Sir Gawain, the nephew of King Arthur and Camelot’s most revered knights, appears in “Sir Gawain’s Green Knight”. Gawain, however, is not static and ideal, but real and human, as opposed to other medieval characters. Gawain is an example of virtue in fit one, fit two and fit three. However, in fit three, Gawain hides the green girdle he received from his host. Gawain’s honesty is valued more than his life. Sir Gawain was, therefore, doomed to fall from the very beginning. He started as an ideal knight character and character but was soon tested and captured to learn how to be real and human. These changes can be seen in the quest and challenge with the Green Knight, as well as the stay at Castle and final encounter with the Green Knight.
Sir Gawain is introduced as the nephew to King Arthur and is seated next to Guinevere at a dinner. The Green Knight came in and gave a Yuletide prize to any member of the court. Anybody who accepted this challenge could use the knight’s knife or any weapon he wanted to swing at him; however, a similar strike to the striker would be granted one year later. This challenge is initially rejected by everyone. Arthur finally accepts the challenge. But Gawain intervenes and asks Arthur to take over. Gawain then has to find and complete the Green Chapel. Gawain refuses the Green Knight’s trick on Gawain and insists that they honor their agreement. Gawain will not back down, even if there are supernatural powers involved. Gawain stands behind his promises, even if it means putting his life at risk. He starts his quest seeing all the knights and carrying the pentangle, which shows that he can be trusted. Soon, however, this all changes. Gawain faces many challenges on his quest for the Green Chapel. Gawain 48 says that Gawain had to endure the cold winter nights and struggle to survive the Christmas Eve. Ironically, he’s trying to survive to live to see his death. He cannot defend himself and is thus trapped in his quest. Gawain is treated as a royal when he discovers the castle. He is well-known by everyone and given all the help he requires. Gawain seems to have reached a turning point in his character. He says the Lady, also known to him as the host’s wives, is more beautiful then Queen Guinevere. It’s a slight faltering statement, since it’s been said that Guinevere said anyone could be more beautiful than Guinevere. Gawain also falters from the Lady’s temptations during the last three days at Castle. These three days were intended to be fun. Gawain would receive any catch or hunted by the host, while Gawain’s earnings at Castle would go to Gawain. He pretended to sleep the first night when Lady entered his bed room. He exchanges the doe for which he received a kiss after a conversation. Gawain then receives two kisses at the start and end of his second day. He exchanges them for a boar. Gawain is treated to three kisses on day 3. He also receives a green cloth girdle, which is said have magical properties. Gawain 93 says that he will give three kisses to Gawain when it is time for them to exchange gifts. This shows that Sir Gawain cares more about his own life than he does about the pentangle.
Due to his sins in the castle, the Green Knight sends him a second punishment. He is led to a mound on the ground, which has two openings. He then hears an axe grind. This is his home, he immediately recognizes. Gawain shifts his hair immediately when the Green Knight appears. He then bends down and waits for the Green Knight to strike. Gawain stops as the Green Knight attempts to strike. Gawain resents his cowardice and he attempts to get up again. Gawain doesn’t move this time. Gawain is praised by the Green Knight for his bravery. Finally, Gawain is cut by the Green Knight. Gawain immediately raises his sword and challenges the Green Knight. The Green Knight tells him to relax. He explained that the first strike and the second strike are the same as the first day at the castle. Gawain was innocent and did not deserve any punishment.
On the third day, however, Gawain falters and is therefore inflicted with the neck injury. Gawain was then free from all debts and told by the Green Knight to keep the girdle because it is a sign of success, and that Gawain is the greatest person the Green Knight has ever seen. Gawain doesn’t keep his girdle for success or the silk and the gold it contains. It is a reminder to Gawain that he is not an ideal character.
Gawain becomes a real man in this medieval romance. Gawain is transformed from a perfect human being to one with some flaws. Gawain was created for the purpose of telling a story. Hony Soyt Qui Mal Pence was the author’s moral message. The author did a disservice to people who judge. Sir Gawain shouldn’t be treated differently due to his flaws. He is still the same person he was before, but with some additional characteristics. Everyone has flaws and everyone is unique. People shouldn’t be treated differently just because they are different.
