Sir Gawain The Ideal Knight Essay - 1158 Words

Sir Gawain: The Ideal Knight Throughout the Arthurian legends, Sir Gawain seems to be the epitome of a noble knight. He is always putting his king before himself, repeatedly sacrificing his own life in some way for King Arthur. He is an honorable knight that lives up to his word. This is evident in both Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnell. In these stories, Gawain lives up to the expectations of a knight belonging to the legendary Round Table. In The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnell, King Arthur is accused of unrightfully giving away Gromer Somer Joures lands to Sir Gawain. Gromer Somer Joure asks Arthur a question, which Arthur must†¦show more content†¦Therfor shalle I not let. To save your life, lorde, it were my parte, Or were I false and a great coward; (Ragnell 342-352) Gawain is willing to put his welfare on the line to save his king and friend. He says that he would be a coward and without honor if he lets King Arthur die knowing that all he must do to save him is to marry a woman, although she is quite disgusting. Gawain shows his nobleness once again when Dame Ragnell tells him that she can make herself either beautiful at night or during the day, but he can only choose one of the two. He tells her, The choise I put in your fist. Evin as ye wolle, I put it in your hand, lose me when ye list, for I am bond. (Ragnell 678-680) He shows that he is not concerned with her appearance; it is up to her to decide when she would like to look beautiful. In Sir Gawain and The Green Knight, Gawain exemplifies all the traits of a noble knight. When King Arthur accepts the Green Knights challenge, Gawain steps in. He cannot allow the King to put his life on the line. Gawain says to King Arthur: I find it not fit, as in faith it is known, When such a boon is begged before all these knights, Though you be tempted thereto, to take it on yourself While so bold men about upon benches sit, That no host under heaven is hardier of will, Nor better brothers-in-arms where battleShow MoreRelatedChristian Symbolism and Chivalric Ideals in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight1472 Words   |  6 Pagesfirst Reading Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, I noticed that it comes off as a romantic normative poem about chivalric ideals and traditions of the ruling class with covertly Christian Images. The protagonist character Sir Gawain stands out as the role model of the chivalric ideals of the 14th century while displaying Christian images on his armor. The combination of Gawain’s armor and actions throughout the poem exemplify his characteristics of Christian perfection and chivalric ideals. 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