The next morning was overcast and cold: the wind whistled from the hillsand the snow fell in freezing drifts.Shivering in the grey dawn, Gawain dressed quickly,being careful to tie the silk belt about his waist.
He mounted Gringolet and clattered over the drawbridge followed by his guide.The two men rode in silence through the icy woods until the guide stopped suddenly.
Sir Gawain, we are almost at the Green Chapel, but I beg you not to go further.This is a wild and dangerous place and the Green Knight is a terrible man.Few men meet him and live to tell the tale. To continue on this path means certain death.
I am grateful for your warning, but I am no coward.There is no power on earth that will keep me from the Green Chapel.
So be it. Here is your helmet and your lance.Follow the narrow track between those rocks, you will come to the chapel.
Thank you.
Gawain spurred on Gringolet, riding right down into the ravine.But he saw no sign of any dwelling,only great jagged boulders rising up on either side.Then he caught sight of a grass-covered mound.
'Is this what I am looking for?' he thought, dismounting to examine it more closely.
It seemed deserted, an evil looking hummock with an opening at either end.As Gawain walked around it, he heard a whirring, rushing noise coming at him from all sides.
Who's there?
Gawain turned and there above him on a grassy mound stood the Green Knight,clasping in his arms an enormous axe.The great head of the axe he held to a grindstone and as the stone turned,the sharpening blade made a rushing, whirring din, which filled the air.He stopped his work and called out.
Stay where you are and stand to receive the blow which I promised you!Then slowly he came down towards Gawain, whirling around his head the great axe,its shining blade honed to a deadly edge.
Welcome, Gawain. I see you are a man of your word.This time a year ago you struck a blow at me. Remove your helmet.Now it is my turn to take aim at you.
Obediently Gawain took off his helmet and knelt before the Green Knight, his head bowed.Then, with all his strength, the Green Knight brought the axe whistling down.But, just in time Gawain shrank slightly to one side so the blade missed him by a hair.
What, are you afraid? I never flinched when I knelt before you;surely you are not such a coward?
I shall not move the next time. If my head falls to the ground, I shall not flinch.
Good. Now I shall put to the test the courage of King Arthur's famous knights.Now I shall see what kind of man you are.
Stop threatening me and strike your blow. You have my word, I shall not flinch.
Up went the axe again and then - down it flashed on the white skin of Gawain's neck!But, although it was a savage blow, it did no more than glace Gawain on the edge of the neck.Gawain jumped to his feet, snatching up his sword and shield.
Enough, our bargain is complete!
Gawain stood, sword raised at the ready for the Green Knight to wield the axe once again.But instead, the Green Knight dropped his terrible weapon to the ground,where it sank into the snow and he began to laugh.
Be calm! You are right, our bargain is complete.
You cannot touch me now.
No, I cannot touch you now and nor do I wish to. But Gawain, had I intendedI could have done you much greater harm. I have given you a nick,no more than a graze and that I gave you because of your dishonesty.
My dishonesty?
You wear a green belt around your waste, given to you by my wife.
Your wife? But I…
When you stayed at my castle you made me a promise to give me anythingyou received while you were there. But you broke your word.
Your castle? But that was…that was the castle of…Sir Bercilak. You are right, Gawain……to some I am the Green Knight, but know that I am also……Sir Bercilak! Ha, ha, ha!
5: At the Green Chapel
Gawain goes to the Green Chapel to receive the blow from the Green Knight.
However, Gawain receives merely a small nick on his neck - and the bargain is now complete. Then the Green Knight transforms into Sir Bercilak.
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.
4. The exchange of gifts. video
Gawain is entertained by Lady Bercilak and accepts a green belt from her as a gift.
6. Gawain returns to Camelot. video
Gawain returns to Camelot to give a true account of his challenge to the court.
