Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - Part 1 & 2

I really like parts 1 & 2 of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Well, except those 4 lines that comes in every paragraph. I was sooo confused. Anyways, this poem goes back when the Greeks destroyed Troy. In Part 1, it was New Years; there were a lot of festivities going on. People having fun, laughing, and having the time of their lives. There were even those that were just drunks. This also goes back in the Renaissance Period. So the Green Knight, who rode on horse, strolled in like he was the best there was, asked for the captain out of the group. He wanted someone to hit him with his axe. The exchange would be that someone would strike him back. As soon as he asked that, there was nothing but silence. There were probably even crickets chirping. The one thing I didn't quite catch was lines 246-249. I think it meant that some were scared to even say a word and let the person who's courageous even to speak out. Instead, King Arthur had some dignity and talked to him himself. I was shocked when the Green Knight called out the knights for a challenge. I just wanted to know why none of them had the guts to face him. It's not like he wanted to kill them or anything. Is it because they didn't want to get embarrassed, or they didn't want to lose their reputation as a knight? If so, a knight should've had the courage to stand up and face a challenge, but it's not like they had a choice in the matter. So they're sitting on the benches with their strengths nothing compared to the Green Knight. Here's the thing: here in the 21st century, when we get called out for a fight or "challenge," we can either accept it or leave and call it a day. Back then, it wasn't like that. Whoever was called out, have to accept it no matter the circumstances. Now here's what's terrifying me: Sir Gawain cut the Green Knight's head off and I guess he thought that he knew he was going to die just like that. I was fooled that he was going to die in an instant. The knight picked his own head off and told Gawain to meet him at the Green Chapel so that he came receive the same blow that he gave the Green Knight. In Part 2, Sir Gawain was all armored and shielded up and even wore a pentangle (a five - pointed star). I felt that just because he wore that, he feels that he accomplished something. So while on his trip, he found himself at some sort of castle where he was greeted by a host. Lord Bertilak & his wife were there as well. But there were some exchanges involved between them and he accepted it. But didn't Gawain accept a previous request? I liked where the wife tried to seduce Gawain and he kind of backed away, well except for the three kisses. But he did keep the girdle. I guess he needed it against the Green Knight or something like that. When he left to find him, he saw him fixing his axe like he was ready to fight. But Gawain, clueless as ever, bends over to get the blow that was agreed upon, but turns out he found out that it was a game the whole entire time. At that point, he was feeling shame and had to wear the girdle. I would've felt shame too if I would've been in his position.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Part 3 and 4

In "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" it is perhaps the wife's green girdle that leads to his sins. "For the man that possesses this piece of silk/If he bore it on his body, belted about/ There is no hand under heaven that could hew him down/ For he could not be killed by any craft on Earth" (199-200 lines 1851-1854). Gawain decided to take the wife's girdle in order to save his life against the Green Knight; however, he lied to the host, Bertilak, and dishonored his loyalty. (one of his five virtues) I wonder why a girdle? Is it because a girdle is a sexual item in which the wife is trying to get Gawain to commit? Or the fact that it is made "of gay green silk" (199 line 1832). I think right then green signifies the Green Knight. I find this game very interesting simply for the fact that Bertilak is hunting animals, while his wife is "hunting" Gawain.

I also want to say that the way this tale ends is amazing for the fact that I had suspected the host to be The Green Knight,but it was confirmed. The Green Knight barely cut Gawain and spared his life. I wonder why? So everyone would know that the great Sir Gawain, knight of the round table, lied and lived the rest of his life with a girdle on his wrist? I find this very interesting that Morgan La Faye, the old lady, is behind this whole tale in order to do anything she can to ruin the lives of King Arthur and his wife.

Grendel

Here is a picture that I found online of Grendel. Although it seems a little exaggerated, this picture expresses how powerful Grendel was and why he was feared by many.

Beowlf-intro

Beowulf was truly an intelligent, powerful and resourceful man. He approached the Danes in a most impressive ship, built for a warlord, it had every kind of armor and weapon you can think of. One thing about this time era that I don't like, is how complicated the speech is.In my opinion this story could be cut in half if it was fully converted into modern day English. I don't know if it's just me or not but I've spent a lot of time just trying to figure out what the hell their trying to say. But enough about that, I think that the overall story and plot was great. There are three antagonist in the story of Beowulf; Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. Grendel is a monster that kills who ever it can get its claws around. Although this monster fears Beowulf, it is more of less invincible to the Danes, but perhaps Grendel is just misunderstood, like we discussed in class, Grendel is just trying to get sleep but all he hears at night is the sound of music and laughter coming from the kingdom. I can't really blame him for being angry at the Danes but he deffinitly takes it to far when he pretty much slaughters a bunch of them setting of a chain of events that eventualy leads to his downfall by the hands of Beowulf.

*Finishing Up Beowulf*

Ok...so when Beowulf heard of the news about Grendel, he knew that he couldn't let it go. He explained to King Hrothgar of his adventures with his previous enemies (which I thought was bragging). He also explained that he's a match to Grendel. To me, I was thinking that he was saying that he's equal to him in strength, power, etc. At first, I thought he didn't know what he was getting himself into because he never saw him before. As the story go on, he told the king that if Grendel wins, then he will come in the war-hall without any hesitation, and take him away and do whatever he likes. So the king accepted his request to fight by his side which of course was a feast to welcome him. I mean who wouldn't want to hold a party...lol. So everybody was having a good time; people talking and laughing, etc. The king wished Beowulf good luck and hope for the best.
~Fighting Grendel~
Now in reality, when the guards are supposed to be on actual "guard," they are not supposed to be slacking off by any means necessary. But in this situation, these guards were slacking off, which was totally funny. It led Grendel to dart off because it was his chance. You know whose fault this was...the guards for not paying attention!!! So after the fight began, Beowulf and the gang began to fight the big bad wolf and one thing they noticed was the sharp pain on Grendel's shoulder and arm. The pain came from that awesome wound Beowulf inflicted upon him. So Grendel died from the sword being forced into the demon's scales which totally heroic!! U know if there's a victory, there’s a celebration (Hercules did it).
~Fighting Grendel's Mother~
Grendel's mother got agitated because her son died (like we care); so to start off to avenge his death, she had the nerve to take the trophy, which was her son's bloodied hand. When Beowulf found out, he and his group went out to the battlefield. During the fighting, Beowulf glanced at a certain sword that was attached in her armory that could be quite useful to him only. So he took the sword (as in stealing the sword), and struck her in the neck-bone which indeed caused her severe damage. He also cut her freaking' head off in the process which was NASTY!!! And yes there was a celebration!!!
~The Awakening Dragon~ (MUAHAHAHA!!!)
When I read that someone had awakened the dragon from its deep sleep, I was like....WHY!!! After the dragon awaken, it got out of control. The dragon burned down everything that meant to Beowulf. When Beowulf knew, it made him turned into the incredible hulk. So during the fight, the dragon struck him in his neck. After that happened, the king and others came to his aid and help him kill the dragon. Even though that was good part, the bad part was that Beowulf was poisoned. He died from that effect and there was a respectable funeral for the courageous hero.

Sir Gawain Part 1 &2

So I finished reading the first 2 parts of the story. It is different from our readings in Beowulf but in a sense they have some of the same aspects. What I gather the author is still unknown in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It has the religious background and interprets religion throughout the plot thus far. It has this mysterious mythical side. I still am trying to figure the Green Knight out. No one knows who he is but yet he comes into King Arthur's court and he is asking for a fight. I find Sir Gawain a very courageous man to step forward willing to fight this Green Knight so that his uncle; King Arthur does not have to. The Green Knight and Sir Gawain are two extremely different characters The Green Knight is huge and stout compared to Sir Gawain with his boyish features. Who and What is this Green Knight who is so strong and does not die. he is like a supernatural being. Lines 415-443 Sir Gawain raises the ax and strikes at the Green Knight. Then there he stands headless. I find it funny how he then just picks up his head places it in his hand and still carries on a conversation. Then in lines 451 "To the Green Chapel come, I charge you, to take Such a dint as you have dealt; you have well deserved That your neck should have a knock on New Year's morn." Here the Green Knight is challenging Sir Gawain to a battle. Is the Green Knight meant to be a mean creature or just looking for someone to fight him? I am anxious to see if he the Green Knight can be killed and will Sir Gawain be the one to do this. Why is the Green Knight wanting a fight in the first place at the Green Chapel? I will have to read on to find out. When Sir Gawain speaks of the seasons; does that mean an entire year has past before he goes off to find the Green Knight? had Sir Gawain been training to fight the Green Knight up until he left??
I like imagining how Sir Gawain looks after he has placed on his gear and now takes on the look of a Knight! His boyish features covered.
Religious views are throughout the story as well. During the Christmas season Sir Gawain speaks of Mary and prays that God will protect him in his voyage. then "five joys" are mentioned which are annunciation, nativity, resurrection, ascension, and assumption.
Also I noticed within the 14-15 century story's that women are more betrayed and spoken of. line 52 "And the loveliest ladies that lived on earth ever" then also women are spoken off in lines 941-970
I'm looking forward to the rest of the reading. Can't wait to see what happens next

The end of Beowulf

What a fascinating story. upbove is a drawing of Beowulf. I wasn't for sure if Beowulf was going to die or be alive by the end. What a tragic and heroic story. I felt sorry for Beowulf; that he went his entire life without loving or having a family. but then the betrayal of his character was meant to be the hero. The one that fights for his people and would die to save them.

The Dragon: In a way I cant blame the dragon for being highly upset and ready to burn and kill everything in its path to get revenge from the thief stealing from his treasures. (Lines 2287-2293)"When the dragon awoke, trouble flared again. He rippled down the rock, writhing with anger when he saw the footprints of the prowler who had stolen too close to his dreaming head. so may a man not marked by fate easily escape exile and woe by the grace of God." When Beowulf heres of the news he is ready for battle to fight the dragon until the dragon or he is dead. Even though Beowulf is no longer young his strength and courage is still there and ready for the battle. I know he is fighting for his people but I can also see that he is fighting for his own self pride as well. pg 100 the last lines (3180-3182) state "They said that of all the kings upon earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame." Beowulf's entire life was spent fighting and helping his people. At his death he wanted to see the treasures for himself; maybe a sense of accomplishment that he knew he had fought till death and now it was time for God to take him away. I believe that he was proud and the he felt he lived a full and well life. Again this was an awesome story of a true hero. even though it ended with Beowulf's death I still would have like to see more writing on what happened to his people.