What?Is this the court of King Arthur? Are these the Knights of the Round Table?Where's your courage now, ay? Where's your honour?Is there no man here dares to join me in my Christmas game?You shall have your foolish game and you shall learn the folly of it!
I shall take you on!
Good. Good. That's more like it.
Get down from your horse, sir, and give me your axe.I shall give you the blow you have asked for.
About time. Here, take the axe and I shall get ready to take your blow.
Lord Arthur, please let me speak.
What is it, Gawain?
Please, let me take up this challenge.I have not yet had a chance to prove myself.I beg you to grant me this favour.
Noble Gawain, take the axe. Strike your blow boldly.
Sir Gawain, you must swear that in exactly one year and a dayyou will seek me out and allow me to return your blow.
I…give you my word.
Good. Come on then, let's see what you're made of.
Then the Green Knight knelt at Gawain's feet.He parted his long green hair to lay bare his neck.While Gawain gripped the axe firmly and raisedits shining blade high above his head.He summoned all his strength and then down came the shining bladestriking the Green Knight squarely on the neckwith all the force Gawain could muster.The head fell, cut from the shoulders and rolled on the floor.But, the Green Knight never faltered. Rising to his feet he picked up his headand, tucking it under his arm, swung himself up into the saddle.As he passed Gawain, the head turned and regarded him solemnly.
Remember your promise, Gawain!Meet me at the Green Chapel in one year and a day.
Then spurring his horse, the Green Knight galloped out of the hall.
Nearly a year passed and the time came for Gawainto leave Camelot in search of the Green Chapel.At dawn, Gawain's horse, Gringolet, was standingready for the knight to mount.Brandishing his shield, Sir Gawain drove his spurs into Gringolet's sideand the sparks flew from the horse's hooves as they struck the cobblestones of the castle yard.So Gawain set off on his great adventure.
2: The Green Knight's challenge
Gawain takes on the challenge and the Green Knight prepares to receive the blow.
Gawain strikes the Green Knight's head clean from his shoulders…but the Green Knight picks up his head and, as he leaves, reminds Gawain that he must receive the same blow in a year's time at the Green Chapel.
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.
1. At the court of King Arthur. video
Christmas is being celebrated at Camelot but the festivities are about to be interrupted...
3. At the castle of Sir Bercilak. video
After a long and dangerous journey Gawain finally arrives at a mysterious castle.
4. The exchange of gifts. video
Gawain is entertained by Lady Bercilak and accepts a green belt from her as a gift.
