Vocabulary
This piece of armor, made of interlocking metal rings, was worn by knights to protect their torso.
What is a hauberk.
Sir Gawain volunteers for the Green Knight’s challenge to protect this ruler.
Who is King Arthur?
The Green Knight challenges Arthur’s court to a contest involving this object.
What is an axe (or gisarme)?
Gawain’s acceptance of the girdle suggests he values this above his knightly honor.
What is survival or life?
Gawain’s journey is meant to uphold his honor, but this action undermines it.
What is accepting the green girdle (sash)?
This term describes the medieval system of knightly values, including honor, loyalty, and bravery.
What is chivalry?
On his journey, Gawain stays at a castle hosted by this mysterious character.
The Lord (the Green Knight)
This is the color of the Green Knight’s skin, hair, and clothing, symbolizing nature and otherworldly forces.
What is green?
The Green Knight’s ability to survive decapitation implies he is connected to this supernatural force.
What is magic?
The Green Knight spares Gawain’s life despite Gawain failing this test.
What is complete honesty?
A knight follows this set of rules that dictate proper conduct and duty.
What is a code?
This is the amount of time that elapsed between their first encounter with the Green Knight at King Arthur's court.
What is twelve months and a day?
The Green Knight’s true identity is revealed to be this individual.
Who is the Lord of the castle(Lord Bertilak)?
Gawain’s failure to fully disclose his dealings with the lady suggests he struggles with this knightly virtue.
What is honesty?
The Green Knight, who appears menacing, is ultimately revealed to be playing this role.
What is a teacher or tester?
The Green Knight wields this type of polearm, which has a blade at its tip.
What is a gisarme?
Gawain accepts this item from the lady of the castle, believing it will protect him from harm.
What is the green sash (or girdle)
The Green Knight told Sir Gawain to meet him here for the challenge on New Year's Day.
What is the Green Chapel?
The Green Knight’s laughter after Gawain flinches indicates he views the knight’s fear as this.
What is human weakness?
The challenge begins as a test of bravery but becomes a lesson in this.
What is humility?
This powerful horse, commonly used by knights, was bred for battle.
What is a destrier?
Gawain ultimately admits to this flaw when confessing his failure to the Green Knight.
What is cowardice
The Green Knight uses this phrase to describe Gawain’s actions after their final encounter.
What is "polished as white and as perfectly clean " or "the finest man that ever walked this earth"?
It is inferred that Sir Gawain felt this when he spoke the following words: “Hit me, hero! I’m right up to here with your threats! Is it you that’s the cringing coward after all?”
What is rage?
Gawain believes the girdle will protect him from harm, but it ultimately serves this purpose.
What is exposing his flaws?