Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, written ca. 1375-1400, is an Arthurian tale that recounts a quest undertaken by Gawain after he accepts a challenge from a mysterious Green Knight. Under the terms of the challenge, Gawain will be allowed to cut off the Green Knight's head only if he accepts that in a year and a day, the Green Knight will reciprocate the action. The story is combination of two types of stories -- folklore and romance -- and is rife with symbolism. Additionally, the tale highlights change and transformation, particularly on behalf of Gawain as he not only proves he is a worthy and chivalrous knight, but that he is as worthy a hero as the heroes that came before him, such as Beowulf.

In the story, the color green is associated with the Green Knight. While the guests at King Arthur's feast are shocked by the appearance of the Green Knight, one of the things that captured their attention was how he was covered in the color green. The unknown author writes, "Great wonder grew in hall/At his hue most strange to see,/For man and gear and all/Were green as green could be" (line 147-150). Not only was the Green Knight dressed in green from head to toe, but also his steed was green in color. In the story, the color green can be associated with the supernatural; the guests at Arthur's party conclude, "For many sights had they seen, but such a one never,/So that phantom and faerie the folk there deemed it" (239-240). This contention is further supported after the Green Knight's beheading and his subsequent actions, which not only include still being alive after decapitation, but also having the strength to ride away and with his severed in hand, reminds Gawain of their agreement. Additionally, towards the end of the story as Gawain is about to confront the Green Knight, he refers to him as the devil.

Gawain's actions leading up to the agreement with the Green Knight at Arthur's party and his actions leading up to the final confrontation are indicative of a hero. When compared with Beowulf, Gawain shares many similarities, yet also demonstrates that he is different. One of the most evident similarities is Gawain and Beowulf's confidence, loyalty, and overall desire to do good. However, while Beowulf is admired for his brute strength, which at times appears to be supernatural, Gawain is not imbued with any supernatural attributes, but rather is more human and relatable. Furthermore, Beowulf is focused on his accomplishments, which revolve around the defining battles of his life: defeating Grendel and his mother, and defeating the dragon at the end of his life. On the other hand, Gawain is not a seasoned warrior as Beowulf, and is more humble, which is one of the reasons he volunteers to engage in a beheading game with the Green Knight. Gawain argues, "I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit feeblest;/And the loss of my life would be least of any" (354-355). Through this statement, Gawain demonstrates that his heroic qualities transcend his feats and are also evident in his character.

Within Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the tale within the tale allows the reader to further comprehend the dualities that need to be constantly overcome by heroes in order to remain chivalrous and honorable. Not only does Gawain reject the maid's advances, he was able to demonstrate self-control. Furthermore, by keeping his word to Bertilak and exchanging his spoils with him, Gawain demonstrates that he is a man of his word.