Comparison of Medieval Romances to Sir Gawain and

the Green Knight

By Bishop Shipman

Each blue slide has characteristics of a Romantic story while each green slide

shows the relation to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Characteristics of a Romance• A Tale of High Adventure • Structurally it follows the pattern of a quest

– Can be a religious Quest, a conquest for the knight’s liege lord, the rescue of a captive lady or any combo of the above

• It idealizes chivalry • It also idealizes the Hero-Knight and his noble deeds

courage, skill in arms, openness to adventure/challenges• Emphasizes his love for a lady (or the concept of ladies

in general) or love as a motivation• Often uses concealed or disguised identity

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

• In the story Gawain is a loyal chivalrous knight who accepts a challenge to test ones bravery

• Gawain goes on his quest to find the Green Knight and his green chapel

Setting

• The settings tend to be imaginary and vague

• Often in a fantasy world of marvels

• Typically moves from court to wilderness

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

• The setting in the story goes from King Arthurs castle in Camelot to the forest while Gawain is searching for the green chapel

• He has trouble finding it and comes upon a great white castle hidden behind mysterious fog

Supernatural/Mysticism

• The tales derive mystery and suspense from supernatural elements and creatures (dragons, trolls, ogres, etc), sorcerers/sorceresses (Merlin, Morgana la Fey), objects (Excalibur, the Grail, etc.)

• The tales therefore employ miracles and wonders

• Repetition of the mystical number 3

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

• Gawain is challenged by a mystical knight that can not die– This is due to the magical powers of Morgana

la Fay

• He prays to Mary and a castle appears for him to stay

Characteristics of the Hero-Knight

• Birth is often shrouded in mystery

• He is reared away from true home in ignorance of his real parents

• For a time his true identity is unknown

• After meeting an extraordinary challenge, he claims his right

• His triumph benefits his nation or group

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

• Gawain accepts the challenge to show his bravery

• Gawain finishes the game with the Green Knight in order to restore his honor and keep the honor of his kingdom

Chivalry

• An elaborate code of conduct, manners, behaviors• Feudal

– stresses loyalty to lords, strength, courage, skills in weapons• Religious

– stresses piety, temperance/abstinence, chastity – Must adhere to church laws first, then to king’s laws

• Courtly– stresses adoration of the lady, faithfulness, courtesy, social

graces. Belief that love is a perfecting force that makes one noble, even perfect

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

• Gawain is very chivalrous

• He is loyal to his king and kingdom

• Even though he is tempted my the queen of the castle he still keeps his cool – He even politely denies the queen when she

tries to seduce him

Knightly Virtues and Duties• Total devotion to goal• Uphold good and overturn evil• Protect poor and weak (widows, maidens, orphans)• Generosity• Gain and cultivate a positive reputation• Love God and be willing to die for Him• Possess justice and loyalty• Remain clean in flesh and spirit• Face death’s inevitability• Abstain from excessive alcohol use• Attend mass daily

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

• Gawain prays to Mary for protection on his journey– He prays regularly

• Even though he is tempted by the maiden and the queen he remains pure

• He is loyal for sticking to his end of the barging by coming to find the Green Knight