Translation by Simon Armitage

HOW GOOD WAS IT?

It goes without question that this story deserves a…

10/10

BASICALLY

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an Arthurian story, translated from Middle English.

On New Year’s Day at Camelot, King Arthur and his awesome knights gather at the Round Table for a feast. The king is all polite and gentle — refusing to eat before all of his guests are served and such. Now, just when the king asks one of the guests to tell them an exciting tale so the party can begin and he can finally start eating, a gigantic man appears out of nowhere.

This man is green from head to toe and he also mounts a green horse. Giving no explanation for his shocking appearance, at least not one that any of the confused knights can understand, the man challenges Arthur’s court, daring any knight to strike him with his own axe as hard as they can and receive the same blow afterwards.

Arthur, of course, stands up and attempts to take on this challenge (cause he’s such a cool king). However, Gawain would not let it happen and offers himself instead. With one strike, Gawain beheads the green knight, thinking that he’s gotten rid of this weird guy for good.

And here is when it gets exciting.

The green knight, clearly undead, picks up his head, calmly tell the rest of the court that he expects Gawain to meet him on the same day next year to complete the rest of the challenge, and exits.

Being a man of honor, Gawain decides he will not back down and will go look for this guy and sacrifice himself if needed so that the king’s court will maintain its flawless reputation of bravery and honor.

King Arthur and the other knights express their admiration for Gawain, as well as their extreme concern. (Of course, we all know that inside, they’re all like: “Well I’m glad I didn’t volunteer.”)

Hence, begins the adventure of Gawain.

SO

One quick search can tell you how popular/loved this tale is and how many analyses have been written on it. So, it would be redundant if I attempt to write another ten-page essay about the countless themes and excellent use of symbolism in this story even though I love it to bits and pieces.

What I will just say instead is: read it.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a tale for all ages. On the surface, it is an adventure with magic, knights, sorcerers. Underneath that, you have a flawed hero and his success as well as failure to win against all kinds of temptation and a lot more. Underneath, the theme of masculinity is constantly explored. Etc.

And most of all, it is a cozy and simple read that brings you straight back to a time of chivalry and Courtly Love.

So… yes, just read it, I guess.