Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Throughout Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, there are many virtues as a knight that Sir Gawain displays. Of these traits, his bravery is the most prominent. In the beginning we are introduced to a celebration of the Christmastide in Camelot. This celebration consisted of the most honorable men in the land, which included Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew. Gawain’s first test in bravery began when the celebration was interrupted by a man who sat atop a green horse. He peered out among the brave men with red eyes. He possessed “a huge razor sharp axe” (286-289) that’s “handle was richly decorated in gold and green” (286-289). It is then the King extended the invitation for the Green Knight to join them, but the
…show more content…
The knights remained silent, for no one would be foolish enough to take up such an offer. The Green Knight then questioned their honor as Knights. When the King spoke up to reassure the Green Knight that these men have no fear of battle, the Green Knight places the axe in the Kings hand. It is then that Sir Gawain steps up to the challenge. Gawain took the axe and, with all the strength he had, beheaded the Green Knight. However, the Green Knight was not affected and retrieved his head and left on his horse with these last words “Do not fail to seek me out; you will find me at the Green Chapel” (286-289). Gawain proved his integrity to his King by stepping in with an unknown fate. His bravery is an ongoing theme throughout this story that proves his honor as a Kings …show more content…
When preparing to say his goodbyes to the lord, the lord told him he was already near his destination. The lord then “offered to exchange what he got in the woods for whatever Sir Gawain received in the Castle” (292-295). The next day he received a visit from the Lady of the castle and she made her intentions clear and demanded a kiss from Gawain. Gawain kept his work with the Lord by exchanging what he received each day from the Lady, a kiss. This became a routine for the next few days and on the third day the lady offered three kisses and her green silk girdle. The color green, used to describe the physical appearance of Gawain’s opposition, is often viewed as the color of nature as well as greed and envy. She plays on his natural love for life and claimed it had magical powers that would protect him from any weapon. Gawain accepted the green girdle. On this day, Gawain hides his gift from the Lord and keeps the green girdle for himself. Again the color green is emphasized. In this instance, he kept the green girdle for his own selfish reasons instead of offering it to the castle’s Lord as he originally agreed to do. It is that decision where we catch our first glimpse of Gawain’s honor and bravery being tested and failing. As King Arthur’s Knight, Gawain is expected to keep his promises and have the utmost respect for women. His first failure is allowing himself to be
The knights remained silent, for no one would be foolish enough to take up such an offer. The Green Knight then questioned their honor as Knights. When the King spoke up to reassure the Green Knight that these men have no fear of battle, the Green Knight places the axe in the Kings hand. It is then that Sir Gawain steps up to the challenge. Gawain took the axe and, with all the strength he had, beheaded the Green Knight. However, the Green Knight was not affected and retrieved his head and left on his horse with these last words “Do not fail to seek me out; you will find me at the Green Chapel” (286-289). Gawain proved his integrity to his King by stepping in with an unknown fate. His bravery is an ongoing theme throughout this story that proves his honor as a Kings …show more content…
When preparing to say his goodbyes to the lord, the lord told him he was already near his destination. The lord then “offered to exchange what he got in the woods for whatever Sir Gawain received in the Castle” (292-295). The next day he received a visit from the Lady of the castle and she made her intentions clear and demanded a kiss from Gawain. Gawain kept his work with the Lord by exchanging what he received each day from the Lady, a kiss. This became a routine for the next few days and on the third day the lady offered three kisses and her green silk girdle. The color green, used to describe the physical appearance of Gawain’s opposition, is often viewed as the color of nature as well as greed and envy. She plays on his natural love for life and claimed it had magical powers that would protect him from any weapon. Gawain accepted the green girdle. On this day, Gawain hides his gift from the Lord and keeps the green girdle for himself. Again the color green is emphasized. In this instance, he kept the green girdle for his own selfish reasons instead of offering it to the castle’s Lord as he originally agreed to do. It is that decision where we catch our first glimpse of Gawain’s honor and bravery being tested and failing. As King Arthur’s Knight, Gawain is expected to keep his promises and have the utmost respect for women. His first failure is allowing himself to be