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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

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Part I

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    • The Green Knight offers his axe to anyone who will accept a return blow in a year and a day.
    • Gawayne takes the challenge in Arthur’s place and beheads the stranger.
    • The Green Knight rides away carrying his head and directs Gawayne to the Green Chapel.

Part II

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    • Gawayne’s shield bears the gold pentangle and an image of Mary.
    • He reaches the castle after praying for Christmas shelter and Mass.
    • The host says the Green Chapel is less than two miles away.
    • Host and guest agree to exchange whatever each wins the next day.

Part III

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    • The lord hunts deer, then a boar, then a fox across the three days.
    • Gawain exchanges one, two, and three kisses for the lord’s winnings.
    • Gawain accepts the green girdle because he believes it may save him from being slain.
    • He conceals the girdle from his host and prepares to leave for the Green Chapel.

Part IV

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    • Bernlak’s first two feints correspond to the two days when Gawayne honestly returned the lady’s kisses.
    • The slight cut corresponds to Gawayne’s concealment of the girdle on the third day.
    • Gawayne calls the girdle a token of his fault, while Arthur’s court adopts green bands in his honor.