Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

1. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight A look into the language of this 14th century poem.

2. About the Author It was written in the mid to late 14th century as an alliterative poem by an unnamed author, most likely a university educated clerk or political official. The dialect of the poem suggests it came from the Northwest Midlands of Britain.

3. Summary On New Year’s Day, a green giant enters King Arthur’s court to challenge Arthur or any of his knights to a game. Sir Gawain agrees: He will behead the Green Knight and in return, will seek out the knight a year later so the knight has the chance to return the favor. After a year, Gawain leaves in search of the Green Knight but only finds a castle containing a hospitable Lord and his Lady. Another bet ensues: the Lord will exchange the winnings from his daily hunts with whatever Gawain manages to acquire while he stays in the castle. During the next three days, the Lady of the castle attempts to seduce Gawain, therefore Gawain is forced to exchange kisses for the Lord’s hunting prizes. However, on the last day Gawain is dishonest as he keeps the green girdle the lady gives to him. He leaves the castle, finds the Green Knight, and proceeds to honor his bet. The Green Knight only nicks the neck of Gawain on the third try and reveals himself to be the Lord of the castle, explaining that because of Gawain’s dishonesty, blood was drawn, but because of his honesty he walks away with his head. It is a chivalric story of honor; even though Gawain has proved himself a worthy knight, he wears the green girdle as reminder of his moral failure.

4. The Language of SGGK Handsel Meaning a token of luck, good or bad; something given (esp. in the New Year) as a token of good luck “. . .with New Year gifts, Handsels, handsels they shouted” Also used in 1500-20 in Dunbar’s New Year's Gift to King iii, “God giue the guid prosperitie..In hansell of this guid new eir.” Last written record of use: 1681.

5. Trow “. . .half a troll upon the earth I trow that he was” Meaning to trust, believe in a person or thing Also used in in 1440 by Mandeville “And all be it that sum men wil not trow me, but holden it for fable.” Used last in 1829.

6. Espy “He stopped, and stared to espy” Meaning to watch, examine closely; to spy Also used in 1390 by Chaucer, “Thanne shal ye euere mo countrewayte emboyssementz and alle espye” Last used in 1667.

7. Deign “Now pray, this penance deign to take; ‘twill improve another day!” Meaning to condescend to accept, to take graciously Also in the 15th century Merlin, “ For their pride, thei deyne not hym to knowe for her lorde.” Used last in 1606.

8. “wild wind in the welkin makes war on the sun” Welkin Meaning the sky or a cloud Also used in 1377 by Langel, “Al e wyde worlde... Bothe welkne and e wynde, water and erthe, Heuene & helle.” Last used in 1868.

9. Thereat “loud laughed he thereat, so delighted he was” Meaning thereupon, therefore Also used in Knight de La Tour, 1450, “His wyff..dysdeyned thereatte, and had scorne therof Last used in 1870.

10. Liever “But there are ladies in number who liever would now have thee in their hold” Also used in 1390 by Gower, “Alle wommen lievest wolde Be soverein of mannes love.” Meaning dearly, gladly, willingly Used last in 1920.

11. Raiment “robed himself in rainment noble” Meaning clothing Also used in Malroy’s Le Morte De Arthur in 1470, “They brout hym thyder in a fysshers rayment.” Last use: 1868

12. Sources Sir Gawain and the Green Knight translated by J.R.R. Tolkien The Oxford English Dictionary http://dictionary.oed.com Middle English Dictionary http://ets.umdl.umich.edu/m/med/structure.html Sparknotes http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/gawain/ The Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Resources Website http://faculty.virginia.edu/engl381ck/three.html