The Chivalric Code Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight- Journal 2 In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, his chivalric code was tested on numerous occasions. The code of chivalry that a knight was to live by consisted of the knight being loyal, virtuous, kind, friendly, pure, polite, Godly, courageous, compassionate, and generous. All of these attributes Sir Gawain possessed and displayed throughout this work. In the beginning of the poem, Sir Gawain’s chivalric code was immediately put to the test, but he remained true to it when he took King Arthur’s place in the challenge with the Green Knight. This act showed that he was not only brave but loyal to his King. A year after accepting the challenge, Sir Gawain set off to fulfill his end of the deal, and in doing so, this proved that was honorable and courageous. On the journey to the Green Chapel, he displayed an act of Godliness by stopping to pray for Mother Mary’s guidance in locating a place to hear Mass on Christmas Eve. This prayer led him to Bertalik’s castle which is where his chivalric code was further tested.

During these days, Sir Gawain was tempted and seduced by Bertalik’s wife, but he did not succumb to her advances. By not allowing himself to give in to her advances, it showed true honor and Godliness. Sir Gawain remained true to his word and gave Bertalik his earnings from day one and two which were kisses from Bertalik’s wife, and in return Bertalik did the same. However, on day three the wife gave him three kisses and a silk green girdle that possessed the power to protect whomever was wearing it, but when it came time to exchange, Sir Gawain only gave Bertalik the kisses and not the girdle. This was the first time that he failed to live up to his chivalric code by being unloyal to his promise with