The Birth of Romance: An Anthology

SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT is one of the most important alliterative poems of Medieval literature.From the north-west midlandsit dates from the second half of the 14th century.Gawaina knight in Arthur's courttakes up the challenge of the Green Knightand cuts off his head.The Knight informs Gawain he will have his revenge.Journeying to the Knight's abode to receive his lot Gawain takes thehospitality of a Lordand endures the advances of his wife.The Lord is the GreenKnight andwhen the time comesmerely nicks Gawain's neck for his infidelity and dishonour.Is Gawain a failureor a hero?>