Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a chivalric novel written in the 14th century by an unknown author about the exploits of Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew, showing the spirit of chivalry and faithfulness to his word. The poem’s imagery is based on Celtic, Germanic, and other folkloric and mythical traditions. The greatest court of chivalry dispenses courtesy: it is King Arthur’s Court, the court of child cortaysye, yet the plaintiff’s self-incrimination is mocked in this court.
Gawain and his companions are uncomfortable with the green stranger publicly calling them out at court. The noble knight feels deep remorse after failing to endure the trials and temptations. When the Green Knight offers his game, he does so in a harshly unpleasant manner. The Green Knight rolls his eyes and laughs, mocking Arthur’s knights as cowards when they do not accept the challenge. He mocks them for their cowardice after naturally being baffled by this strange creature’s suggestion to let someone chop his head off (Tolkien et al., 1967). A great warlord like Arthur should have been easily recognizable. Therefore, the Green Knight’s claim that he did not identify the group’s leader is highly offensive. The poet derisively remarks that Arthur’s supposedly valiant knights must be too polite to speak when they are too stunned even to respond (Tolkien et al., 1967). The Green Knight earned Gawain’s stab due to his insulting language and magical defense.
Overall, the Green Knight taunts and insults King Arthur’s court by demanding a Christmas game where the winner gets his axe if he dares to strike another man. Although Arthur agrees, Gawain asks that the task be given to him because he does not think it suits the king. King Arthur and his court are also offended by the Green Knight and Gawain. The Green Knight openly calls out Gawain and his friends at court, embarrassing them, and the noble knight feels deep regret for not being able to withstand hardship and temptation.
Reference
Tolkien, J. R. R., Gordon, E. V., & Davis, N. (Eds.). (1967). Sir Gawain and the green knight. Oxford University Press.