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I know he kind of looks like a Jojo character here, but this is the
clearest picture I could find at the moment.
Probably one of the coolest fictional characters in history is none
other than Sir Gawain of Orkney. One of King Arthur's Knightf of the
Round Table, Gawain can be best described as not only one of the most
trusted of the bunch, but also one of the best people in general
(unless you read the stories written later by the French).
I found out about Gawain when I was in 5th grade, learning about Old
English (which, for those who don't know, is over 500 years OLDER than
Shakespeare's writings. Back then, I was absolutely consumed by this
historical epic known as Beowulf, and in my research on that poem, I
kept hearing about this other poem written much later in the late 1300s
called Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Back then, I had absolutely no
interest in this poem (extremely unfortunate), and I only recently got
around to reading it as I had a physical copy of it, and I was bored at work
one week. What I read was truly an immensely absorbing story for the time,
and it's been living rent-free in my head ever since.
In summary (spoiler alert for a book written 700 years ago btw!), Sir Gawain
and the Green Knight is the story set in the Holiday season near Christmas.
King Arthur and his Knights were preparing for a wonderous Christmas feast
when the doors to the castle's main hall burst open, and in rides a man with
neon-green, almost radioactive, skin, wearing all green, and riding a green
horse. In one hand he wields a massive green battle axe, and in the other, a
bundle of holly to show that he comes in peace. He says in a booming voice that
he seeks out a partner to play a Christmas game in which a knight may strike him
however he pleases, but in a year's time, the Green Knight will return the blow
accordingly.
Seeing that none of the Knights volunteered immediately, King Arthur says that he
will take up the task but is quickly interrupted by Gawain, who says that this is
not a game worthy of being played by the King. Gawain agrees to the Green Knight's
terms and picks up the battle axe, and with one swift swing, cleaves off the Green
Knight's head.
To everyone's shock and horror, the Green Knight's body stands up and picks up its
head, which opens its eyes and tells Gawain that they shall meet again in one year
so the blow can be repaid. Following this, the book spends no time dilly-dallying,
and the next year flies by within the next two or three pages. Suddenly, it's almost
New Years Eve of the next year, and Gawain sets off on his journey to meet the Green
Knight at his home, the Green Chapel.
After travelling for several days, now tired and nearly hypothermic, Gawain comes
across a magnificent castle. With the last of his strength, he asks the gatekeeper
for shelter, which he is granted. There, he meets Lord Bertilak/Bercilak (depending
on your copy), who is more than happy to offer Gawain food and the best room in the
house to relax. After gaining back his strength, Gawain plans to set off again, but
Lord Bertilak tells him that the Green Chapel is no more than a few miles away, and
that Gawain should stay for the next few days to celebrate the holidays. Gawain agrees,
and Bertilak comes up with a game for them to play: he will go hunting, and give any
prizes he collects to Gawain in exchange for Gawain giving him whatever he receives
while at the castle. Gawain agrees, but is uncertain what he could possibly "receive"
while resting at the castle.
The next morning, Lord Bertilak goes hunting, and Gawain is left alone in his room.
Not long after the Lord left, however, his wife enters Gawain's chamber and attempts
to seduce him. Gawain, being a man of honour, declines. She keeps pressing him, and he
reluctantly agrees to a single kiss. Later that evening, Bertilak returns, and presents
Gawain with whatever animals he caught that day, and Gawain gives Bertilak a smooch on
the cheek but does not reveal where he got it from. Bertilak is presently surprised, and
the game continues the next day, with Gawain giving in to two kisses from Bertilak's wife.
The same event plays out that evening, and the game continues for yet another day. However,
this time around, Gawain gives in to three kisses, and Bertilak's wife also tells him to
her green belt because it's enchanted with magic to protect him from any and all harm.
Gawain, afraid of losing his head the next day, accepts, and does not mention this to Bertilak,
only presenting him with the three kisses he received.
Wearing the belt, Gawain sets off the next morning and quickly reached the Green Chapel,
where the Green Knight awaits him, sharpening his axe. Gawain kneels before the knight,
awaiting his demise. The Green Knight lifts up the axe, ready to swing, and as he brings
it down, Gawain flinches, and the Green Knight insults him. How could a gallant knight who
is as well known by the people of England as Gawain be afraid of death? Gawain urges him to
try again, but the Green Knight stops short of beheading him yet again, attempting to make
small talk. Gawain begins getting angry at this point, and orders the Green Knight to see
the game to its end.
This is where I will end off my summary, so as to not spoil the ending in case anyone wants
to read the book for themselves. Will the Green Knight swing the axe? Will the green belt
protect Gawain? Will Bertilak ever find out that Gawain lied to him about what he received
on the third day? Read the book and find out yourself. I highly recommend the read, especially
if any of you are interested in old literature. This story is unfortunately not the best ever
written, but it is a great read, and I am so glad that I did out of a day of boredom at work.
Gawain features in many other stories in the King Arthur mythos, but this is by far the most
famous. Again, I highly recommend you read the story in full. It holds a nice spot in my mind.