The Percival: A Short Story

And before his eyes a grand castle appeared; God helped saved Gawain from his near death experience by making the chapel appear, making God the supernatural aid. In astonishment, Gawain makes his way towards the castle to seek refuge and is greeted by a “...kindly countenance, who stood on the wall…” (Weston 15). The kind man tells Sir Gawain that he can stay as long as he wishes, and Gawain crosses the first threshold; The drawbridge. As he entered the castle Gawain was showered with friendly greetings, fed, and given a place to sleep. The host asks Gawain, “ ...what stern behest had driven him at the holy season from the king’s court, to fare all alone, ere yet the feast was ended?” (Winston 19). Gawain then explains his quest to find the Green Chapel and the Green Knight that owns it, so he can maintain the honor of Camelot. After telling the house of his adventure Gawain is given 4 days to stay in the grand castle. On the fourth day Sir Gawain will only need to travel two miles from the castle to find the Green Chapel. The 3 days before Gawain must exchange his earning of the day with the host.

After beheading the Green Knight, Sir Gawain is depressed by dark thoughts of what lies ahead for him and all while everyone “danced and sang till the sun went down that day. But mind your mood, Gawain, keep blacker thoughts at bay, or loose this lethal game you’ve promised you will play” (485-490). Of course, one would have anxiety of waiting for a year to come. The time has come for Sir Gawain to go through the unknown world to find the Green Chapel. He encounters a serious of dangers in numerous

Tricked by the Green Knight and Morgan le Faye, Gawain, driven by his sense of duty and honor, must sacrifice his own life for those ideals. I believe that though Gawain is a bit foolish in his quest to lose his head, he did make the correct decision in protecting Arthur. Like King Beowulf, the loss of Arthur would have been very detrimental to the society at the time. Gawain sacrifices himself in order to preserve Order.

Gawain is let off the hook and sent on his way. When Sir Gawain returns to Camelot, he recalls his story, humiliated and humbled. The members of King Arthur's court, however, feel that Sir Gawain has done well and attempt to cheer the knight up. They do not feel that Sir Gawain has done anything immoral and let it pass as they continue their revelry.

Gawain's interactions with the Green Knight distinguish him from his fellow knights, in that he is the only one brave enough to step to the plate and confront the giant. Faced with the specter of battle with the Green Knight, Gawain rises above all to defend the honor of his good king.  "Then Gawain at Guinevere's side/ bowed and spoke his design: / 'Before all, King, confide/ this fight to me. May it be mine."(Gawain 336-339) In this scene, Gawain reveals himself to be a pillar of virtue. He is subservient to King Arthur, a loyal and devoted servant. He is so moved by the threat to his lord's life that he is willing to put his own life on the line. D.S.

You really have to look back to grasp what exactly Gawain was putting at risk when he stood up to the challenge to save King Arthur. Not only was his pride and reputation at stake here, but his life as well. And he was the only one of Arthur's court who stood up. He could have just as easily been content to let Arthur have his go, but he showed such vidality and courage by coming forward. ( King Arthur had to since he was the King and had to stand up for his court or be put to shame.)

Any other knight would have run off or given up hope. However, Sir Gawain,true to his heroic nature, faces the slings and arrows of danger head on with a courageous heart. Some may have turned saying "I could not find the Green Chapel or the path there cannot be tread upon." Gawain makes up no excuses and charges ahead.

Guinevere sat on the birthing bed with her legs bent, leaning forward, gripping her knees as another contraction took hold. She reddened and piercing shriek tore from her throat while King Arthur paled. Watching his wife suffer like this was torture.

letting the fact of him “being judged a failure” get to him. This shows the readers that Sir Gawain perhaps isn’t what he appears to be at the beginning of our story.

The Green Knight’s bloody head laid on the ground, but to Sir Gawain’s shock, the Green Knight picked up his head and placed it back on his body. He reminded Sir Gawain that he had accepted the challenge so, Sir Gawain himself had to come find the Green Knight in one year at his chapel, so the he can then behead Sir Gawain. By accepting this challenge, Sir Gawain shows courage and maturity and what he has learned is not to trust but regardless, he has gained confidence.

King Arthur decided to go back in England with his men and Sir Gawain and when into battle with Mordred and his men causing Sir Gawain’s live. Before Sir Gawain’s death, he was able to write a letter for Sir Launcelot, as he knew this one will come, to explore him to go back in England and help King Arthur. Sir Gawain showed true honor and loyalty to his king and stand what he believed in. During the battle, King Arthur also manifest how he believe and not giving up on his

After the Knight receives his stroke, he rides off. Eventhough, Sir Gawain knows the danger in accepting the challenge, he would rather accept the danger than let his king, his loyalty is that great. About eleven and a half months later, Sir Gawain heads out for the Green Chapel, where the Green Knight lives.

When a man embarks in a journey there is no telling what could happen. Gawain’s voyage teaches him how to resist temptations, that a hero has fears and acknowledging the sins he commits which makes him closer to God. The story helps the reader understand how a hero’s mind reacts through each lesson that comes through his path. In addition, the characteristics of Gawain were mostly relative to a knight’s personality, a critic states,

“Oh my dear Grigolo! For I have told you, your pride is your downfall!” Her tears stream down her face and she grabs her lover’s hand in despair. He turns to her; trying for a small smile to reassure her,

In the beginning of the story, Gawain was an honorable and loyal knight. He takes the place of his King, Arthur in the battle against the Green Knight. Although he doesn’t have to, Gawain would rather risk his life which he claims is unneeded rather than risk of life of the king and also Camelot. He remains loyal and honorable by heading out to find the Green Knight. He proves that he will hold up his end of the deal even if it mean death. Even when he reaches the castle he remains honorable, loyal and even chivilarous until the third day. On the first two days Gawain is very poliet with Lady Bertilak. He puts himself down claiming he is not as heroic as she hears and is even catious about reciving her gift of the kisses. He also holds his