Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Overview

• A tale of chivalric romance from the late 14th century.
• Originally composed in Middle English, in alliterative verse.
• Features the bob and wheel, a metrical device with five rhyming lines at the stanza's end.
• Central to the Arthurian chivalric tradition.

Plot Summary

The Challenge

• At a New Year celebration in King Arthur’s court, a mysterious Green Knight appears, proposing a Christmas game.
  • The challenge: A volunteer may strike him once, but in return, must receive a return blow in one year and one day.
  • King Arthur almost accepts, but Sir Gawain volunteers instead.
  • Gawain strikes off the Green Knight’s head, but the Knight survives and tells Gawain to meet him at the Green Chapel.

Gawain's Quest

• A year later, Gawain leaves Arthur’s court, facing a perilous journey.
• On Christmas Eve, Gawain finds a magnificent castle.
  • Welcomed by a lord and his lady, he stays there.
  • Agrees to a game where he exchanges his daily winnings with the lord.

The Three Days

• Day 1:
  • The lord hunts; the lady attempts to seduce Gawain.
  • Gawain accepts a kiss from her and exchanges it with the lord.
• Day 2:
  • Similar events; Gawain accepts two kisses.
  • Exchanges the kisses with the lord.
• Day 3:
  • The lady gives Gawain three kisses and a green girdle that protects against death.
  • Gawain exchanges the kisses but hides the girdle from the lord.

The Green Chapel

• Gawain reaches the Green Chapel, prepared to face the Green Knight.
• The Green Knight reveals himself as the lord of the castle.
• The first two axe swings are feigned, reflecting Gawain’s honesty on the first two days.
• The third swing leaves only a scrape, punishing Gawain for keeping the girdle.
• The Green Knight praises Gawain for his bravery and integrity.

Themes and Symbols

Chivalry and Honor

• Gawain’s journey tests his adherence to chivalric values.
• Despite a minor fault, he is deemed the "finest man alive."

The Green Girdle

• Represents both Gawain’s cowardice and human imperfection.
• The court later venerates it as a symbol of honor.

The Role of Women

• Morgan Le Fay orchestrated the events to challenge Arthur’s court.
• Highlights the influence and potential "dangerous wiles" of women.

Conclusion

• Gawain returns home, seen as a hero.
• The story reflects on human frailty and the complex nature of honor.