Rating:

Author: Unknown

I enjoy a great epic, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight have entertained like-minded souls since the 14th century. The writer is unknown. What is known is that reading the first few pages of this hero’s journey, one is expectant of an adventure.

Summary

It’s New Years’ day in Camelot, and a mysterious figure enters King Arthur’s court. He is a knight but wears no armor. He holds an ax in one hand and a holly in the other. The man is significant and green from head to toe, riding upon a tremendous green horse. He offers a challenge. Someone is to strike him once so long as he may do the same in one year. The volunteer to take up the “Christmas game” will be able to keep the splendid ax he wields. Just as King Arthur prepares to accept the challenge, his nephew Sir Gawain pleads to his uncle for the honor. It is granted, and in one stroke, he chops off the head of the Green knight.

After the deed, the knight, without hesitation, picks up his head, remounts, and shows his bleeding head to Queen Guinevere. He then turns to the young man before he departs that he must keep his promise. They must meet at the Green Chapel. A year approaches, and Sir Gawain begins his journey to the Green Chapel and the mysterious Green Knight.

I will keep my silence here and not divulge much more. I will say the young man will be tested as he journey’s toward his fate.

Final Thoughts

Will temptation overcome him? Will he face the Green Knight? What will become of him if he finds the Green chapel? What will be Sir Gawain’s fate?
My lips are sealed, but I will add that what you expect, the ending will come as a great surprise. Nothing is as it seems. Read closely with this story, for little clues are tucked within simple acts such as the great hunt on castle grounds.

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