Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

The ending of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, by author unknown, shows Gawain to be a hero, though he has some trouble dealing with his mistakes. Throughout the entire poem, Gawain remains steadfast and true, and he has few shortcomings. During the ending sequence of events, these shortcomings are brought to light, and Gawain feels like such a fool, though he did better than most people ever could. The events that take place at the end, as well as the words spoken by Gawain and the Green Knight, show Gawain to be a hero dealing with his human imperfections.

Gawain faces his death with courage. It is true that he desires to live because “… he left not his love-gift, the lady’s girdle; / Gawain, for his own good, forgot not that” (lines 2030-2031). The lady of the castle gives Gawain a girdle by which, if he wore it, no harm would come to him. However, she had tried to cheat on her husband and seduce Gawain, which doesn’t make for perfectly trusting feelings between people. Even though Gawain does trust the lady, the thought must go through his head that it is possible that she is lying and the girdle has no real power. Therefore, Gawain’s use of the girdle is a leap of faith, and he is still ready to accept death. When the lord of the castle (a.k.a. the Green Knight) leaves Gawain at the Green Chapel, Gawain is alone for some time, but he actively seeks his opponent when he calls “Who has power in this place, high parley to hold? / For none greets Sir Gawain, or gives him good day; / If any would a word with him, let him walk forth / And speak now or never, to speed his affairs” (lines 2213-2216). When the Green Knight finally arrives, Gawain readies himself, and the Green Knight lifts his ax. Gawain shrinks back ever so slightly, to which the Green Knight questions Gawain’s courage. Gawain replies boldly to “… Strike once more; / I shall neither flinch nor flee” (lines 2280-2281). Gawain remains still for another two swings before the Green Knight reveals his true identity and intentions. Gawain has proven his courage many times over, and he is a true hero.

Unfortunately, Gawain does not see himself as a hero. After Gawain discovers that the Green Knight (the lord of the castle) is testing him, he also discovers the minor mistake he committed. “You failed at the third throw, / So take my tap, sir knight” (lines 2356-2357). Gawain had failed to give the lord his girdle, thus breaking their agreement. His mistake is his loyalty to his own life. After Gawain realizes