Chivalry Depicted in 'The Green Knight'

Chivalry in, “Green Knight”

(An Understanding of Chivalry in, “The Green Knight”)

Many tales of knights and kings have been told through the years, and most have a certain value and theme to portray. The main theme that is discussed in the medieval poem, is chivalry. More importantly, how chivalry may be tested and even valued by others. Chivalry, is a combination of many ideals and values within the time period, such: as loyalty to the king; courage in the face of destiny; and strength of character. It also interprets many values that are seen as customary to the culture we live in today, like courtesy, respect, the keeping of the honor of women, and to fight for the welfare of the people. As depicted by Horatio Alger, in his essay for the Pictorial National Library, “The institution of chivalry forms one of the most remarkable features in the history of the Middle Ages.” The Middle Ages created many forms of idealistic values which are continually used still to this day. The first form of chivalry seen within the medieval poem, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” is when Gawain offers himself to take the place of king Arthur for the knight’s game. Secondly, Gawain shows chivalry when he fulfills his promises to the Green Knight. Lastly, chivalry is shown when

Also, Sir Gawain exemplified chivalry during his trek to the Green Chapel in search of the Green Knight, as he gave his word to do. Lastly, the way that Gawain changed his attitude at the Green Chapel, towards certain death, from frightfulness, to prideful anger showed that he understood his consequence. Overall, the ability to maintain the composure of Gawain, knowing he would most certainly die, is an immense showing of chivalry and