Gawain
Gawain is a prominent figure in Arthurian mythology, celebrated as a knight of King Arthur's Round Table and often depicted as compassionate and chivalrous. As the son of Arthur's half-sister Morgause, Gawain is not only the king's nephew but also a potential heir to Camelot. He is renowned for his title, the "Maidens' Knight," reflecting his fierce defense of women and support for the poor, distinguishing him from other knights who are typically linked to specific romantic interests. Gawain's character varies across literary adaptations, with some interpretations portraying him as untrustworthy, while most highlight his gallantry and compassion.
One of his most famous tales is "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," where he accepts a challenge from a mysterious figure, leading to a series of tests that challenge his honor and courage. Throughout his journey, Gawain learns about the complexities of virtue and human fallibility, particularly through his encounters with Lord Bertilak and Lady Bertilak, culminating in a moment of personal reflection when he returns home. Gawain’s character emphasizes themes of loyalty, honor, and the human experience, making him a relatable and evolving figure within the rich tapestry of Arthurian legend.
Gawain
Culture: Arthurian
Mother: Morgause
Father: King Lot of Orkney
Siblings: Mordred; Agravain; Gaheris; Gareth
Children: Florence; Lovell; Gingalain
Gawain was a central character in Arthurian mythology and a member of King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table. Often portrayed as compassionate and chivalrous, Gawain occupies an important space at the Round Table because he is the son of King Arthur’s half-sister, Morgause. As King Arthur’s nephew, Gawain is the king’s closest male relative and therefore shares a close bond with the king. In some Arthurian legends, Gawain is even considered to be the heir to Camelot. Gawain is often referred to as the Maidens’ Knight, a title bestowed upon him for his fierce defense of women, and for this reason, unlike other characters in Arthurian legend, Gawain is not associated with any one woman. In addition to his defense of women, Gawain is also a defender of the poor. Furthermore, he is a loyal companion to his king as well as to fellow Round Table member Sir Lancelot.
Gawain appears in most of the major Arthurian myths and also in many adaptations in English, French, Celtic, and Italian literature. The many stories about Gawain paint very different pictures of his character and personality. In French literature, for example, Gawain is often portrayed as an untrustworthy womanizer. However, in most tales, Gawain is distinguished for his compassion and gallantry—traits unparalleled by any other knight of the Round Table.
In Mythology
One of Gawain’s most well-known appearances in Arthurian legend is in the medieval romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. This work was written in Middle English during the late fourteenth century by an unknown writer who is sometimes referred to as the Pearl Poet. The original manuscript of the story also contains three companion poems: "Pearl," "Purity," and "Patience."
According to the story in this romance, an unknown visitor arrived unexpectedly one New Year’s Eve during a feast at King Arthur’s court. No one recognized this figure, and he was referred to only as the Green Knight. The stranger had come to the court to propose a challenge: If any of the brave knights in King Arthur’s Court chose to accept his dare, the challenger could strike him with his own axe. However, any knight who dared to accept this challenge must swear to find the Green Knight at the Green Chapel in one year. At that time, the Round Table knight would then allow the stranger to strike him with the axe in return. When no one proved willing to accept this dare, King Arthur reluctantly stepped forward to take the Green Knight’s axe, but Arthur was stopped just in time by the chivalrous Gawain. In one blow, Gawain cut off the Green Knight’s head, but his body rose from the ground and grabbed his own head, which then reminded Gawain to find him in one year. Then the beheaded Green Knight departed Camelot.
As the intervening year neared its end, Gawain set out on his journey to find the Green Knight, traveling for a long time and battling beasts and the elements. On Christmas, desperate for shelter and food, Gawain was welcomed into the castle of Lord Bertilak. During Gawain’s stay as a guest at the castle, Bertilak proposed that he and Gawain play a game, and the knight said yes. The game’s rules were simple: Bertilak would go on a hunt each day and give his winnings to Gawain as long as Gawain gave Bertilak whatever he acquired at the castle that day. On the first day, Lady Bertilak tried to seduce the knight by ambushing Gawain in his chambers. Gawain rejected her advances, but she still managed to give him one kiss before leaving. Upon Bertilak’s return, he presented Gawain with a deer, and Gawain gave the lord one kiss. On the second day, Lady Bertilak gave Gawain two kisses, so upon Lord Bertilak’s return, Gawain gave the lord two kisses in exchange for a boar. On the third day, Lady Bertilak gave Gawain three kisses and in addition offered him her green girdle; according to the lady, this girdle possessed magical powers that would protect its wearer from death. Gawain accepted the gift, but when Lord Bertilak arrived and gave the knight a fox, Gawain gave the lord only three kisses, keeping the girdle for himself.
On New Year’s Day, Gawain left the castle and journeyed to the Green Chapel to honor the terms of his deal with the Green Knight. When he arrived, Gawain offered his neck to the Green Knight, who proceeded to fake two blows. On his third try, he cut Gawain’s neck, drawing blood, and Gawain declared the game over. However, the Green Knight began to laugh. He revealed to Gawain that he was really Lord Bertilak and that he had been transformed by an old woman at his castle. He was aware that Gawain did not give him the girdle on the third day, and in return, on his third blow, he drew blood with his axe.
Guilty for being dishonest—an action that violated the chivalrous code of conduct—Gawain vowed to wear the girdle on his arm as a constant reminder of his deceit. Upon his return to Camelot, his fellow knights also wore girdles in solidarity with Gawain.
Origins and Cults
Depending on the language of the legend in which he appears, Gawain is known by different names. Sometimes, he was known as Gwalchmei (the name that shows up in many of the earliest tales), and sometimes as Gualguanus. Gwalchmei is derived from the name Gwalchmai ap Gwyer, a hero in Welsh mythology whose character closely resembles that of Gawain. The character Gawain was first popularized in Historia Regum Britanniae, or History of the Kings of Britain, which was written by Geoffrey of Monmouth. In this book, which was translated into many different languages, Gawain is referred to as Gualguanus and is distinguished for his prowess in combat and his fidelity to his uncle, King Arthur. Unlike some of the other well-known Knights of the Round Table, such as Lancelot and Tristan, Gawain’s choices and qualities are notably human and not the result of prophecy. Gawain fails and triumphs on his own, often learning lessons through his tribulations, and he uses this experience to improve himself.
Bibliography
Brown, Peter. "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." A Companion to Medieval English Literature and Culture, c.1350–c.1500. Oxford: Blackwell, 2007. 619-633. Print.
Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Arthurian legend." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encycloaedia Britannica Online. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 6 Dec. 2015. <http://www.britannica.com/topic/Arthurian-legend>.
Harper, Ryan. "Gawain." The Camelot Project: A Robbins Library Digital Project. U of Rochester Library, 2015. Web. 6 Dec. 2015. <http://d.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/theme/gawain>.
Lacy, Norris J. The New Arthurian Encyclopedia. New York: Garland, 1991. Print.
Lupack, Alan. "Gawain." The Oxford Guide to Arthurian Literature and Legend. New York: Oxford UP, 2005. 291-313. Print.
Malory, Sir Thomas, Lord Alfred Tennyson, Maude Radford Warren, Sir James Knowles, and Mark Twain. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight & Five "King Arthur" Bonus Works: Le Morte D'Arthur, Idylls of the King, King Arthur and His Knights, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and A Connecticut Yankee in King. Seattle: Amazon Digital Services, 2015. Electronic.