KS2 English: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - Episode 6

Gawain stood as though stunned and the blood rushed to his face.

I…I don't understand.

I'm not surprised. When I came to Camelot a year ago,I came to test the knights of King Arthur.Only you, Gawain, were brave enough to take up my challenge.And you were true to your word: you met me here one year later,just as you said you would.

And your wife?

She too was part of my plan. I sent her to see if you were in truth,a perfect knight.The green belt you wear, the belt she gave you,she told you it had the power to protect you, to see if you were to take it.

And, like a coward, I did.

And then you broke your word to me, when as Sir Bercilak, I asked you tolet me have anything you were given in my castle.It was for keeping the belt from me that I gave you that little cut on your neck.

I…I failed…shown myself a coward, not true,not worthy to be called a knight.

No, Gawain, go easy on yourself. You did wrongbut your error was not a great one and nor was the cut I gave you.You have confessed your guilt and now,you are as pure as if you had never been at fault.

I thank you, sir, that you have shown me my weakness.This belt. It belongs to your wife…

Keep it. Accept it as a gift. Wear it as a token of your trial.

I will take it, as a reminder of my frailty. Should I be tempted to be proud,one look at this will humble me again.And now, I have one last favour to ask you. That you tell me who you really are!

I have told you already, I am Sir Bercilak.But, I am in the power of a great magicianby whom I am transformed into the Green Knight.Come, no more of this, return with me to my castle and let us all be friends.

No. Thank you for your kindness and for all that you have taught me.But I have a long journey back to Camelot and there is so much I must tell.As you wish. Gawain, farewell!

Farewell.

So saying, the two men parted and Gawain began his journey home to Camelot.For days he rode, the green belt tied across his waist for all to see.Until, at last, the great battlements of Camelot appeared once again.Arthur and Guinevere and all their court welcomed him joyfully,eager to hear the full account of his adventure.Gawain left out nothing and when he was finished,Arthur praised him and decreed that every knightpresent should wear a green silk belt as a badge ofthe highest honour and purity of heart.