In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the main character accepts a challenge from the Green Knight with dignity. Why? Because he is eager to protect the honor of the Knights of Round Table and King Arthur. Besides, he seeks to manifest his courage and chivalrous skills. By publicly proving his superiority over an unexpected and arrogant guest, he completes his mission.
Detailed answer:
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a remarkable chivalric poem narrating the famous trail of Gawain, nephew of King Arthur. It reveals the greatness of the protagonist’s character during his adventures. The romance begins with a story about how King Arthur, surrounded by knights, welcomes the new year. In the midst of the feast, an unknown knight rides into the hall, astride a horse. His hands, face, clothes, and whole figure are bright green.
The mysterious knight declares that he seeks a brave man who can take an unusual challenge. According to the deal, the volunteer can inflict one blow with a battle-ax to the Green Knight if he agrees to receive the same strike from him in a year and one day. There are no volunteers. When Arthur, hurt by the knight’s mockery, takes an ax in his hands, Gawain stops him and takes everything upon himself. Only Sir Gawain dares to accept the challenge to punish the insolent guest for his provocative and impertinent prank.
He raises the ax and cut off the impudent knight’s head. However, the knight does not die. He calmly raises his head, sits back in the saddle, and leaves, reminding Gawain of the appointed time and place. Despite the incredible outcome of the duel, after a year, Gawain dares to seek the Green Chapel to complete the terms of the deal, demonstrating magnificent qualities of his personality.