Beardless Children :: Arthurian Legends English Literature Essays

Beardless Children Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is considered to be one of the finest Arthurian romances in English. Unfortunately, the 14th-century author of the epic remains unknown. The poem describes a common secret plan at the time the Beheading Game, which turns out to be a great physical as well as moral challenge to the main character, Sir Gawain. The transportation (130-202) of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight describes the appearance of a strange knight in King Arthurs court. The anonymous author of the epic describes the rider in great detail, punctuate the importance of this character. The passage is intended to arouse readers curiosity, and at the same time, to introduce the mighty danger that the main character, Sir Gawain, will have to face. Furthermore, the strange knight is shown to be a test or trial for King Arthur and his knights. Finally, the passage presents the actual dynamics of Arthurs court as incompatible with th e poets initial praising of nobility, justice and gothic ideals. The Green Knight is clearly a magical figure. This strange rider is of green hue, and he is riding a green horse. Physically, the knight is presented as tight and of a great size From broad neck to buttocks so bulky and thick,And his loins and his legs so long and so great,Half a whale on earth I hold him to be...(138 - 140).The author gives these characteristics to the character for a reason. Possibly, the author aims to arouse interest of the readers or to emphasize the danger that Sir Gawain is about to face. However, at this point of the story, the reader is unaware of the true identity of the Green Knight, which makes it more exciting to read the poem. The passage describes the great festivities in King Arthurs court during the festivity of Christmas. And already Arthur is portrayed behaving childishly, when he refuses to eat unless he hears an entertaining story But Arthur would not eat till all were servedSo light was his imperative heart, and a little boyishAnd also a point of pride pricked him in heart,For he nobly had willed, he would never eat.