When we think of Old World Literature we envision handsome brave knights who fight scaly green fire-breathing dragons in order to save or defend beautiful fair maidens and damsels in distress. We think of wars that defend ones honor and territory. Others think of luxurious and magnificent medieval castles with moats that drape around them containing fierce reptiles ready to pounce on unwelcome guests and invaders. However stereotypical our vision of British Literature may well be, there are some truths evident within these stereotypes. Although the poets of such epics as Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight differ a bit from many a simplistic first view, the basic aspects are prevalent in both poetic tales. Between the eighth and …show more content…
In accepting the “green girdle” from the lady of the castle where he was sheltered and fed, Sir Gawain proves he fears death (Christ 200). In lines 1851-54, the lady explains how the girdle will benefit Sir Gawain, “For the man that possesses this piece of silk, If he bore it on his body, belted about, There is no hand under heaven that could hew him down, For he could not be killed by any craft on earth” (Christ 199-200). So can Sir Gawain be called a courageous knight if he was afraid to die? Yes! Although he was afraid he still rode forth to hold true to his word and meet the Green Knight for the trading blow of the ax (Christ 203-6). He wouldn’t back down or let anyone help him out of his ordeal. Even when Sir Gawain’s guide took him on his way to the Green Chapel, he would not let the guide talk him out of running away from his promise to the Green Knight, “But I must to the Chapel to chance my luck and say to that same man such words as I please, Befall what may befall through Fortune’s will or whim” (Christ 205). So here it is when Sir Gawain begins to sound like Beowulf; ready to fight, ready for the challenge and having no fear. Sir Gawain is confusing at times, for he does not want to be marked as a coward and goes forth to meet his fate even though it may cost him his