Sir Gawain In Arthurian Literature

One of the most important and prominent supporting figures in Arthurian literature is Sir Gawain, who seems to be somewhat of a prevailing figure within most stories about King Arthur and the glorious Camelot. The character of Gawain goes back to the beginnings of Arthurian legend, as he is mentioned in some of the earliest Welsh sources. Following the writings about Sir Gawain from these earlier legends on down to more modern ones, Gawain’s character clearly gets more developed and colorful. He will be singled out and play a leading role in some Arthurian stories such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnelle, and The Rise of Gawain, Nephew of Arthur. Other sources of Arthurian Literature, Gawain’s character

We also need to understand what the middle ages was and its importance in history. It was a time in European history that lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. According to scholars this era begins after, “the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century ce to the period of the Renaissance (variously interpreted as beginning in the 13th, 14th, or 15th century, depending on the region of Europe and on other factors).” (“Middle Ages”). This era is associated with great art, classical literature, military and technological developments, conquest, corrupted kings, chivalrous knights, the crusades, epic battles, and much more. It would shape much of what Europe and the World looks like in modern times such as the rise and power of such nations as Britain, France, and Spain. This time is important to understand when reading Arthurian literature, as Arthurian legend entails almost every aspect of the middle ages and parallels the

A key component to any knight’s prowess, success, and any hope in some notoriety would lay in his weaponry and armor. Armor was used as protection or the knight during battle. Armor in the early parts of the middle ages around the late 5th century to early 6th century consisted of, "Mail, or chainmail, made of interlocking iron rings, which may be riveted or welded shut/small additional plates or discs of iron were added to the mail to protect vulnerable areas. Hardened leather and splinted construction were used for arm and leg pieces. A coat of plates was developed, an armor made of large plates sewn inside a textile or leather coat.” (“Medieval Warfare”). This type of armor would eventually evolve into full plated body suits made of iron, around the 13th century. These body suits would sometimes be decorated with certain colors, geometric designs, jewels, or contain a symbol. A knight would be recognized by his armor and shied bearing his district heraldic symbol. Heraldry was a common practice during the middle ages and is commonly known as “coat of arms”. The proper definition of heraldry is, “the practice of devising, blazoning, and granting armorial insignia and of tracing and recording genealogies.” (“Heraldry”). The knights heraldry or coat of arms would usually be placed of the helmet, breast plate, or more commonly on their shield. This heraldic