Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

1
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

• Author Anonymous
• ca. 1380
• Medieval (Middle Ages)

2
Middle Ages Background

• Medieval (Middle Ages) ca. 476 A.D. 1453 A.D.
  This is the time between antiquity (Classical
  Greece and the Roman Empire) and the Renaissance
• Adventure narratives in this time period were
  dominated by stories from three areas
• The Matter of Rome stories of ancient Roman
  heroes Romances
• The Matter of France stories with the French
  hero Roland
• The Matter of Britain stories involving
  chivalry, especially that of King Arthur

3
The Arthurian Legend The Past and Present

• Somehow the Arthurian legends actually developed
  in the ancient world, probably with the Celts who
  would eventually make up Britain
• Basic elements of the Arthurian legend were first
  introduced by Geoffrey of Monmouths History of
  the Kings of Britain (ca. 1139)
• Poetic translation of Roman de Brut by Layamon
  introduced the legends of Excalibur (famous
  sword)
• Robert de Boron writes stories of Joseph of
  Arimathea and the holy grail (late 12th Century)
• French author Chretien de Troyes introduced
  Lancelot
• The English Knight Sir Thomas Malory codified the
  Arthur legends in Morte DArthur (1485)

4
Arthurian Legend and Chivalry

• Chivalric Ideal The Knights of the Round Table
  were the most famous for this behavior in the
  Middle Ages.
• The classic definition of chivalry men were
  brave, had honor, and showed gallantry towards
  women Christian values in warfare (rules of
  engagement because the enemy is my brother)
  usually a good lover courtesy to all people is
  keybeing a gentleman in all situations is
  important willing to sacrifice yourself for your
  lord and ladies (for your leader and the weak)

5
Arthurian Legend and Courtly Love

• Courtly Love the love a knight has for a woman
  who is generally not his wife. It is a love from
  afar and it is usually very superficial (it is
  often explained, for example, with a knight who
  is struck by cupids arrow as he sees a beautiful
  maiden walking out of a castle).
• Courtly Love is also generally unattainable (at
  most, the knight may get a kiss, but that is
  all). Often the maiden is married to the King
  (e.g., Arthur Guinevere and then Lancelot comes
  into the picture).
• Courtly Love creates a situation where the knight
  seeks to impress the lady from afar by doing
  brave deeds and being the perfect gentleman
  (showing great chivalry)