Sir Gawain Preparing Himself and His Neck :: Arthurian Legands English Literature Essays

Sir Gawain Preparing Himself and His Neck Sir Gawain and the Green horse cavalry, written by an anonymous fourteenth-century poet, describes the Arthurian legend about the Green Knights game with Sir Gawain. Now almost a year passes since the Green Knight has started a friendly challenge of a blow for a blow. And it is condemnation for Sir Gawain to prepare and to meet the Green Knight to receive his strike. Sir Gawain sees how the people around him care for him and wish he didnt have to go. He probably feels that the number 1 part of the game wasnt completely fair, because the beheaded Green Knight survived what a mortal man groundworknot. Nevertheless, Sir Gawain acts equal a true honorable sawbuck and decides to face his destiny Why should I tarry?And smiled with tranquil eyeIn destinies sad or merry,True men can but try. (Norton 561 - 565) Click here to beware to this monologue Realizing that he is just human and is predestined f or a test he isnt fully aware of, the only thing he can do is to do his best and not worry about the outcome. Sir Gawain decides to fully prepare himself for this ordeal and goes alone to pray humbly to G-d. He feels very small now, more than before when he was willing to take the Green Knights challenge after Arthur had already accepted it. Now he realizes that what seemed like a sure thing doesnt always turn out that way and that he has to take responsibility for his actions. Sir Gawain prepares for the journey and takes his favorite horse, Gringolet, with him. Gringolet is his picky horse, and for this special occasion, he is honored with many golden fringes everywhere, perhaps for Gawain to feel more angelic as he leaves his life behind By then Gringolet was backbone with saddleThat was gaily agleam with fine gilt fringe,New-furbished for the need with nail-heads brightThe bridle and the bars bedecked all with gold. (Norton, 597 - 600)His horse is his only companion on his wide way to the Green Chapel.