The next day Bercilak left at dawn, while Gawain lay sleeping until nearly midday.He was awakened by a tiny noise.With one eye he saw the door open and the lady of the castle tip-toed towards his bed.Embarrassed, Gawain pretended to be asleep.The lady came closer, then sat on the end of the bed and watched him,waiting for him to wake.After a while, realising she had no intention of leaving,Gawain opened his eyes.
Oh, good morning, Sir Gawain.
Madam, good morning.
I have come to entertain you. I shall keep you in bed andyou must do whatever I say, as I hear you are known throughoutChristendom for your honour and courage and this is my only chanceto have such a famous knight to myself.
Madam, you are very kind.I am certainly not the hero you describe but, if there is any honourable wayI can serve you, I will be proud to do so.
Oh, most ladies I know would rather have love than brave deeds.
Madam, your husband, my host, I cannot betray his trust.
The lady looked away for a moment.Then she smiled and chatted on of this and thatuntil, at last, she got up to go.
I see there is no hope for me, so I shall leave you in peace.But before I go, let me have something to remember you by.You cannot refuse me so small a thing.
Alas, you deserve more than I can give you.I brought nothing with me except my horse and the clothes on my back.I have neither gold nor jewels.Truly, Madam, it saddens me that I have nothing worthy of you.
Then I shall give you something. Here take this.And slowly she untied from her waist a green silk belt and offered it to Gawain.Any man who wears this magic belt shall be kept safe from all harm.But if you take it you must promise me, do not tell my husband.
Gawain stared at the belt and at that moment it occurred to him that,if what she said were true, he could not be hurt by the knightof the Green Chapel.So he agreed to take it and as she put it into his handsshe kissed him and made him promise not to tell her husband about the belt.
Feed the dogs and stable the horses!
When Sir Bercilak returned from the hunt that evening,Gawain went to meet him in the hall of the castle where the great fireblazed in the hearth.
Welcome, Sir Bercilak! I hope you had a good day's hunting?Never known a day like it: in the saddle dawn to duskand hardly a thing to show for it. Whatever we've got,you're welcome to it and much good may it do you!
Thank you!
And, what about you, how have you fared today?Have you got anything to give me?
Gawain paused as if he wondered for a moment what he should say.But then he said:I too have fared poorly today. I have nothing for you but this…
And, putting his arms around Sir Bercilak he kissed him on the cheek.
What, nothing but a kiss!
Er, nothing.
Well, better luck tomorrow! Time to eat!Come on I haven't had a bite all day.
Then the whole company spent a roistering evening singing songsand telling stories and Gawain thanked his host for all his hospitality.They embraced in pledge of their friendship and, before parting for the night,Bercilak promised to send a servant to accompany Gerwain to the Green Chapel.
4: The exchange of gifts
Lady Bercilak comes to Gawain's chamber.
She offers him a green belt which she says will keep him safe and Gawain accepts it realising that it will protect him from the Green Knight. Lady Bercilak insists Gawain must keep the belt secret from her husband and when Sir Bercilak returns that evening Gawain says nothing about it.
Teacher Notes
This series can be used to increase pupils' familiarity with a broad range of texts and narratives, including myths, legends and traditional stories and to make connections between these and other stories they are familiar with.
It will also support a broad range of writing objectives.
This series is relevant for teaching English at KS2, in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, and at First and Second Level in Scotland.
3. At the castle of Sir Bercilak. video
After a long and dangerous journey Gawain finally arrives at a mysterious castle.
5. At the Green Chapel. video
Gawain arrives at the Green Chapel to fulfil his bargain with the Green Knight.
6. Gawain returns to Camelot. video
Gawain returns to Camelot to give a true account of his challenge to the court.
