great adventure. The noble Gawain accepts the challenge of a mysterious knight. Nope, not a black one or a dark one . A green one. And the story goes from there.

Sir Gawain was written in northwestern England in the late 14th century… yep, meaning the 1300s. Old as it is, Sir Gawain was written in English. But not the kind of English you'd recognize. It's written in a dialect of Middle English called North West Midland. Middle English was a much less standardized language than modern English is today. Two people writing at the same time, in the "same" language, would have a hard time understanding one another’s work if they came from different parts of England. The North West Midland dialect of Middle English has a lot of loan-words from Welsh. It also has a lot of holdovers from Anglo-Saxon, the language spoken in England before it mixed with French.

What does that mean for you? Well, you'll probably be reading the poem translated into modern English. Heck, even if you got the hang of Chaucer's London dialect of Middle English when reading The Canterbury Tales , that doesn't mean you'll be able to read the English of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight . Bummer. But don't feel bad. Lots of people who study this stuff for a living can’t make it through the poem without their facing-page translations. And it's still worth checking out Sir Gawain in its original form; it's fun to try to puzzle out the words. Hey, maybe you'll eventually become a master of the language and write your own translation, kind of like J.R.R. Tolkien (of Lord of the Rings fame).

No one knows who wrote Sir Gawain , but it's written in a unique style (which you can read all about in "Writing Style"). The author responsible for Sir Gawain 's distinctive style probably also wrote three other long poems that are contained in the same manuscript, Pearl, Patience and Cleanness . Unlike Sir Gawain , these other two poems are more obviously religious in nature. Because he also wrote Pearl , though, the author of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is sometimes also known as "the Pearl Poet."

What is Sir Gawain and the Green Knight About and Why Should I Care?

Have you ever felt pressure to be perfect? Maybe your parents or your teachers have standards for you that seem impossibly high. Or maybe you’ve done well at something in the past and feel like if you don’t continue to succeed at it in the future, you’ll let everybody down. Well, that’s probably how Gawain feels when he arrives at the castle in the enchanted forest only to find that his reputation has preceded him.

Everybody knows him as Sir Gawain the Great – yes, that Gawain, the one renowned for chivalric behavior, knightly prowess and courtesy, the best knight and the greatest lover ever to walk the earth. They expect more of the same from the Gawain who arrives at their castle, but all the while, he’s quaking in his boots about having to confront the terrifying Green Knight in a few days. Gawain probably wishes he weren’t Gawain the Great – that he could just be a regular guy who makes a stupid promise and backs out at the last minute.

Unfortunately, though, life doesn’t work that way: it’s a rare person who can walk out on all his obligations without losing himself in the process. Yet, as Gawain learns, it doesn’t have to be an either / or proposition: in the end, he can be partly a truly great knight, and partly a really huge coward, and life will still go on. In fact, when it comes right down to it, the person with the highest expectations for Gawain is himself.

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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Translation)

Introduction

• Fytte the First
• Fytte the Second
• Fytte the Third
• Fytte the Fourth
• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Original)
• Trebuchet MS

Line Spacing

Column width, text alignment, reading mode.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is the finest representative of a great cycle of verse romances devoted wholly or principally to the adventures of Gawain. Of these there still survive in English a dozen or so; in French—the tongue in which romance most flourished — seven or eight more; and these, of course, are but a fraction of what must once have existed. 1 No other knight of the Round Table occupies anything like so important a place as Gawain in the literature of the middle ages. He is the first mentioned of Arthur’s knights, for about 1125, ten years before Geoffrey of Monmouth dazzled the world with his revelation of King Arthur, William of Malmesbury in his Chronicle of the Kings of England had told of the discovery of Gawain’s tomb in Ross, Wales, and had described him as Arthur’s nephew and worthy second. Where other knights quailed, Gawain was serene; where other champions were beaten, Gawain won; and where no resolution, strength, or skill could avail, Gawain succeeded by his kindness, his virtue, and his charming speech. The strange knight in the Squire’s Tale gave his message so politely, says Chaucer,

“That Gawain with his old curteisye Though he were come ageyn out of Fairye Ne coude him nat amende with a word.”

But in time other heroes became more popular than he, and in some of the French prose romances of the thirteenth century Gawain’s character was defaced that others might appear to excel him; and Malory in his Morte Darthur ( c. 1470), which is based chiefly upon these later French romances, and Tennyson in his Idylls of the King , which in turn is mostly based on Malory, have unfortunately perpetuated this debased portrait. To get a glimpse of the real Gawain one should read, besides our piece, such romances as the Carl of Carlisle , 2 Golagros and Gawain , 3 The Wedding of Sir Gawain , 4 the Mule Sans Frein 5 and the episodes in Miss Weston’s Sir Gawain at the Grail Castle , and Sir Gawain and the Lady of Lys , in the attractive little series of Arthurian Romances Unrepresented in Malory’s Morte d’Arthur . 6

Gawain and the Green Knight  has been preserved to us, like many another precious work — for example  Beowulf  — by a single lucky manuscript, Cotton Nero A. X. of the British Museum. It is found there along with three other remarkable poems of the same dialect and style, all in the same handwriting; and naturally the four pass as the work of one author, although not all scholars are agreed on this point. These three are  Pearl  (1212 lines), a highly finished elegy in an elaborate stanza, a masterpiece of delicate beauty and craftsmanship;  Patience , and  Cleanness  (or  Purity ), of 500 and 1800 lines respectively, both written in the most powerful and highly colored alliterative verse, the former telling the story of Jonah, the latter of Belshazzar’s feast and fate. 7

These poems are the artistic culmination of what is called the alliterative revival of the fourteenth century in England, the best known example of which is  Piers the Ploughman . Other splendid pieces, worthy to stand beside these, are  Winner and Waster ,  The Parliament of Three Ages , and the Thornton  Morte Arthure . 8  It is a surprising and not-well-explained phenomenon that after two centuries or so of the short-lined, rhyming verse in stanzas or in couplets such as the young Chaucer wrote — which is generally considered to have been of French origin — there should suddenly appear a great bulk of poetry in the archaic unrhymed style of the Anglo-Saxons. The great peculiarity of this verse is alliteration, the repeating of the same letter or sound at the beginning of several words in a line — a device which has never been given up in English poetry. A characteristic Anglo-Saxon line is,

“ W adan ofer  w ealdas;  w udd baer sunu.”
 To wade over the wolds; the son bare the wood.

Any vowel could alliterate with any other, thus, —

“ I nnan ond  u tan  i ren-bendum.”
 Inside and outside with iron-bands.

The chief accent fell on the alliterative syllables, of which there could be three, as in the examples given, or two — these being the commonest types; or four, or none — these rarer. The number of unaccented syllables was immaterial; but a line consisted normally of four feet, with a cæsural pause in the middle. In our poem we find somewhat the same conventions, as in line 3, —

“The tulk that the trammes of tresoun there wrought”;

and line 27, —

“For-thi an aunter in erde I attle to schawe.”

In our piece groups of such lines are concluded by an odd phrase and a little rhyming stanza of five lines, often called a “bob and a wheel.” This poetry was dignified, strong, resonant, and in skillful hands apt for stirring deeds and rich, highly colored description; but it was the alliteration, probably, which tempted to use words in a forced sense, and to invent odd and fanciful terms — at any rate, these northern and Scottish poets were very much given to that sort of thing. Of course, the fact that they wrote with extreme virtuosity in a richly worded dialect, strange to us heirs of a more southern speech, has much to do with this effect. This poetry flourished chiefly in the north. Chaucer, naturally, was familiar with it, and makes his parson say, —

“But trusteth wel, I am a Southren man,
 I can nat geste — rum, ram, ruf — by lettre,
 Ne, God wot, rym hold I but little bettre;”

which rather sounds as if Chaucer had meant to have an alliterative poem precede the  Parson’s Tale . 9

Our romance, and the rich field of folklore within which it lies have recently been made the subject of a penetrating study by Professor G.L. Kittredge, 10  whose main results may be thus summarized.  Gawain and the Green Knight  is doubtless, like the great majority of the mediæval English romances, a translation from the French, although the French original is now lost. To the author of this French poem is due the happy combination of two fine old widely current stories. One of these, the “Challenge,” can be traced back to an elaborate Irish version of the year 1000 or earlier — the manuscript containing it, the celebrated  Book of the Dun Cow , was written about 1100. In this a supernatural being with a replaceable head tests the hero’s courage much as he does in our poem. In the other, the “Temptation,” the chosen hero, by resisting the seductive lady, is enabled to free the lady’s husband from an enchantment. Both these tales occur separately in mediæval romances, the former in the  Book of Caradoc  — a continuation of Chrétien’s  Percival , 11 the  Mule Sans Frein ,  Perlesvaus 12  and  Humbaut , 13  the latter in the  Carl of Carlisle , the  Chevalier à l’Épée , 14  and elsewhere. The work of the brilliant French combiner was, like numerous other French Arthurian romances of his period, a well-constructed and pellucid narrative. It did not attain the moral depth of our poem, where Gawain’s virtues, the elaborateness and keenness of his temptation, and his repentance for his slight fault, are more powerfully set forth. There is no reason to suppose that the beautiful descriptions of wild nature were in the French poem; and very likely the arming of the hero and the hunting were less elaborated there. It seems probable, too, that our author has changed the motivation and ending of the story; for in his original it would be natural to suppose from the analogues that the Green Knight enticed Gawain to his castle in order that this greatest of heroes might rid him of his strange hue and giant form, and that, after Gawain had succeeded, the disenchanted knight accompanied him to Arthur’s Court. The English author gave this up, and invented another and weaker motivation, based on the well-known hatred of Morgan la Fay for Queen Guinevere. It is the only blemish in the otherwise faultless construction that the reason here assigned for the Green Knight’s visit to Arthur’s Court is Morgan’s desire to frighten Guinevere out of her wits.

Another English version of our tale is found in Bishop Percy’s Folio Manuscript. This is a late romance of 516 lines, in six-line stanzas like the following: —

“He had a lady to his wiffe,
 He loved her deerlye as his liffe,
 She was both blyth and blee;
 Because Sir Gawaine was stiffe in stowre
 She loved him privilye paramour,
      And she never him see.”

Most scholars regard the  Ballad Green Knight , as it is often called, as a mere working-over of the alliterative romance; but because the author of it has reverted to a better and older sort of motivation — i.e., the love of the Green Knight’s wife for Gawain — and because he has likewise restored the presumably older features of the Green Knight’s becoming one of the Round Table, and for other reasons, some hold that the  Ballad Green Knight  is derived from a form of the story older than our romance; and that in this older form the Green Knight’s wife was a fairy, who for love of Gawain lured him to the other-world by this odd heading adventure. 15

It is also said in the  Ballad Green Knight  that it is because of this adventure of Gawain’s that the Knights of the Bath wear a lace about the neck until they have won their spurs, or a lady takes it off. And after the alliterative romance in our manuscript follows the motto of the Knights of the Garter — “Hony soyt qui mal pence.” Obviously, then, there has always been an effort to connect Gawain’s green lace with some chivalrous order in England, and such efforts still continue; but as yet it has not been made to seem very probable that the writer of the present poem had in mind anything of the kind. 16

Of our author we know only what can be deduced from his works. He must have been a native of Lancashire or thereabouts, since he employs the North-West Midland dialect, as it is called, and since he describes with so much accuracy and gusto the wild scenery of the three north-western counties of England. None but a person truly religious could have written a poem informed with so lofty a moral tone. Perhaps no other writer of his age could have pictured the scenes between Gawain and the lady without having them border either on the luscious or the coarse. And only a man conversant with the highest society of his time, a man who had seen the world, could describe with such loving wealth of detail the knightly trappings, the merry evenings at the castle, and the stirring hunts. More elaborate guesses about his personality may be found in the editions of Gollancz and Bateson. His work appears to fall within the third quarter of the fourteenth century, a time when a great number of French romances were being translated into English, and when Wycliffe, Gower, Chaucer, and Langland were flourishing.

K. G. T. W EBSTER .

1. The English romances were first collected by Sir Frederick Madden in his  Syr Gawayne , edited for the Bannatyne Club in 1859; the French have been described by G. Paris in the  Histoire Littéraire de la France , vol. xxx, pp. 29–103. Nothing like a complete study of Gawain has been made; the best accounts available are those of Miss J. L. Weston in her  Sir Gawain , London, 1897; of Schofield,  English Literature from the Norman Conquest to Chaucer , p. 124; of Nutt in the new  Encyclopædia Britannica  under “Gawain”; and of J. E. Wells in his recent  Manual of the Writings in Middle English , p. 51.

2. Edited by Madden,  Syr Gawayne Bishop Percy’s Folio Manuscript, ed. Hales and Furnivall, vol. III, p. 275.

3. Ed. Madden, p. 129, and Amours,  Scottish Alliterative Poems , Scottish Text Society, 1897.

4. Madden, p. 297;  Bishop Percy’s Folio Manuscript , vol. I, p. 103.

5. Edited Méon,  Nouveau Recueil de Fabliaux et Contes , 1823, vol. I, p. 1; R. T. Hill, Baltimore, 1911; Orlowski, Paris, 1911.

6. London, 1903 and 1907.

7. The only easily accessible edition of  Gawain and the Green Knight  is that of R. Morris for the Early English Text Society in 1864 — revised edition by Gollancz in 1897. Translations have been published by Miss Jessie L. Weston,  Sir Gawain and the Green Knight , in  Arthurian Romances Unrepresented in Malory’s Morte d’Arthur , London, 1898, in prose; and in  Romance, Vision, and Satire , Boston, 1912, in verse; by E. J. B. Kirtlan, London, 1912; and by C. M. Lewis, New Haven, Conn., 1913 — the last a very free, entertaining fantasy on the original theme. The other three poems were edited by Morris for the Early English Text Society in  Early English Alliterative Poems , 1864 (several subsequent editions).  Pearl  has been well edited, with a valuable introduction, by C. G. Osgood in the  Belles-Lettres Series , 1906; and by I. Gollancz, London, 1907;  Patience  by H. Bateson, Manchester, 1912.

8. The first two were edited together by Gollancz for the Roxburghe Club in 1897; the  Parliament , separately, Oxford, 1915; the  Morte Arthure  by Perry and Brock for the Early English Text Society, and by Miss M. M. Banks, London, 1900; translation of the last by A. Boyle in Everyman’s Library.

9. A learned discussion of alliterative verse may be found in J. Schipper’s  History of English Versification , Oxford, 1910, chapters II and III.

10. Cambridge, Harvard University Press, 1916.

11. Edited Potvin,  Perceval , vol. III, p.117.

12. Ditto, vol. I.

13. Edited Stürzinger and Breuer, Dresden, 1914.

14. Edited Méon, 1, 127; E. C. Armstrong, Baltimore, 1900.

15. This theory is set forth by Mr. J. R. Hulbert in  Modern Philology , vol. XIII, pp.49 and 113.

16. The latest protagonist of this theory is Mr. Isaac Jackson in  Anglia , vol. XXXVII, p.393. The whole question is sensibly reviewed by Mr. Hulbert in the last portion of his article.

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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

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Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Anonymous's Sir Gawain and the Green Knight . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Gawain & the Green Knight: Introduction

Gawain & the green knight: plot summary, gawain & the green knight: detailed summary & analysis, gawain & the green knight: themes, gawain & the green knight: quotes, gawain & the green knight: characters, gawain & the green knight: symbols, gawain & the green knight: theme wheel, brief biography of anonymous.

Historical Context of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Other books related to sir gawain and the green knight.

• Full Title: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
• When Written: Sometime between 1340 and 1400
• Where Written: West Midlands, England
• Literary Period: Medieval Romance Literature
• Genre: Epic poetry, Romance, Adventure, Arthurian Legend
• Setting: The court of Camelot, then across the wilderness of Britain to Bertilak’s castle and environs
• Climax: Gawain’s long-awaited meeting with the Green Knight at the Green Chapel, where he expects to lose his life but, after much suspense, is spared
• Antagonist: Initially, it seems that the Green Knight, who destroys the court’s revelry and forces Gawain to face his own death, is the antagonist of the poem. But by the end, it becomes evident that the real conflict is between Gawain’s desire to adhere to the knightly code of virtues and his more natural desire to stay alive.
• Point of View: An omniscient, third person narrator. This narrator follows Gawain for most of his journey, and of all the characters comes closest to Gawain’s internal world, occasionally noting his thoughts and feelings.

Extra Credit for Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

All that Alliteration. When Sir Gawain was written, verse was primarily written in ways that were quite different animal from the rhyming patterns that are best known today. Alliteration, the repetition of the initial consonant sounds of nearby words, was the major poetic device of the time, pre-dating rhyme. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is the model of an Middle English alliterative poem, using an alliterative phrase on nearly every single line of verse.

The Beheading Game. While Sir Gawain and the Green Knight has a legacy of spin-off tales, it has also inspired a brand of adventure plots cutely nicknamed The Beheading Game, in which two characters engage in a beheading challenge. In fact, though, Gawain did not originate this literary idea, as it was passed down from even earlier Irish myths like The Feast of Bricriu.

• Quizzes, saving guides, requests, plus so much more.

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10 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight – Introduction and Parts 1&2

Introduction

by Cane Mowry

Written by an unknown author in the 14th century, this adventurous and saucy romance seeks to answer the question of what it means to be chivalrous in the middle ages. This story is told in alliterative verse, each stanza ending with a “bob and wheel” – that is, one short line (the bob) with a single stress, followed by four three-stress lines (the wheel) of which the second and fourth lines rhyme with the bob. This unique poetic rhythm combines with compelling narrative storytelling, vivid world-building and psychological insight that engages the reader in this classic quest. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a story that has everything that you would look for in an Arthurian tale: sex, battle, knighthood, mythical creatures, feasts and tests of courage. A grand, coming-of-age story that asks fundamental questions about what it means to be a righteous human being in a brutal world.

The Character of Sir Gawain

Sir Gawain is a knight of the round table, nephew to King Arthur and presented as a devout but “humanly imperfect Christian” in this story (“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”). He was Arthur’s ambassador to Rome, showed great prowess in battle, but was always surpassed by Lancelot, who was inspired by the power of courtly love, and Perceval, who won the Grail (Hahn). He is usually represented in Middle English poetry as a loyal knight. Gawain is still considered one of the great heroes of Arthurian legend, appearing in more tales than any other knight. Gawain features in a number of works, notably Historia Regum Britanniae, Roman de Brut, De Ortu Waluuanii, Diu Crône, The Awntyrs off Arthure, Le Chevalier à l’épée , and The Weddynge of Syr Gawen and Dame Ragnell , as well as the works of Chrétien de Troyes and the prose cycle Lancelot-Grail (“Gawain”).

The story begins at the roundtable when a mysterious guest arrives: the Green Knight. He challenges King Arthur to a beheading game – the knight will offer his head in exchange for a chance to do the same to Arthur. Gawain, concerned for his lord’s honor, steps in and agrees to the contest. Dutifully, he cuts the knight’s head off in a single blow; then, the beheaded knight picks his head up and instructs Gawain to seek him out in one year and one day so that he may return the blow.

Act II beings a year later when Gawain heads off to find the green chapel (the home of the Green Knight); he eventually comes upon a hospitable castle instead in the midst of a harsh winter after a long and arduous journey. There, he is welcomed by lord Bertilak and his beautiful wife. He informs them that he is looking for the green chapel; they tell him it is only a little further away and implore him to stay and join their feast in the meantime.

Act III continues with an agreement between Gawain and Bertilak: they will exchange any winnings they have received at the end of each day. As Bertilak hunts in the field, returning each day with meat, Gawain must fend off the advances of Bertilak’s wife. She offers him gifts in exchange for a kiss and each time he demures. In the end, she offers him a protective green girdle that she insists will protect Gawain from all harm in exchange for three kisses. He accepts this offer as he doesn’t want to die just yet but keeps this “winning” a secret from Bertilak.

Act IV follows Gawain as he journeys toward the green chapel; there, he finds the Green Knight casually sharpening his axe. The Green Knight attempts to behead Gawain three times but misses twice; on the third blow, he merely nicks Gawain’s neck. He then reveals himself to have been Bertilak and tells Gawain that his experience at the castle was a game created by Morgan le Fey who had disguised herself as Berilak’s wife. Gawain is deeply ashamed at his own deceit (in wrapping himself in the girdle), though the Green Knight can only laugh and call him the most blameless knight in all the land. Gawain returns to Camelot with the girdle as he knew he failed to fight chivalrously; his fellow knights, however, tell him he is good, and they all wear green sashes in honor of Gawain’s deeds and a reminder to always be honest.

As in Beowulf , there appears to be a tension between Christian themes and pagan symbolism in this text. Key themes are temptation and testing, virtue, hunting, and the natural world. Green is the most obvious symbol and may allude to the green man of pagan mythology or the worship of nature generally. The number three occurs multiple times in the text and this may signal a nod to the Trinity; it is important to consider as one reads this text that it was composed at a time when “Christian and pagan belief existed side by side” (Armitage).

Works Cited:

Armitage, Simon. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight . BBC Productions. Youtube.com . 17 May 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74glI1lg1CQ

“Gawain.”  Encyclopedia Britannica , 26 Apr. 2017, www.britannica.com/topic/Gawain .

Hahn, Thomas. “The Greene Knight”. In Sir Gawain: Eleven Romances and Tales. Western Michigan University Medieval Institute Publications , 2000 p. 314.

“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.”  Wikipedia , 31 Jan. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Gawain_and_the_Green_Knight.

Discussion Questions

• There are many symbols in this story – which do you think is the most significant? Did the poetic form help or hinder the reading experience?
• What is the commentary on chivalry here?
• How are the female characters portrayed? Are they strong, cunning or mere plot devices?
• What is the view of King Arthur here? Does it contradict other portrayals? If so, how?
• What might the Green Knight represent?

Further Resources

• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (BBC Documentary)
• Shmoop’s Page covering themes and background:
• An animated version of the story:

Reading: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 

Soon as the siege and assault had ceased at Troy,

the burg broken and burnt to brands and ashes,

the traitor who trammels of treason there wrought

was tried for his treachery, the foulest on earth.

It was Aeneas the noble and his high kin

who then subdued provinces, lords they became,

well-nigh of all the wealth in the Western Isles:

forth rich Romulus to Rome rapidly came,

with great business that burg he builds up first,

and names it with his name, as now it has;

Ticius to Tuscany, and townships begins;

Langobard in Lombardy lifts up homes;

and fared over the French flood Felix Brutus

on many banks all broad Britain he settles

where war and wreck and wonder

betimes have worked within,

and oft both bliss and blunder

have held sway swiftly since.

And when this Britain was built by this baron rich,

bold men were bred therein, of battle beloved,

in many a troubled time turmoil that wrought.

More flames on this fold have fallen here oft

than any other I know of, since that same time.

But of all that here built, of Britain the kings,

ever was Arthur highest, as I have heard tell.

And so of earnest adventure I aim to show,

that astonishes sight as some men do hold it,

an outstanding action of Arthur’s wonders.

If you will list to this lay but a little while,

I’ll tell it straight, as I in town heard it,

with tongue;

as it was said and spoken

in story staunch and strong,

with linked letters loaded,

as in this land so long.

This king lay at Camelot nigh on Christmas

with many lovely lords, of leaders the best,

reckoning of the Round Table all the rich brethren,

with right ripe revel and reckless mirth.

There tourneyed tykes by times full many,

jousted full jollily these gentle knights,

then carried to court, their carols to make.

For there the feast was alike full fifteen days,

with all the meat and mirth men could devise:

such clamour and glee glorious to hear,

dear din in the daylight, dancing of nights;

all was happiness high in halls and chambers

with lords and ladies, as liked them all best.

With all that’s well in the world were they together,

the knights best known under the Christ Himself,

and the loveliest ladies that ever life honoured,

and he the comeliest king that the court rules.

For all were fair folk and in their first age

the happiest under heaven,

king noblest in his will;

that it were hard to reckon

so hardy a host on hill.

‘ Jousted full jollily these gentle knights ’ The Boy’s King Arthur (p246, 1922) Sidney Lanier (1842-1881), Newell Convers Wyeth (1882-1945) Wikimedia Commons

While New Year was so young it was new come in,

that day double on the dais was the dole served,

for the king was come with knights into the hall,

and chanting in the chapel had chimed to an end.

Loud cry was there cast of clerics and others,

Noel nurtured anew, and named full oft;

and see the rich run forth to render presents,

yelled their gifts on high, yield them to hand,

argued busily about those same gifts.

Ladies laughed out loud, though they had lost,

while he that won was not wrath, that you’ll know.

All this mirth they made at the meal time.

When they had washed well they went to be seated,

the best of the barons above, as it seemed best;

with Guinevere, full gaily, gracing their midst,

dressed on the dais there, adorned all about –

splendid silk by her sides, and sheer above

of true Toulouse, of Tartar tapestries plenty,

that were embroidered, bright with the best gems

that might be price-proved with pennies

the comeliest to descry

glanced there with eyen grey;

a seemlier ever to the sight,

sooth might no man say.

‘ Guinevere, full gaily, gracing their midst ’ Idylls of the King (p36, 1913) Baron Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892), Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale (1872-1945) The Internet Archive

But Arthur would not eat till all were served,

he was so joyous a youth, and somewhat boyish:

he liked his life lively, he loved the less

either to long lie idle or to long sit,

so busied him his young blood and his brain wild.

And also another matter moved him so,

that he had nobly named he would never eat

on such dear days, before he had been advised,

of some adventurous thing, an unknown tale,

of some mighty marvel, that he might believe,

of ancestors, arms, or other adventures;

or else till someone beseeched for some sure knight

to join with him in jousting, in jeopardy to lay,

lay down life for life, allow each to the other,

as fortune might favour them, a fair advantage.

This was the king’s custom when he in court was,

at each fine feast among his many friends

Therefore with fearless face

he stands straight and tall;

full lively at that New Year

much mirth he makes with all.

Thus there stands straight and tall the king himself,

talking at the high table of trifles full courtly.

There good Gawain was graced by Guinevere beside,

and Agravain  a la dure main  on the other side sits,

both the king’s sister-sons and full sure knights;

Bishop Baldwin above, he begins the table,

and Ywain, Urien’s son, ate alongside him.

These sat high on the dais and deftly served,

and many another sat sure at the side-tables.

Then the first course came with crack of trumpets,

with many a banner full bright that thereby hung;

new noise of kettledrums and noble pipes,

wild warbles and wide wakened echoes,

that many a heart full high heaved at their notes.

Dainties drawn in therewith of full dear meats,

foods of the freshest, and in such files of dishes

they find no room to place them people before

and to set the silver that holds such servings

Each his load as he liked himself,

there ladled and nothing loath;

Every two had dishes twelve,

good beer and bright wine both.

‘ Every two had dishes twelve ’ Idylls of the King (p56, 1898) Baron Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892), George Woolliscroft Rhead (1854-1920) and Louis Rhead (1857–1926) The British Library

Now will I of their service say you no more,

for each man may well know no want was there

another noise full new neared with speed,

that would give the lord leave to take meat.

For scarce was the noise not a while ceased,

and the first course in the court duly served,

there hales in at the hall door a dreadful man,

the most in the world’s mould of measure high,

from the nape to the waist so swart and so thick,

and his loins and his limbs so long and so great

half giant on earth I think now that he was;

but the most of man anyway I mean him to be,

and that the finest in his greatness that might ride,

for of back and breast though his body was strong,

both his belly and waist were worthily small,

and his features all followed his form made

Wonder at his hue men displayed,

set in his semblance seen;

he fared as a giant were made,

and over all deepest green.

And all garbed in green this giant and his gear:

a straight coat full tight that stuck to his sides,

a magnificent mantle above, masked within

with pelts pared pertly, the garment agleam

with blithe ermine full bright, and his hood both,

that was left from his locks and laid on his shoulders;

neat, well-hauled hose of that same green

that clung to his calves and sharp spurs under

of bright gold, on silk stockings rich-barred,

and no shoes under sole where the same rides.

And all his vesture verily was bright verdure,

both the bars of his belt and other bright stones,

that were richly rayed in his bright array

about himself and his saddle, on silk work,

it were tortuous to tell of these trifles the half,

embroidered above with birds and butterflies,

with gay gaudy of green, the gold ever inmost.

The pendants of his harness, the proud crupper,

his bridle and all the metal enamelled was then;

the stirrups he stood on stained with the same,

and his saddle bows after, and saddle skirts,

ever glimmered and glinted all with green stones.

The horse he rode on was also of that hue,

A green horse great and thick,

a steed full strong to restrain,

in broidered bridle quick –

to the giant he brought gain.

‘ A steed full strong to restrain ’ The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott (p164, 1888) Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) and William James Rolfe (1827-1910), Editor Internet Archive Book Images

Well garbed was this giant geared in green,

and the hair of his head like his horse’s mane.

Fair fanned-out flax enfolds his shoulders;

A beard big as a bush over his breast hangs,

that with the haul of hair that from his head reaches

was clipped all round about above his elbows,

that half his hands thereunder were hid in the wise

of a king’s broad cape that’s clasped at his neck.

The mane of that mighty horse was much alike,

well crisped and combed, with knots full many

plaited in thread of gold about the fair green,

here a thread of the hair, and there of gold.

The tail and his forelock twinned, of a suit,

and bound both with a band of a bright green,

dressed with precious stones, as its length lasted;

then twined with a thong, a tight knot aloft,

where many bells bright of burnished gold ring.

Such a man on a mount, such a giant that rides,

was never before that time in hall in sight of human

He looked as lightning bright,

said all that him descried;

it seemed that no man might

his mighty blows survive.

And yet he had no helm nor hauberk, neither,

nor protection, nor no plate pertinent to arms,

nor no shaft, nor no shield, to strike and smite,

but in his one hand he held a holly branch,

that is greatest in green when groves are bare,

and an axe in his other, one huge, monstrous,

a perilous spar to expound in speech, who might.

The head of an ell-rod its large length had,

the spike all of green steel and of gold hewn,

the blade bright burnished with a broad edge

as well shaped to sheer as are sharp razors.

The shaft of a strong staff the stern man gripped,

that was wound with iron to the wand’s end,

and all engraved with green in gracious workings;

a cord lapped it about, that linked at the head,

and so around the handle looped full oft,

with tried tassels thereto attached enough

on buttons of the bright green broidered full rich.

This stranger rides in and the hall enters,

driving to the high dais, danger un-fearing.

Hailed he never a one, but high he overlooked.

The first word that he spoke: ‘Where is,’ he said,

‘the governor of this throng? Gladly I would

see that soul in sight and with himself speak

On knights he cast his eyes,

And rolled them up and down.

He stopped and studied ay

who was of most renown.

There was a looking at length the man to behold,

for each man marvelled what it might mean

for a rider and his horse to own such a hue

as grew green as the grass and greener it seemed,

than green enamel on gold glowing the brighter.

All studied that steed, and stalked him near,

with all the wonder of the world at what he might do.

for marvels had they seen but such never before;

and so of phantom and fairie the folk there it deemed.

Therefore to answer was many a knight afraid,

and all stunned at his shout and sat stock-still

in a sudden silence through the rich hall;

as all had slipped into sleep so ceased their noise

I think it not all in fear,

but some from courtesy;

to let him all should revere

speak to him firstly.

Then Arthur before the high dais that adventure beholds,

and, gracious, him reverenced, a-feared was he never,

and said: ‘Sir, welcome indeed to this place,

the head of this house, I, Arthur am named.

Alight swiftly adown and rest, I thee pray,

and what thy will is we shall wait after.’

‘Nay, so help me,’ quoth the man, ‘He that on high sits:

to wait any while in this way, it was not my errand.

But as the light of thee, lord, is lifted so high,

and thy burg and thy barons the best, men hold,

strongest under steel gear on steeds to ride,

the wisest and worthiest of the world’s kind,

proof to play against in other pure sports,

and here is shown courtesy, as I have heard said,

so then I wandered hither, indeed, at this time.

You may be sure by this branch that I bear here

that I pass by in peace and no plight seek.

For were I found here, fierce, and in fighting wise,

I had a hauberk at home and a helm both,

a shield and a sharp spear, shining bright,

and other weapons to wield, I well will, too;

but as I wish no war, I wear the softer.

But if you be as bold as all bairns tell,

you will grant me goodly the gift that I ask

Arthur answered there,

and said: ‘Sir courteous knight,

if you crave battle bare,

here fails you not the fight.’

‘Nay, follow I no fight, in faith I thee tell.

About on these benches are but beardless children;

if I were clasped in armour on a high steed,

here is no man to match me, his might so weak.

From thee I crave in this court a Christmas gift,

for it is Yule and New Year, and here many young men.

If any so hardy in this house holds himself,

is so bold of blood, hot-brained in his head,

that dare staunchly strike a stroke for another,

I shall give him as gift this weapon so rich,

this blade, that is heavy enough to handle as he likes,

and I will bear the first blow, as bare as I sit.

If any friend be so fell as to fare as I say,

Leap lightly to me; latch on to this weapon –

I quit claim for ever, he keeps it, his own.

And I will stand his stroke straight, on this floor,

if you will grant me the gift to give him another,

and yet give him respite

a twelvemonth and a day.

Now hurry, let’s see aright

dare any herein aught say.’

If he had stunned them at first, stiller were then

all the host in the hall, the high and the low.

The man on his mount he turned in his saddle,

and roundly his red eyes he rolled about,

bent his bristling brows, burning green,

waving his beard about waiting who would rise.

When none would come to his call he coughed full high,

and cleared his throat full richly, ready to speak:

‘What, is this Arthur’s house,’ quoth the horseman then,

‘that all the rumour runs of, through realms so many?

Where now your superiority and your conquests,

your grinding down and your anger, your great words?

Now is the revel and the renown of the Round Table

overthrown with the word of a wanderer’s speech,

for all duck down in dread without dint of a blow!’

With this he laughed so loud that the lord grieved;

the blood shot for shame into his fair face

he waxed as wrath as wind;

so did all that there were.

The king, so keen by kind,

then stood that strong man near.

And said: ‘Horseman, by heaven you ask as a fool,

and as a folly you fain, to find it me behoves.

I know no guest that’s aghast at your great words.

Give me now your weapon, upon God’s name,

and I shall bear you the boon you’d be having.’

lightly he leaped to him and caught at his hand;

then fiercely the other fellow on foot alighted.

Now has Arthur his axe, and the helm grips,

and strongly stirs it about, to strike with a thought.

The man before him drew himself to full height,

higher than any in the house by a head and more.

With stern face where he stood he stroked his beard,

and with fixed countenance tugged at his coat,

no more moved or dismayed by mighty blows

than if any man to the bench had brought him a drink

Gawain, that sat by the queen,

to the king he did incline:

‘I beseech in plain speech

that this mêlée be mine’

‘ I beseech…that this mêlée be mine ’ The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott (p70, 1888) Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) and William James Rolfe (1827-1910), Editor Internet Archive Book Images

‘Would you, worthiest lord,’ quoth Gawain to the king,

‘bid me bow from this bench and stand by you there,

that I without villainy might void this table,

and if my liege lady liked it not ill,

I would come counsel you before your court rich.

For I think it not seemly, as it is true known,

that such an asking is heaved so high in your hall,

that you yourself are tempted, to take it to yourself,

while so many bold men about you on benches sit,

that under heaven, I hope, are none higher of will,

nor better of body on fields where battle is raised.

I am the weakest, I know, and of wit feeblest.

least worth the loss of my life, who’d learn the truth.

Only inasmuch as you are my uncle, am I praised:

No bounty but your blood in my body I know.

And since this thing is folly and naught to you falls,

and I have asked it of you first, grant it to me;

and if my cry be not comely, let this court be free

Nobles whispered around,

and after counselled the same,

to free the king and crown,

and give Gawain the game.

Then commanded the king the knight for to rise,

and he readily up-rose and prepared him fair,

knelt down before the king, and caught the weapon;

and he lightly left it him, and lifted up his hand

and gave him God’s blessing, and gladly him bade

that his heart and his hand should hardy be, both.

‘Take care, cousin,’ quoth the king, ‘how you set on,

and if you read him aright, readily I trow,

that you shall abide the blow he shall bring after.’

Gawain goes to the giant, with weapon in hand,

and boldly abides him, never bothered the less.

Then to Sir Gawain says the knight in the green:

‘Re-affirm we our oaths before we go further.

First I entreat you, man, how are you named,

that tell me truly, then, so trust it I may.’

‘In God’s faith,’ quoth the good knight, ‘Gawain am I,

that bear you this buffet, whatever befalls after,

and at this time twelvemonth take from thee another

with what weapon you wilt, and no help from any

The other replies again:

‘Sir Gawain, may I so thrive,

if I am not wondrous fain

for you this blow to drive.’

‘By God,’ quoth the green knight, ‘Sir Gawain, I like

That I’ll face first from your fist what I found here.

And you have readily rehearsed, with reason full true,

clearly all the covenant that I the king asked,

save that you shall secure me, say, by your troth,

that you shall seek me yourself, where so you think

I may be found upon field, and fetch you such wages

as you deal me today before this dear company.’

‘Where should I seek,’ quoth Gawain, ‘where is your place?

I know nothing of where you walk, by Him that wrought me,

nor do I know you, knight, your court or your name.

But teach me truly the track, tell me how you are named,

and I shall wind all my wit to win me thither;

and that I swear you in truth, and by my sure honour.’

‘That is enough this New Year, it needs no more,’

quoth the giant in the green to courteous Gawain:

‘if I shall tell you truly, when you have tapped me

and you me smoothly have smitten, I swiftly you teach,

of my house and my home and my own name.

Then may you find how I fare, and hold to your word;

and if I spend no speech, then it speeds you the better,

for you may linger in your land and seek no further –

Take now your grim steel to thee,

and see how you fell oaks.’

‘Gladly, sir, indeed,’

quoth Gawain; his axe he strokes.

The green knight on his ground graciously stands:

with a little lean of the head, flesh he uncovers;

his long lovely locks he laid over his crown,

and let the naked neck to the stroke show.

Gawain gripped his axe and glanced it on high,

his left foot on the field before him he set,

letting it down lightly light on the naked,

that the sharp of the steel sundered the bones,

and sank through the soft flesh, sliced it in two,

that the blade of the bright steel bit in the ground.

The fair head from the frame fell to the earth,

that folk flailed it with their feet, where it forth rolled;

the blood burst from the body, the bright on the green.

Yet nevertheless neither falters nor falls the fellow,

but stoutly he started forth on strong shanks,

and roughly he reached out, where the ranks stood,

latched onto his lovely head, and lifted it so;

and then strode to his steed, the bridle he catches,

steps into stirrup and strides him aloft,

and his head by the hair in his hand holds.

and as steady and staunch him in his saddle sat

as if no mishap had him ailed, though headless now

He twined his trunk about,

that ugly body that bled;

many of him had doubt,

ere ever his speech was said.

‘ The fair head from the frame fell to the earth ’ Enid (p118, 1868) Baron Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892) and Gustave Doré (1832-1883) The Internet Archive

For the head in his hand he holds up even,

towards the dearest on dais addresses the face;

and it lifted its eyelids, and looked full wide,

and made this much with its mouth, as you may now hear;

‘Look, Gawain, be you geared to go as you promised,

and look out loyally till you me, lord, find,

as you swore oath in this hall, these knights hearing.

To the green chapel you go, I charge you, to find

such a dint as you dealt – deserved you have –

to be readily yielded on New Year’s morn.

The knight of the green chapel, men know me as, many;

therefore to find me, if you fain it, you’ll fail never.

Come then, or be called recreant it behoves you.’

With a rough rasping the reins he twists,

hurled out the hall door, his head in his hand,

that the fire of the flint flew from fleet hooves.

to what land he came no man there knew,

no more than they knew where he had come from

The king and Gawain there

at that green man laugh and grin;

yet broadcast it was abroad

as a marvel among those men.

‘ To what land he came no man there knew ’ The Boy’s King Arthur (p82, 1922) Sidney Lanier (1842-1881), Newell Convers Wyeth (1882-1945) Wikimedia Commons

Though Arthur the high king at heart had wonder,

he let no semblance be seen, but said aloud

to the comely queen, with courteous speech:

‘Dear dame, today dismay you never;

well become us these crafts at Christmas,

larking at interludes, to laugh and to sing

among the courtly carols of lords and ladies.

Nevertheless my meat I may now me address,

for I have seen my marvel, I may not deny.’

He glanced at Sir Gawain and graciously said:

‘Now sir, hang up your axe that has hewn enough.’

And it adorned the dais, hung on display,

where all men might marvel and on it look,

and by true title thereof to tell the wonder.

Then they went to the board these two together,

the king and the godly knight, and keen men them served

of all dainties double, as dearest might fall,

with all manner of meat and minstrelsy both.

Full well they whiled that day till it worked its end

Now think well, Sir Gawain,

lest by peril unmanned,

this adventure to sustain,

you have taken in hand.

This gift of adventure has Arthur thus on the first

of the young year, for he yearned exploits to hear.

Though words were wanting when they went to sit,

now are they stoked with stern work, fullness to hand.

Gawain was glad to begin those games in hall,

yet if the end be heavy, have you no wonder;

though men be merry in mind when they have strong ale,

a year turns full turn, and yields never a like;

the form of its finish foretold full seldom.

For this Yuletide passed by, and the year after,

and each season slips by pursuing another:

after Christmas comes crabbed Lenten time,

that forces on flesh fish and food more simple.

But then the weather of the world with winter it fights,

cold shrinks down, clouds are uplifted,

shining sheds the rain in showers full warm,

falls upon fair flats, flowers there showing.

Both ground and groves green is their dress,

birds begin to build and brightly sing they

the solace of the soft summer ensuing after

and blossoms bloom to blow

by hedges rich and rank,

while noble notes do flow

in woodland free and frank.

After, in season of summer with the soft winds,

when Zephyrus sighs himself on seeds and herbs;

well-away is the wort that waxes out there,

when the dunking dew drops from the leaves,

biding a blissful blush of the bright sun.

But then hies Harvest and hardens it soon,

warns it before the winter to wax full ripe;

then drives with drought the dust for to rise,

from the face of the field to fly full high;

wild wind from the welkin wrestles the sun,

the leaves lance then from linden, light on the ground,

and all grey is the grass, that green was ere;

then all ripens and rots, that rose up at first.

And thus wears the year into yesterdays many,

and winter walks again, as the world’s way is,

till Michaelmas moon

threatens a wintry age.

Then thinks Gawain full soon,

of his wearisome voyage.

Yet till All-Hallows with Arthur he lingers,

and he made a feast on that day for the knight’s sake,

with much revel and rich of the Round Table.

Knights full courteous and comely ladies,

all for love of that lad in longing they were;

but nevertheless they named nothing but mirth,

many joyless for that gentle soul jokes made there.

For, after meat, with mourning he makes to his uncle,

and speaks his departure, and openly says:

‘Now, liege lord of my life, I ask you leave.

You know the cost in this case, care I no more

to tell you the trial thereof, naught but a trifle;

but I am bound to bear it, be gone, and tomorrow,

to seek the giant in the green, as God will me guide.’

Then the best of the burg were brought together,

Ywain and Eric and others full many,

Sir Dodinal le Sauvage, the Duke of Clarence,

Lancelot and Lionel and Lucan the Good,

Sir Bors and Sir Bedivere, big men both,

and many other men, with Mador de la Porte.

All this courtly company came the king near,

for to counsel the knight, with care in their hearts.

There was much dark dolefulness deep in the hall,

that so worthy as Gawain should wend on that errand,

to endure a dreadful dint, and no more with sword

The knight made yet good cheer,

and said: ‘Why should I falter?

Such destinies foul or fair

what can men do but suffer?’

He dwelt there all that day, and dressed on the morn,

asks early for his arms, and all were they brought.

First a crimson carpet, cast over the floor,

and much was the gilded gear that gleamed thereon.

The strong man steps there, and handles the steel,

dressed in a doublet of silk of Turkestan,

and then a well-crafted cape, clasped at the top,

that with a white ermine was trimmed within.

Then set they the plate shoes on his strong feet,

his legs lapped in steel with lovely greaves,

with knee-pieces pinned thereto, polished full clean,

about his knees fastened with knots of gold;

then the cuisses, that cunningly enclosed

his thick-thewed thighs, attached with thongs;

and then the hauberk linked with bright steel rings

over rich wear, wrapped round the warrior;

and well-burnished bracelets over both arms,

elbow-pieces good and gay, and gloves of plate,

and all the goodly gear that should bring him gain

with rich coat armour,

his gold spurs set with pride,

girt with a blade full sure

with silk sword-belt at his side.

When he was hasped in armour, his harness was rich;

the least laces or loops gleamed with gold.

So harnessed as he was he hears the Mass,

offered and honoured at the high altar,

then he comes to the king and his companions,

takes his courteous leave of lords and ladies;

and they him kiss and convey, commend him to Christ.

By then Gringolet was game, girt with a saddle

that gleamed full gaily with many gold fringes,

everywhere nailed full new, for that noted day;

the bridle barred about, with bright gold bound;

the apparel of the breast-guard and proud skirts,

crupper, caparison, in accord with the saddle-bows;

and all was arrayed with rich red gold nails,

that all glittered and glinted as gleam of the sun.

Then hefts he the helm, and hastily it kisses,

that was strongly stapled and stuffed within.

It was high on his head, clasped behind,

with a light covering over the face-guard,

embroidered and bound with the best gems

on broad silken border, and birds on the seams,

such as parrots painted preening between,

turtle-doves, true-love knots, so thick entailed

as many burdened with it had been seven winters

The circlet of greater price

that embellished his crown,

of diamonds all devised

that were both bright and brown.

‘ So harnessed as he was he hears the Mass ’ The Book of Romance (p101, 1902) Andrew Land (1844-1912) Internet Archive Book Images

Then they showed him the shield that was of shining gules,

with the pentangle painted there in pure gold hues.

He brandishes it by the baldric, casts it about his neck,

that suited the wearer seemly and fair.

And why the pentangle applies to that prince noble,

I intend to tell, though I tarry more than I should.

It is a sign Solomon settled on some while back,

in token of truth, by the title that it has,

for it is a figure that has five points,

and each line overlaps and locks with another,

and everywhere it is endless, and English call it

over all the land, as I here, the Endless Knot.

For so it accords with this knight and his bright arms,

forever faithful in five ways, and five times so,

Gawain was for good known, and, as purified gold,

void of every villainy, with virtues adorned

And thus the pentangle new

he bore on shield and coat,

as title of trust most true

and gentlest knight of note.

First he was found faultless in his five senses,

and then failed never the knight in his five fingers,

and all his trust in the field was in the five wounds

that Christ caught on the cross, as the creed tells.

And wheresoever this man in mêlée was stood,

his first thought was that, over all other things,

all his force in fight he found in the five joys

that holy Heaven’s Queen had of her child;

for this cause the knight fittingly had

on the inner half of his shield her image painted,

that when he beheld her his boldness never failed.

The fifth five that I find the knight used

was Free-handedness and Friendship above all things;

his Continence and Courtesy corrupted were never,

and Piety, that surpasses all points – these pure five

were firmer founded in his form than another.

Now all these five-folds, forsooth, were fused in this knight,

and each one joined to another that none end had,

and fixed upon five points that failed never,

never confused on one side, nor sundered neither,

without end at any angle anywhere, I find,

wherever its guise begins or glides to an end.

Therefore on his shining shield shaped was the knot

royally with red gold upon red gules,

thus is the pure pentangle called by the people

Now geared was Gawain gay,

lifted his lance right there,

and gave them all good day –

as he thought, for evermore.

He struck the steed with the spurs, and sprang on his way

so strongly the stone-fire sparked out thereafter.

All that saw the seemly sight sighed in their hearts,

and said softly the same thing all to each other,

in care of that comely knight: ‘By Christ, ‘tis pity,

that you, lord, shall be lost, who art of life noble!

To find his fellow in field, in faith, is not easy.

Warily to have wrought would wiser have been,

to have dealt yon dear man a dukedom of worth.

A loyal leader of this land’s lances in him well seems,

and so had better have been than brought to naught,

beheaded by an elvish man, out of arrogant pride.

Who knew any king ever such counsel to take

as knights in altercations in Christmas games?’

Well was the water warm much wept from eyen,

when that seemly sire spurred from the court

He made no delay,

but swiftly went his way;

Many a wild path he strayed,

so the books do say.

Now rides this knight through the realm of Logres,

Sir Gawain, in God’s name, yet no game it thought.

Oft friendless alone he lay long a-nights,

where he found no fare that he liked before him.

He had no friend but his steed by furze and down,

and no one but God to speak with on the way,

till that he neared full nigh to northern Wales.

All the Isle of Anglesey on the left hand he held,

and fared over the fords by the forelands,

over at Holyhead, till he reached the bank

in the wilderness of Wirral – few thereabouts

that either God or other with good heart loved.

And ever he asked as he fared, of fellows he met,

if they had heard any word of a knight in green,

on any ground thereabout, of the green chapel;

and all met him with nay, that never in their lives

saw they ever a sign of such a one, hued

The knight took pathways strange

by many a bank un-green;

his cheerfulness would change,

ere might that chapel be seen.

‘ The knight took pathways strange by many a bank un-green ’ The Boy’s King Arthur (p214, 1922) Sidney Lanier (1842-1881), Newell Convers Wyeth (1882-1945) Wikimedia Commons

Many cliffs he over-clambered in countries strange,

far flying from his friends forsaken he rides.

at every twist of the water where the way passed

he found a foe before him, or freakish it were,

and so foul and fell he was beholden to fight.

So many marvels by mountain there the man finds,

it would be tortuous to tell a tenth of the tale.

Sometimes with dragons he wars, and wolves also,

sometimes with wild woodsmen haunting the crags,

with bulls and bears both, and boar other times,

and giants that chased after him on the high fells.

had he not been doughty, enduring, and Duty served,

doubtless he had been dropped and left for dead,

for war worried him not so much but winter was worse,

when the cold clear water from the clouds shed,

and froze ere it fall might to the fallow earth.

Near slain by the sleet he slept in his steel

more nights than enough in the naked rocks,

where clattering from the crest the cold burn runs,

and hung high over his head in hard icicles.

Thus in peril and pain, and plights full hard

covers the country this knight till Christmas Eve

The knight that eventide

to Mary made his moan,

to show him where to ride,

and guide him to some home.

‘ Sometimes with dragons he wars ’ The Romance of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table (p360, 1917) Sir Thomas Malory (15th cent), Alfred William Pollard (1859-1944), Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) Internet Archive Book Images

By a mount in the morn merrily he rides

into a forest full deep, wonderfully wide,

high hills on either hand, and woodlands under

of hoar oaks full huge a hundred together.

The hazel and the hawthorn were tangled and twined,

with rough ragged moss ravelled everywhere,

with many birds un-blithe upon bare twigs,

that piteously they piped for pinch of the cold.

The gallant on Gringolet glides them under

through many a marsh and mire, a man alone,

full of care lest to his cost he never should

see the service of that Sire, that on that self night,

of a bright maid was born, our burden to quell.

And therefore sighing he said; ‘I beseech thee, Lord,

and Mary, that is mildest mother so dear,

of some harbour where highly I might hear Mass,

and thy Matins tomorrow, meekly I ask,

and thereto promptly I pray my Pater and Ave

and Creed.’

He rode as he prayed,

And cried for his misdeeds;

He crossed himself always,

And said: ‘Christ’s Cross me speed!’

Now he had signed himself times but three,

when he was aware in the wood of a wall in a moat,

above a level, on high land locked under boughs

of many broad set boles about by the ditches:

a castle the comeliest that ever knight owned,

perched on a plain, a park all about,

with a pointed palisade, planted full thick,

encircling many trees in more than two miles.

The hold on the one side the knight assessed,

as it shimmered and shone through the shining oaks.

Then humbly has off with his helm, highly he thanks

Jesus and Saint Julian, that gentle are both,

that courtesy had him shown, and his cry hearkened.

‘Now hospitality,’ he said, ‘I beseech you grant!’

Then goads he on Gringolet, with his gilded heels,

and he by chance there has chosen the chief way,

that brought the man bravely to the bridge’s end

The drawbridge was upraised,

the gates were firm and fast,

the walls were well arrayed –

it trembled at no wind’s blast.

‘ A castle the comeliest that ever knight owned ’ Élaine (1867) Baron Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892), Gustave Doré (1832-1883)

The knight stuck to his steed, that hugged the bank,

of the deep double ditch driven round the place.

The wall washed in the water wonderfully deep,

and then a full huge height it haled up aloft,

of hard hewn stone to the entablature,

embedded under the battlements in best style;

and there were turrets full tall towering between,

with many lovely loopholes clean interlocked:

a better barbican that knight never beheld.

And innermost he beheld a hall full high,

towers trim between, crenellated full thick,

fair finials that fused, and fancifully long,

with carven copes, cunningly worked.

Chalk white chimneys he descried enough,

on tower rooftops that gleamed full white.

So many painted pinnacles powdered there

among castle crenellations, clustered so thick,

that pared out of paper purely it seemed.

the fair knight on the horse it fine enough thought,

if he might contrive to come the cloister within,

to harbour in that hostel while Holy Day lasted,

all content.

He called and soon there came

a porter pure pleasant.

From the wall his errand he craved,

and hailed the knight errant.

‘Good sir,’ quoth Gawain, ‘will you do my errand

to the high lord of this house, harbour to crave?’

‘Yes, by Saint Peter,’ quoth the porter, ‘for I believe

That you’ll be welcome to dwell as long as you like.’

Then the welcomer on the wall went down swiftly,

and folk freely him with, to welcome the knight.

They let down the great drawbridge and dignified

knelt down on their knees upon the cold earth

to welcome this knight as they thought the worthiest way.

They yielded him the broad gate, opened wide,

and he them raised rightly and rode over the bridge.

Several then seized his saddle, while he alighted,

and then strong men enough stabled his steed.

Knights and their squires came down then

for to bring this bold man blithely to hall,

When he lifted his helmet, they hastened forward

to heft it from his hand, the guest to serve;

his blade and his blazon both they took.

then hailed he full handily the host each one,

and many proud men pressed close, that prince to honour.

All clasped in his noble armour to hall they him brought,

where a fair fire on a hearth fiercely flamed.

Then the lord of that land left his chamber

for to meet with manners the man on the floor.

He said: ‘You are welcome to dwell as you like.

What is here, is all your own, to have at your will

and wield you.

‘ Graunt  merci ,’ quoth Gawain,

‘May Christ reward it you.’

As friends that meet again

Each clasped the other true.

Gawain gazed on the gallant that goodly him greet,

and thought him a brave baron that the burg owned,

a huge man in truth, and mature in his years;

broad, bright was his beard and all beaver-hued,

stern, striding strongly on stalwart shanks,

face fell as the fire, and free of his speech;

and well he seemed to suit, as the knight thought,

the leading a lordship, along of lords full good.

The chief him led to a chamber, expressly commands

a lord be delivered to him, him humbly to serve;

and there were brave for his bidding a band of men,

that brought him to a bright bower, the bedding was noble,

of curtains of clear silk with clean gold hems,

and coverlets full curious with comely panels,

of bright ermine above embroidered sides,

curtains running on cords, red gold rings,

tapestries tied to the wall, of Toulouse, Turkestan,

and underfoot, on the floor, that followed suit.

There he was disrobed, with speeches of mirth,

the burden of his mail and his bright clothes.

Rich robes full readily retainers brought him,

to check and to change and choose of the best.

Soon as he held one, and hastened therein,

that sat on him seemly, with spreading skirts,

verdant in his visage Spring verily seemed

to well nigh everyone, in all its hues,

glowing and lovely, all his limbs under,

that a comelier knight never Christ made,

they thought.

However he came here,

it seemed that he ought

to be prince without peer

on fields where fell men fought.

‘ A huge man in truth, and mature in his years ’ Idylls of the King (p61, 1898) Baron Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892), George Woolliscroft Rhead (1854-1920) and Louis Rhead (1857–1926) The British Library

A chair before the chimney, where charcoal burned,

graciously set for Gawain, was gracefully adorned,

coverings on quilted cushions, cunningly crafted both.

And then a mighty mantle was on that man cast

of a brown silk, embroidered full rich,

and fair furred within with pelts of the best –

the finest ermine on earth – his hood of the same.

And he sat on that settle seemly and rich,

and chafed himself closely, and then his cheer mended.

Straightway a table on trestles was set up full fair,

clad with a clean cloth that clear white showed,

the salt-cellars, napkins and silvered spoons.

The knight washed at his will, and went to his meat.

Servants him served seemly enough

with several soups, seasoned of the best,

double bowlfuls, as fitting, and all kinds of fish,

some baked in bread, some browned on the coals,

some seethed, some in stews savoured with spices,

and sauces ever so subtle that the knight liked.

While he called it a feast full freely and oft

most politely, at which all spurred him on politely

‘This penance now you take,

after it shall amend.’

That man much mirth did make,

for the wine to his head did tend.

‘ The knight washed at his will, and went to his meat ’ The Romance of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table (p290, 1917) Sir Thomas Malory (15th cent), Alfred William Pollard (1859-1944), Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) Internet Archive Book Images

Then they sparred and parried in precious style

with private points put to the prince himself,

so he conceded courteously of that court he came,

where noble Arthur is headman himself alone,

that is the right royal king of the Round Table;

and that it is Gawain himself that in that house sits,

come there at Christmas, as chance has him driven.

When the lord learned what prince that he there had,

loud laughed he thereat, so delightful he thought it,

and all the men in that manse made it a joy

to appear in his presence promptly that time,

who all prize and prowess and purest ways

appends to his person, and praised is ever;

above all men upon earth his honour is most.

Each man full softly said to his neighbour:

‘Now shall we see show of seemliest manners

and the faultless phrases of noble speaking.

What superior speech is, unasked we shall learn,

since we have found this fine master of breeding.

God has given us of his goodly grace forsooth,

that such a guest as Gawain grants us to have,

when barons blithe at His birth shall sit

The meaning of manners here

this knight now shall us bring.

I hope whoever may hear

Shall learn of love-making.’

When the dinner was done and the diners risen,

it was nigh on the night that the time was near.

Chaplains to the chapel took their course,

ringing all men, richly, as they rightly should,

to the holy evensong of that high eventide.

The lord goes thereto and the lady as well;

into a comely enclosure quietly she enters.

Gawain gaily goes forth and thither goes soon;

the lord grasps him by the gown and leads him to sit,

acknowledges him with grace, calls him by name,

and said he was the most welcome man in the world;

and he thanked him thoroughly, they clasped each other,

and sat with sober seeming the service through.

Then liked the lady to look on the knight;

and came from the close with many fine women.

She was the fairest in feature, in flesh and complexion,

and in compass and colour and ways, of all others,

and fairer than Guinevere, as the knight thought.

He strode through the chancel to squire the dame.

Another lady her led by the left hand,

who was older than her, and aged it seemed,

and highly honoured with her men about her.

Not alike though to look on those ladies were,

for if the one was fresh, the other was withered:

rich red in this one distinguished her,

rough wrinkled cheeks on that other, in rolls.

Kerchiefs on this one, with many clear pearls,

her breast and her bright throat bare displayed

shone sweeter than snow that’s shed on the hills;

that other swathed with a wimple wound at the throat,

clothed to her swarthy chin with chalk-white veils,

her forehead folded in silk, enveloped everywhere,

ringed and trellised with trefoils about,

that naught was bare of the lady but the black brows,

the two eyen and nose, the naked lips,

and those were sorry to see, and somewhat bleary –

a great lady on earth a man might her call,

Her body was short and thick,

her buttocks big and broad;

Much sweeter a sweet to lick

the one at her side for sure.

‘ She was the fairest in feature ’ Idylls of the King (p156, 1913) Baron Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892), Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale (1872-1945) The Internet Archive

When Gawain gazed on that gracious-looking girl,

with leave asked of the lord he went to meet them.

The elder he hails, bowing to her full low;

the lovely-looking he laps a little in his arms,

he kisses her courteously and nobly he speaks.

They crave his acquaintance, and he quickly asks

to be their sworn servant, if they themselves wished.

They take him between them, and talking they lead him

to a chamber, to the chimney, and firstly they ask for

spices, which men unstintingly hastened to bring,

and the winning wine with them, every time.

The lord laughing aloft leaps full oft,

minding that mirth be made and many a time,

nobly lifted his hood, and on a spear hung it,

and wished him to win the worth and honour thereof

who most mirth might move at that Christmastide.

‘And I shall swear, by my faith, to strive with the best

before I lose the hood, with the help of my friends.’

Thus with laughing words the lord makes all merry,

for to gladden Sir Gawain with games in the hall

that night.

Till, when it was time,

the lord demanded light.

Gawain his way did find

To bed as best he might.

On the morn, when each man minds that time

the dear Lord for our destiny to die was born,

joy waxes in each house in the world for His sake.

So did it there on that day with dainties many:

both when major and minor meals were eaten

deft men on the dais served of the best.

The old ancient wife highest she sits;

the lord, so I believe, politely beside her.

Gawain and the sweet lady together they sat

in the midst, as the masses came together;

and then throughout the hall, as seemed right,

each man in his degree was graciously served.

There was meat, there was mirth, there was much joy,

that it would be a trouble for me to tell all,

and however perchance I pined to make my point.

But yet I know Gawain and the sweet lady

such comfort of their company caught together

through their dear dalliance of courtly words,

with clean courteous chat, closed from filth,

their play surpassed every princely game with which it

Kettledrums and trumpets,

much piping there of airs;

Each man minded his,

and those two minded theirs.

Much mirth was there driven that day and another,

and a third as thickly thronged came in thereafter;

The joy of St John’s Day was gentle to hear,

and was the last of the larking, the lords thought.

There were guests set to go on the grey morn,

so they stayed wonderfully waking and wine drank,

dancing the day in with noble carols.

At the last, when it was time, they took their leave,

each one to wend on his way into strange parts.

Gawain gave them good day, the good man grasps him,

and leads him to his own chamber, the chimney beside,

and there he grips him tight, heartily thanks him

for the fine favour that he had shown him,

so to honour his house on that Christmastide,

and embellish his burg with his bright cheer.

‘Indeed, sir, while I live, I am the better

for Gawain being my guest at God’s own feast.’

‘Graunt merci, sir,’ quoth Gawain, ‘in good faith it’s yours,

all the honour is your own – the High King requite you!

And I am here, at your will, to work your behest,

as I am beholden to do, in high things and low,

The lord was at great pains

To keep longer the knight;

To him answers Gawain

That by no means he might.

Then the lord aimed full fair at him, asking

what daring deed had him driven at that dear time

so keenly from the king’s court to stray all alone,

before the holy holiday was haled out of town.

‘Forsooth, sir,’ quoth the knight, ‘you say but the truth,

a high errand and a hasty had me from those halls,

for I am summoned myself to seek for a place,

with no thought in the world where to go find it.

I would not dare fail find it by New Year’s morning

for all the land in Logres, so me our Lord help!

So, sir, this request I make of you here,

that you tell me true if ever you tale heard

of the green chapel, on what ground it stands,

and of the knight that keeps it, the colour of green.

There was established by statute a pact us between

both to meet at that mark, if I should live;

and of that same New Year but little is wanting,

and I would look on that lord, if God would let me,

more gladly, by God’s Son, than any goods gain.

So, indeed, by your leave, it behoves me to go.

Now to work this business I’ve barely three days,

and it’s fitter I fall dead than fail of my errand.’

Then, laughing, quoth the lord: ‘Now stay, it behoves you,

for I’ll teach you the trysting place ere the term’s end.

The green chapel upon ground grieve for no more;

but you shall be in your bed, sir, at your ease,

while day unfolds, and go forth on the first of the year,

and come to that mark at mid-morn, to act as you wish

Dwell until New Year’s Day,

and rise and ride on then.

You shall be shown the way;

it is not two miles hence.’

Then was Gawain full glad, and gleefully he laughed:

‘Now I thank you thoroughly beyond all things;

now achieved is my goal, I shall at your will

dwell here, and do what else you deem fit.’

Then the lord seized him and set him beside,

and the ladies had fetched, to please him the better.

There was seemly solace by themselves still.

The lord lofted for love notes so merry,

as one that wanted his wits, nor knew what he did.

Then he cried to the knight, calling aloud:

‘You have deemed to do the deed that I bid.

Will you hold to this promise here and now?’

‘Yes, sire, indeed,’ said the knight and true,

‘While I bide in your burg, I’m at your behest.’

‘As you have travelled,’ quoth the lord, ‘from afar,

and since then waked with me, you are not well served

neither of sustenance nor of sleep, surely I know.

You shall linger in your room and lie there at ease

tomorrow till Mass, and then to meat wend

when you will, with my wife, that with you shall sit

and comfort you with company, till I come to court:

time spend,

And I shall early rise;

a-hunting will I wend.’

Gawain thinks it wise,

as is fitting to him bends.

‘And further,’ quoth the lord, ‘a bargain we’ll make:

whatsoever I win in the wood is worthily yours;

and whatever here you achieve, exchange me for it.

Sweet sir, swap we so – swear it in truth –

whether, lord, that way lies worse or better.’

‘By God,’ quoth Gawain the good, ‘I grant it you,

and that you lust for to play, like it methinks.’

‘Who’ll bring us a beverage, this bargain to make?’

so said the lord of that land. They laughed each one,

they drank and dallied and dealt in trifles,

these lords and ladies, as long as they liked;

and then with Frankish faring, full of fair words,

they stopped and stood and softly spoke,

kissing full comely and taking their leave.

By many lively servants with flaming torches,

each brave man was brought to his bed at last

To bed yet ere they sped,

repeating the contract oft;

the old lord of that spread

could keep a game aloft.

Source Text:

Kline, A.S., trans. Sir Gawain and the Green Night , 2007, is licensed under CC-BY-NC.

Early English Literature Copyright © 2019 by Allegra Villarreal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Free PDF

Following the introduction below is a translated version of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in PDF made free for download for teachers, students, and interested readers by the Society of Classical Poets. It can be purchased in book form on Amazon here . If you download, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets here .

Introduction

It’s the Christmas season at King Arthur’s court in Camelot, and all is merry during the holiday festivities… that is until a strange visitor—a half-giant knight all in green—shows up and issues a deadly challenge that will change the Knights of the Round Table forever.

This 14th century tale, written in both alliterative and rhyming poetry, is arguably the peak of all Arthurian literature. Though it is a self-contained, stand alone episode, it tells its tiny tale from start to finish with such ecstatic and ornate splendor and with such an eye to those true virtues that define the very essence of the noble knight that this relatively short work is elevated to a thing of monumental brilliance. This is why you will find an endless stream of translations and movie adaptions of it over the years.

In the broader scope of English literature and Western literature, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight represents an artistic fountainhead, a Springtime in which archetypes and themes are in full bloom—vibrant, pure, and untainted; so good as to define goodness itself. For instance, the vivid descriptions of Sir Gawain’s splendid armor, weapons, and horse stand in stark contrast to what we might consider the Autumn of literature: the old, mismatched, and decayed armor, weapons, and horse of the humorously senile knight Don Quixote, in Miguel Cervantes’ early 17th century work. If we continue further in the timeline and metaphor, we find the Winter of literature in the early 19th century with Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe , in which the Saxon knight has no armor, horse, nor king, and must depend on a foreign Jewish banker and his daughter for all of them. Without Sir Gawain, the delightfulness of these classic characters, Don Quixote and Ivanhoe, simply would not exist.

Amidst today’s cynicism for tradition, Sir Gawain transcends social, cultural, or economic narratives, and succeeds in convincingly correlating great wealth and high social status, both of which he has, with traditional virtue. The story does this so well perhaps because it has such a clear handle on what traditional virtue is, matching five principles—generosity, fellowship, courtesy, chastity, and piety—to the five points on the knight’s symbol and putting those virtues to the test with an unflinching realism that makes for first-rate storytelling.

Who was the author of this great work? We do not know. However, we do know for certain that the phrase written in a different language at the end of the poem “Hony Soyt Qui Mal Pence” (“Shame on him who thinks evil of it”) is the motto of an order of knights, known as the Order of the Garter, who each wear a sash across his chest, a practice that this tale seems to allude to in its last moments. Thus, it is likely that Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was written for the founding of the Order in 1348 or in the order’s honor. The Order of the Garter still exists today and includes members of the British royal family, though their sash is usually blue, not green.

This version of Sir Gawain translates the original Middle English (which is of a particular Northern dialect distinct from the dialect of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales) into readable plain English while staying true to each original line’s meaning, as well as keeping the style of alliterative lines and short metered and rhyming poems at the end of each paragraph.

To give you some idea of the difference between the Middle English of Sir Gawain and our English today, here is an example of the two:

Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon Krystmasse With mony luflych lorde, ledez of þe best

This king sat at Camelot at Christmas time with many lovely lords, lieges most noble

As in the above, in many cases the difference isn’t too far to discern for yourself the original lines. If you are interested in reading more of the original Middle English, you can find at least several versions of it for free online viewing offered by Gutenberg.org and my alma mater, the University of Michigan .

Now, let the tale begin!

—Evan Mantyk, Translator & Editor

Download PDF here.

Download pdf with two pages of text per pdf page (ideal for classroom instruction) here..

NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets.

The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary.

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7 Responses

Evan, thank you for this. We are very fortunate, here in North Staffordshire, to be just a few miles from the supposed site of the Green Chapel. Lud’s Church is a huge cleft in the lonely, wild landscape of the Peak District. It was used as a secret religious site by the Lollards in the 15th C and is a most scary place. Time to dust off my copy for a re-read. Thanks for the reminder.

Are you near the “wilderness of Wyrral,” where poor Gawain wandered in much discomfort before coming to Lord Bercilak’s castle?

From the ridge above the “Green Chapel” the land drops away to the flat plain of Cheshire and the Wyrall or Wirral beyond, about 30 miles away. This land divides Liverpool from the Welsh Coast via the Mersey and Dee estuaries. Despite the many refineries and chemical plants, it is a special place. To stand at sunset and gaze over to Moel Famau and the Clwyd hills is quite magical.

Thanks Evan for a potential Christmas gift – printed off and bound with ribbon maybe.

Jeff, which version will you be dusting off?

Damian, my version is a paperback translation by Australian Keith Harrison from Oxford World’s Classics. The “Green Chapel” is a very special place in our neck of the woods. Best wishes.

It is possible to purchase your translation as a book? You did an excellent job.

Yes, here: https://www.amazon.com/Sir-Gawain-Green-Knight-Writer/dp/B09KDW9X7P/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1ZFF2TU4KIAWQ&keywords=sir+gawain+evan+mantyk&qid=1636161951&qsid=138-9110839-8421540&sprefix=sir+gawain+evan+mantyk%2Caps%2C253&sr=8-2&sres=B081C946ZJ%2CB09KDW9X7P%2C145634241X%2CB093K67LSW%2CB08HZC2NP4%2CB08YT3FGZK%2CB00U0HDM1M%2CB0973R6Q8K%2CB000CLTYCW%2CB097QG9JP6%2CB07DR9423C%2CB08BZSHMT2%2CB07J32SZT2%2CB07PJ9Y549%2CB07GCKZKX8%2CB08D1LYQD9%2CB07X1YLC2L%2CB00KDHS8PO%2CB07PK5DZK2%2CB07F3R6DHP&srpt=ABIS_BOOK

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and at      You are here Sir gawain and the green knight. This long-awaited Norton Critical Edition of  Sir Gawain and the Green Knight  includes Marie Borroff’s celebrated, newly revised verse translation with supporting materials not to be found in any other single volume. The text is accompanied by a detailed introduction, an essay on the metrical form, the translator’s note, marginal glosses, and explanatory annotations to assist readers in the study of this canonical Arthurian romance. “Contexts” presents two French tales of Sir Gawain and a passage from the  Alliterative Morte Arthure , also translated by Marie Borroff, as well as three selections from the original Middle English poem. “Criticism” collects ten interpretive essays on the poem’s central themes. Contributors include Alain Renoir, Marie Borroff, J. A. Burrow, A. Kent Hieatt, W. A. Davenport, Ralph Hanna III, Lynn Staley Johnson, Jonathan Nicholls, Geraldine Heng, and Leo Carruthers. A Chronology of important historical and literary dates and a Selected Bibliography are also included. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Anonymous - Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Sir Gawain and the Green Knight literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Material Study Guide Lesson Plan Join Now to View Premium Content GradeSaver provides access to 2366 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11012 literature essays, 2788 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essays The use of the supernatural in beowulf and sir gawain and the green knight michael molenaar, sir gawain and the green knight. The supernatural is a literary device that has frequently been utilized in works of fiction. The purpose of this literary device have evolved alongside the evolution of literature and language. The function of the supernatural often varies based... Conflicting Models of Courtesy in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Mary Rupp The medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight depicts two different medieval models of courtesy - courtesy towards men and courtesy towards women. Defined by different members of the community, the two types of courtesy also necessitate... The Character of the Green Knight in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight David Sauvage In the most general sense, the Green Knight is an anomaly to the story of " Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," the only supernatural element in what is otherwise a very believable and wholly real rendering of a specific length of time. Gawain is... An Examination of Embarrassment and Individual Standards In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Jeremy Zorn In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the anonymous author offers the reader a protagonist infinitely aware of his place in society and of the potentially capricious nature of his acclaim. Popularly considered one of the most virtuous knights in... The Green Girdle and Gawain Carissa Kwan "On Sir Gawain that girdle of green appeared fine! It looked rich on that red cloth, and rightly adorned." -Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Lines 2036-2037 In the poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain's acceptance of the green girdle shows... Enduring Love Beth Herskovits The mystery of love has stumped men and women for ages. Literature, drama, and art have and will always try to understand courting, romance, and passion. So too do they want to understand what happens after love is gone: where it went and how it... Sir Gawain the True Anonymous The artful creator of the fourteenth- century poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" cleverly leads his reader with a trail of words through the mysterious world of "a castle cut of paper..."(Sir Gawain 802). Here, he puts his main character Sir... Death and the Green Knight: Closer Than They Appear John D. Best "Everyman" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" are without doubt two of the best-known works of medieval English literature. The stories demonstrate the epitome of the Christian themes of salvation, mortality, and truth that resonate throughout... An Extrapolation of Stanza 74 in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Anonymous In Stanza 74 of the epic poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the lady of the castle offers a magical green girdle to Sir Gawain and explains that the wearer of this corset "cannot be killed by any cunning on earth." Sir Gawain, amidst an ethical... Chivalry vs. Basic Instincts in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Jamie Newton As is the case with almost every example of romantic epics, and certainly every story concerning King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, the characters carefully observe a strict code of ethics, or chivalry. In Sir Gawain and the Green... The Imperfection of Mankind: The Chivalric Code in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Katharine V. Alexander "King Arthur was counted most courteous of all." Line 26 of Part 1, one of the opening lines of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, reveals a society in which people are ranked in accordance with their adherence to a certain code of behavior: the... Allegory in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" Anonymous 'The whole things is allegorical from start to end, yet he never takes you by the neck and says "Get down to it, that's an allegory, you've got to interpret it", the way most allegorists do.' (Basil Bunting on Poetry, p.15.) 'The poem however does... Women's Role in Medieval Literature Anonymous Perhaps William Shakespeare is right: all the world may very well be a stage, with all the men and women being but mere players. What happens when, despite their exits and entrances, these actors play but one part? For lack of a complete character... The Role of the Supernatural in Relation to the Hero in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Anonymous Supernatural creatures play an important role in defining the hero in both the eighth century epic poem Beowulf, and the fourteenth century British Romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Though both tales involve the hero's journey to find and... The Impossible Pentangle: Chivalry, Christianity, and Ethical Dualism in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Anonymous An exemplary knight of King Arthur's renowned court, Sir Gawain is guided by a complex set of ethos, a collection of principles symbolized by the mystical pentangle. A five-pointed star consisting of five interlocking lines, the figure represents... Sir Gawain: A Uniquely Tragic Christian Hero Anonymous Three codes of conduct suffuse "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight": chivalry, honor, and Christian faith. As his mystical pentangle attests, Gawain begins his quest under the auspicious perfection of all three; however, after endeavoring through... Spenser's Transformation of the Traditions of Classic Epic and Medieval Romance Eleanor Turney Spenser's The Faerie Queene was written mainly to fulfil an allegorical purpose and to "fashion a gentleman or noble person in virtuous and gentle discipline." However, the moralistic tone is softened by the fact that the whole complex allegory is... Chivalry and Courtesy in 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' Anonymous Although it could be contended that chivalry and courtesy are essentially aspects of the same code of restraint and responsibility, the romance of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight presents a distinction between the domestic test of the Gawain's... The Conscience of Green David Nathaniel Sullivan Arthurian legends served as a means to centralize the Celtic culture and provide the Celtic people with their own myth in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries CE. One such Celtic myth of the late fourteenth century CE is Sir Gawain and the Green... Significance of Shield & Pentangle in "Sir Gawain & the Green Knight" Dustin Dunaway “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” can be followed for entertainment value, but one passage in particular calls for deeper analysis. Before Sir Gawain begins to undertake his quest for the Green Chapel and dons his armor, the plot has been moving... Sir Gawain's Character Anonymous In "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," Sir Gawain is King Arthur’s nephew and one of Camelot’s most famous knights. However, unlike other characters of medieval literature, Gawain is not ideal and static but human and real. Gawain is the epitome... The Significance of the Green Girdle Connie Bubash Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is the epitome of the Romantic genre in the Middle Ages, one that features both chivalry and courtly love and emphasizes that a knight’s most important duty is to serve God. While most chivalric tales focus on the... Armor, Reputation and Chivalry in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Anonymous In the Old English poem Beowulf, the warrior culture is centered upon the heroic codes. Those who are members of Hrothgar’s court are ranked based upon the identities and reputations of their ancestors. It can be said that the armor of these... The Representation of the Natural World in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" Anonymous In his 1959 translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the literary critic Brian Stone writes of “a Romance both magical and human, powerful in dramatic incident, and full of descriptive and philosophic beauty”. Indeed, this late medieval... Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Poems — Sir Gawain and The Green Knight Essays on Sir Gawain and The Green Knight What makes a good sir gawain and the green knight essay topics. When it comes to writing an essay on Sir Gawain and The Green Knight, choosing the right topic is crucial. A good essay topic should be thought-provoking, engaging, and unique. It should allow for critical analysis and interpretation of the text, as well as provide an opportunity to explore different themes and motifs. Here are some recommendations for brainstorming and choosing a great essay topic: Brainstorm: Start by brainstorming ideas and themes that stood out to you while reading Sir Gawain and The Green Knight. Consider the characters, the setting, the plot, and the underlying messages of the text. Jot down any ideas that come to mind, no matter how outlandish they may seem at first. Consider the possibilities: Think about what aspects of the text you find most interesting or compelling. Consider the themes of chivalry, honor, and loyalty, as well as the supernatural elements and the role of women in the story. What questions or issues does the text raise for you? What would you like to explore further? What Makes a Good essay topic: A good essay topic should be specific, focused, and allow for in-depth analysis. It should also be open to interpretation and allow for different viewpoints. Avoid broad topics that are too general or have been overdone. Instead, aim for a topic that is unique, thought-provoking, and has the potential to spark interesting discussions. Best Sir Gawain and The Green Knight Essay Topics Looking for some inspiration for your Sir Gawain and The Green Knight essay? Here are some creative and unique essay topics to consider: The role of the supernatural in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight The theme of chivalry and its portrayal in the text The significance of the color green in the story The portrayal of women in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight The Green Knight as a symbol of nature and the natural world The theme of honor and its importance in the text The symbolism of the pentangle in Sir Gawain's shield The contrast between the courtly world and the natural world in the story The significance of the beheading game in the text The role of fate and destiny in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight The theme of temptation and how it is portrayed in the story The use of Christian symbolism and imagery in the text The concept of masculinity and its portrayal in the story The role of magic and enchantment in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight The theme of honesty and integrity in the text The portrayal of courage and bravery in the story The significance of the seasons in the narrative The role of the Green Knight in challenging the ideals of chivalry The significance of the exchange of gifts in the story The theme of time and its portrayal in the text Sir Gawain and The Green Knight essay topics Prompts Looking for some creative prompts to kickstart your essay writing process? Here are five engaging prompts to get you thinking: Imagine yourself in Sir Gawain's shoes. How would you have reacted to the Green Knight's challenge? Would you have behaved differently? Why or why not? Explore the symbolism of the color green in the text. What does it represent, and how does it contribute to the overall themes of the story? Consider the role of women in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight. How are they portrayed, and what does their portrayal reveal about the society and values of the time? Analyze the significance of the beheading game in the story. What does it signify, and how does it drive the narrative forward? Discuss the theme of honor in the text. How is it defined, and how does it shape the actions and decisions of the characters? When it comes to choosing a great Sir Gawain and The Green Knight essay topic, it's important to think creatively and critically. Consider the themes and motifs of the text, as well as what aspects of the story you find most compelling. By choosing a unique and thought-provoking topic, you'll be able to craft an engaging and insightful essay that stands out from the rest. The Concept of Love and Its Depiction The significance of the chivalric code in sir gawain and the green knight, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it. 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We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email No need to pay just yet! Bibliography We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy . Instructions Followed To The Letter Deadlines Met At Every Stage Unique And Plagiarism Free 63 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics & Examples Looking for Sir Gawain and the Green Knight essay topics? A famous English chivalric romance of the 14th century that still remains popular is worth focusing on! ❓ Essay Questions 🏆 Best Essay Topics 📌 A+ Essay Examples 👍 Exciting Essay Topics In your Sir Gawain and the Green Knight essay, you might want to focus on its symbolism or themes. Another option is to talk about the context of the romance. One more idea is to take a look at one of the modern adaptations of the literary piece. In this article, we’ve collected top Sir Gawain and the Green Knight essay examples, topics, and questions for research and discussion. ❓ Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Questions Who is the author of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”? The main hypotheses. What are the features of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” verse form? What is the significance of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” in medieval literature? What are “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” themes? What is the color symbolism of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”? What is the genre of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”? 🏆 Best Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics Chivalry in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight – Examples & Quotes In the 14th century poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the character of a knight Sir Gawain is a perfect example of the chivalric behavior of a Middle Age knight. “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Symbolism In the context of the “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, the pentangle brings together the influence of “the five virtues, the five wounds of Christ, the five senses, the five joys of Mary the […] Gawain as a Hero Gawain is not aware of the plan but is wise enough to find his way out and by so doing he proves to be a hero again, as he is strong enough to avoid the […] The Symbolic Role of Green Color in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The actual name of the character “Green Knight” is not provided, but throughout the poem, the person is described as “green” and thus the color green describe the person himself. Depiction of Heroism in “Beowulf”, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” and “Le Morte D’Arthur” In Le Morte D’Arthur, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and Beowulf, the central characters in the tales appear to represent their own unique description of heroism. “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”: The Bedroom and Hunting Scenes Consequently, from this point on, the narrative splits into two parallel lines that show the reader the perspective of the lord and Gawain throughout the day. Magic and Christianity in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a story that comprises of the themes of Christianity and magic as they both play an important role in the story. Knightly Virtue in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an epic poem where the protagonist illustrates knightly virtues through overcoming the trials sent to him by the Green Knight. Testing in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a chivalric novel written in the 14th century by an unknown author about the exploits of Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew, showing the spirit of chivalry and faithfulness […] The Poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” by Simon Armitage The first aspect of this poem is the focus on the conduct of the male characters from the perspective of honor. “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”: Themes, Aspects, and Writing Style The poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” is a piece in which the plot is supported by Christian morality underpinning the chivalry of the characters and their occasional failure to comply with this notion. “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Christian Poem In the poem, Sir Gawain is visited by a green knight in the form of a mysterious warrior. Sir Gawain accepts the challenge and chops off the head of the knight in only one blow. The Knight Without Blemish and Without Reproach: The Color of Virtue Although there is no actual rhyme in the given piece, the way it is structured clearly shows that this is a poem; for instance, the line “At the head sat Bishop Baldwin as Arthur’s guest […] Sir Gawain and the Green Knight In the real sense, it is at the Green Knight’s abode that Gawain rests on his way to the chapel. This causes Gawain to flinch and he is reprimanded by the knight for that action. 📌 A+ Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Examples The Faith, Strength, and Loyalty of the Arthurian Knight Gawain in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Women’s Indirect Power in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Theme of Courtly Love in “Beowulf,” “The Romance of Tristan,” “Troilus and Criseyde,” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Parallelism Between the Scenes of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Significance of the Color Green in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Self-Realization and the Hero’s Quest in “Beowulf,” “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” and “Everyman” The Pentangle in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Ideas of Morality and Wealth During the Medieval Era in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Women Courtly Love and the Creation Myth in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”: Warrior in the Primal Village “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” and Monty Python and the Holy Grail The Unnamed Wife in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Impossible Pentangle: Chivalry, Christianity, and Ethical Dualism in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Religious Beliefs Observed in “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Meaning and Symbolism of the Hunting Scenes in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Medieval Values in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Comparison of Knights in “Canterbury Tales” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Roles of Women Portrayed in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Romantic Tradition in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Women’s Roles in “Epic of Gilgamesh,” “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” and “The Canterbury Tales” 👍 Exciting Essay Topics for Sir Gawain and the Green Knight The Influence of the Supernatural on Courtly Conduct, Christianity, and Chivalry in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Use of the Supernatural in “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Character of Sir Gawain as a Coward in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” by Pearl Poet Virtue, Vice, and Valor in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Knightly Virtues of Courage, Courtesy, and Loyalty in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Ideal of Knighthood as Presented in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Relationship of Binary Opposition in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Contrast in the Characteristics of a Hero in “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Importance of the “Beheading Game” in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Image of Virgin Mary in the Poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Compare the Green Knight and Lord Bertilak in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Similarities and Differences Between Dante’s “Inferno” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Presentation of Sin and Redemption in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Five Virtues of Chivalry Exemplified by the Pentangle in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Comparison of “The Wife of Bath” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Psychoanalytic Approach to “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Themes of Maturity and the Medieval Quest in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Personification of Ideologies in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Effective Use of Sound, Alliteration, and Personification in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Noble Knight in the Poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Free the Ambiguity of Chivalry and Temptation in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Journey From Childhood to Adulthood in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The Imperfection of Mankind: The Chivalric Code in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” A Raisin in the Sun Essay Titles 1984 Essay Titles The Alchemist Questions The Awakening Questions The Cask of Amontillado Research Ideas The Fall of the House of Usher Research Ideas Catcher in the Rye Topics The Glass Menagerie Paper Topics Chicago (A-D) Chicago (N-B) IvyPanda. 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Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy . Jump to navigation Search form The greene knight: introduction. Published Volumes How to Order Forthcoming texts Editorial Guidelines About TEAMS Middle English Texts COPYRIGHT INFORMATION Robbins library digital projects. The Camelot Project TEAMS Middle English Texts The Robin Hood Project The Crusades Project The Cinderella Bibliography Visualizing Chaucer 244 IMAGES Sir Gawain and the Green Knight "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight": Themes, Aspects, and Writing Style Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Quote / Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Quote Sir Gawain T Shirt Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Summary Essay Example "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight": Themes, Aspects, and Writing Style VIDEO Sir Gawain & The Green Knight Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Fitts 1-3 Sir Gawain and The Green Knight (Millis High Jazz Band) Sir Gawain and The Green Knight Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Soundtrack Three 1973 Ron Goodwin Sir Gawain and the Green Knight FULL Audiobook COMMENTS Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Introduction The noble Gawain accepts the challenge of a mysterious knight. Nope, not a black one or a dark one. A green one. And the story goes from there. Sir Gawain was written in northwestern England in the late 14th century… yep, meaning the 1300s. Old as it is, Sir Gawain was written in English. But not the kind of English you'd recognize. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Critical Essays I. Thesis Statement: The major theme of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is the passage to maturity of the hero, Sir Gawain. II. Introduction: Gawain and Camelot at the start of Sir Gawain and the ... Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Criticism: Introduction The narrative describes the adventures of Sir Gawain, King Arthur's youngest knight, as his courage and vows of chastity and honor are tested by circumstances arranged by a giant of a knight, clad ... Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Full Text Learn about the history, style, and sources of the medieval romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, one of the finest works of the alliterative revival in England. Read the introduction by Professor G.L. Kittredge, who analyzes the poem's folklore and literary influences. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Introduction. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a Medieval English romance in the Arthurian tradition. The text is thought to have been composed in the mid- to late fourteenth century. The only extant manuscript, MS. Cotton Nero A.X. in the British Library, is itself a copy of an earlier original, and dates from around 1400. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Learn about the medieval romance genre, chivalry, and courtly love in this literary analysis of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The poem is written in alliterative verse, a poetic style that uses a fixed number of syllables per line and a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Summary A medieval chivalric romance about Sir Gawain's adventure with the Green Knight, who tests his courage and honor. The poem explores themes of morality, chivalry, and human fallibility in the ... Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Study Guide A comprehensive guide to Anonymous's medieval epic poem, covering plot summary, analysis, themes, quotes, characters, and symbols. Learn about the historical and literary context, the beheading game, and the alliterative verse of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Welcome to the Luminarium Sir Gawain and the Green Knight page. Here you will find an introduction. and online texts of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.The site also has essays and articles, as well as links to study resources and a list of books helpful for further study. All of these can be accessed from the red navigation bar at the top. The sidebar on the right has links to Medieval ... 10 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Sir Gawain is a knight of the round table, nephew to King Arthur and presented as a devout but "humanly imperfect Christian" in this story ("Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"). He was Arthur's ambassador to Rome, showed great prowess in battle, but was always surpassed by Lancelot, who was inspired by the power of courtly love, and ... Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Free PDF Download a translated version of the 14th century Arthurian tale in PDF, with an introduction and commentary by the translator. Learn about the author, the Order of the Garter, and the virtues of a noble knight. Sir Gawain and The Green Knight: Texts (Online E-texts) Read the original Middle English text of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, an Arthurian romance of the knights of the round table. Also find modern translations by Tim Chilcott, W. A. Neilson and Jessie L. Weston. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight This long-awaited Norton Critical Edition of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight includes Marie Borroff's celebrated, newly revised verse translation with supporting materials not to be found in any other single volume. The text is accompanied by a detailed introduction, an essay on the metrical form, the translator's note, marginal glosses, and explanatory annotations to assist readers in the ... Sir Gawain and the Green Knight A 14th-century chivalric romance in Middle English, written by an anonymous poet known as the "Gawain Poet". It tells the story of Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur's court, who accepts a challenge from a mysterious Green Knight and faces various tests of his loyalty and honour. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essays In "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," Sir Gawain is King Arthur's nephew and one of Camelot's most famous knights. However, unlike other characters of medieval literature, Gawain is not ideal and static but human and real. Gawain is the epitome... The Significance of the Green Girdle Connie Bubash Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essays on Sir Gawain and The Green Knight When it comes to choosing a great Sir Gawain and The Green Knight essay topic, it's important to think creatively and critically. Consider the themes and motifs of the text, as well as what aspects of the story you find most compelling. ... Introduction Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is about sir Gawain, a knight of the knights of the round ... 63 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics & Examples Introduction to Research Generator. Informative Essay Thesis Generator. Grade and GPA Calculators Weighted & Unweighted GPA Calculator. Test Score Calculator. ... In your Sir Gawain and the Green Knight essay, you might want to focus on its symbolism or themes. Another option is to talk about the context of the romance. The Greene Knight: Introduction Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is by acclamation the most subtle, learned, and enjoyable of poems about this chivalric hero, as well as one of the great narrative achievements in the English language. Yet there exists little evidence of its being read from the time of its composition in the later fourteenth century until the edition produced by Madden in 1839. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an epic poem written in the mid to late fourteenth century by an unknown author. Throughout the tale, Sir Gawain, a Knight at the Round Table in Camelot, is presented with many hardships, the first being a challenge on Christmas by a man in which, "Everything about him was an elegant green" (161). Sir Gawain and The Green Knight: Web Resources The Arthurian Legend: Gawain - W. Lewis Jones The Gawain Cycle - J. W. H. Atkins Pace University Student Projects on Gawain Sir Gawain Room - Holz, et al. Character Analysis of Sir Gawain - Kim Neininger A Character Analysis of Sir Gawain - Joseph Sera Portrait of Gawain Summary of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - Ai-Qiao Shi Sir Gawain and the Green Knight : An Essay in Enigma outstanding studies include Larry D. Benson, Art and Tradition in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (New Brunswick, N.J., 1965); Jill Mann, "Price and Value in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," Essays in Criticism 36 (1 986): 294-318; and David Aers, "'In Arthurus day': Community, Virtue, and essay homework paper phd project resume review speech study thesis