Bertilak’s wife, the Lady of Castle Hautdesert, is never named in the poem, although she has an important role in the action. To Gawain’s eyes, she is even more beautiful than Guenevere, which makes her impossibly beautiful, because Guenevere is supposed to be the most beautiful woman in the world. […]
Read more Character Analysis The Lady of HautdesertCharacter Analysis Bertilak (or Bercilak) of Hautdesert
Gawain’s unnamed host at Castle Hautdesert is finally identified as Bertilak, who is also the Green Knight. As Gawain’s host, Bertilak is warm, hospitable, and fun loving. He welcomes Gawain with generosity, supplying him with rich clothes, a fine feast, and the company of his lovely wife. He shares many […]
Read more Character Analysis Bertilak (or Bercilak) of HautdesertCharacter Analysis The Green Knight
The Green Knight is not named in the poem, and he says only that men know him as the “Knight of the Green Chapel.” His strange color and his marvelous ability to live without his head mark him as an otherworldly creature. In other ways, however, he could simply be […]
Read more Character Analysis The Green KnightCharacter Analysis Gawain
Gawain is one of the greatest of King Arthur’s knights, famed for both his bravery and his courtesy. While the other knights remain tongue-tied with fear, Gawain alone volunteers to take Arthur’s place in the beheading game proposed by the Green Knight, thus becoming a representative both of King Arthur […]
Read more Character Analysis GawainSummary and Analysis Lines 2,479–2,530 (Stanzas 100–101)
Summary Gawain returns to Camelot wearing the green belt like a sash. The whole court rejoices to see him safe and hear his marvelous tale. Gawain explains that he will always wear the sash to remind him of his fault. The king and courtiers laugh about it and decided they […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Lines 2,479–2,530 (Stanzas 100–101)Summary and Analysis Lines 2,389–2,478 (Stanzas 96–99)
Summary The Green Knight laughingly accepts Gawain’s confession and offers him the green belt as a souvenir. He invites Gawain back to his castle, saying Gawain will certainly get along better with the host’s wife now. Gawain declines, and says it is no wonder if he has been deceived by […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Lines 2,389–2,478 (Stanzas 96–99)Summary and Analysis Lines 2,160–2,388 (Stanzas 87–95)
Summary Gawain rides off alone in search of the Green Chapel. He sees a low mound off in a clearing and hears a strange noise like the sharpening of a blade. Gawain calls out, and the Green Knight appears, carrying a huge ax. The knight tells Gawain to prepare to […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Lines 2,160–2,388 (Stanzas 87–95)Summary and Analysis Lines 1,998–2,159 (Stanzas 80–86)
Summary New Year’s Day brings a terrible storm, and Gawain has not slept well. He puts on his fine armor and ties the lady’s belt around his waist. His horse has been well cared for, and Gawain silently wishes blessings for his good host and hostess. His guide leads him […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Lines 1,998–2,159 (Stanzas 80–86)Summary and Analysis Lines 1,690–1,996 (Stanzas 68–79)
Summary After Mass, the lord’s party rides out into the wintry woods. The hounds pick up the trail of a fox and chase it through the forest, baying loudly. At the castle, the lady is gorgeously dressed as she comes to visit Gawain in bed, and she kisses him. Before […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Lines 1,690–1,996 (Stanzas 68–79)Summary and Analysis Lines 1,411–1,689 (Stanzas 56–67)
Summary The lord and his party are away before dawn, hunting a great boar. The boar rushes the men and the dogs, injuring many, but the lord pursues his prey into the forest. At the castle, the lady goes into Gawain’s bedroom again. The lady rebukes him for not remembering […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Lines 1,411–1,689 (Stanzas 56–67)