"Now take care, Sir Gawain, that thou..."See in text(Fytte the First)
Notice how the perspective changes in this clause. The narrator speaks directly to Sir Gawain by saying "Now [you] take care"; this shift in address pulls readers directly into the same position as Gawain, which creates a contrast with the jovial Christmas scene. Gawain and the readers know that there are many dangerous trials to come.
The expression “By Gog” in the original poem is written “bigog” and means “By God.” The Green Knight uses the expression here as a means of expressing his pleasure that Gawain has taken up his challenge.
The phrase refers to Queen Guinevere, the lady to whom Gawain owes his “liege” or allegiance and service. Guinevere sits on the dais with Arthur, Gawain, and others.
"I beseech now with all courtesy that this affair might be mine...."See in text(Fytte the First)
“Beseech” means to beg; “courtesy” as it is used here means respect. Gawain is essentially asking, as politely as he can, that Arthur allow him to accept the Green Knight's challenge.
"Now is the revel and the renown of the Round Table overcome by the word of a single man; for all tremble for dread without a blow shown...."See in text(Fytte the First)
Since no one has yet answered his challenge, the Green Knight insults the courage and the honor of King Arthur and his knights.
"Therefore for phantom and faery the folk there deemed it;..."See in text(Fytte the First)
Those assembled in Arthur’s court think that the Green Knight is some supernatural being, as if he were an otherworldly creature such as a phantom or a faery.
"He had neither helm nor hauberk, nor gorget, armour nor breastplate, nor shaft nor shield to guard or to smite..."See in text(Fytte the First)
“Helm” refers to a helmet. A “hauberk” is a piece of armor covering the neck and shoulders; a “gorget” is a piece of armor covering the throat. In context, “armour,” a variant spelling of “armor,” is a full-length coat of armor that covers the body, whereas while a breastplate specifically covers the chest. “Shaft” refers to the lance a knight would carry into battle, and to “smite” means to strike with a strong blow. Without a lance or a shield, the Green Knight is not prepared to strike his enemies or protect himself from their blows. The passage establishes that the Green Knight has not come to Arthur’s court to fight.
"Bishop Baldwin at the top begins the table, and Ywain, Urien’s son, ate by himself...."See in text(Fytte the First)
Bishop Baldwin, Arthur’s priest, appears in several tales; in some accounts, he is a bishop in the church and a knight of the Round Table. In various tales, the knight Ywain is the son of King Urien of Gorre, a 6th-century Celtic king, and Morgan le Fay, a sorceress.
"The good Gawain was placed there beside Guinevere, and Agravain of the Hard Hand sat on the other side, both of them the king’s sister’s sons and full sure knights...."See in text(Fytte the First)
Guinevere is the queen; Gawain and Agravain, Arthur’s nephews, are sons of Arthur’s half-sister, Morgause, and knights of Arthur's court.
"the best man ever above, as it best behoved..."See in text(Fytte the First)
“The best man” refers to Arthur, who sits “ever above,” meaning that he always sits on the dais, a raised platform. “Behoved” is a variant spelling of “behooved”; the phrase “as it best behoved” means that it was most fitting and appropriate for Arthur to sit on the dais above others in the hall.
"rehearsed the covenants..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“Rehearsed” as it is used here means that the lord and Gawain reviewed the agreements between them so that there would be no doubt as to what would be expected of each.
"to glad Sir Gawain with games in the hall that night. When it came time the king commanded lights; Sir Gawain took his leave and went to his bed...."See in text(Fytte the Second)
In context, “to glad Sir Gawain” means to entertain him so that he will enjoy himself. The phrase “the king commanded lights” indicates that the lord, here referred to as “the king,” called for torches to light the way for those assembled to go to their beds.
"The kerchiefs of the one broidered with many clear pearls..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“Broidered” means “embroidered,” indicating that the kerchiefs were decorated with thread sewn in patterns on the face of the fabric; in this case, the embroidery secured pearls to the fabric, making it especially beautiful.
"The Lord turns thither..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“Thither” means to go toward a place. Going toward the chapel, the lady of the castle, presumably the lord’s wife, goes into her room, while Gawain and the lord proceed to the chapel.
"I think that those who hear him will learn how to make love...."See in text(Fytte the Second)
The passage refers to courtly love, a conception of love in medieval literature based on nobility and chivalry. A knight demonstrated courtly love for a married noblewoman by performing deeds in her service. Typically, courtly love was not consummated, as it existed on a higher plane as an ennobling passion.
"they questioned and inquired sparingly in skilful queries..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
The lord’s knights ask Gawain questions, but do so “sparingly,” meaning with restraint; their “queries” or questions are “skilful” [skillful], suggesting that they are apt and tactful.
"—double fold as was proper—with pottages..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
Gawain’s being served “double fold” suggests that he was given large portions of food. “Pottages” refers to thick soups or stews made with vegetables and grains.
"and then his cheer mended...."See in text(Fytte the Second)
Before being taken in at the castle, Gawain had suffered from the cold and had often felt lonely and discouraged during his journey. Now that he is warm and well-tended by the lord, his good spirits return.
"a bright bower where the bedding was curtains of pure silk with clear gold hems, and covertures right curious with comely borders, adorned above with bright fur...."See in text(Fytte the Second)
In context, a “bower” is a private bedroom in the castle. The passage describes the bed,
which is enclosed with silk curtains that hang from a canopy or frame above it. “Covertures” are coverings, referring to the covers on the bed.
"Firm-gaited was he on his stalwart limbs..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“Gait” refers to a manner of walking or moving on foot; “stalwart” means possessing great strength, and “limbs” refers to a person’s legs. The description of the lord indicates that he had not been physically diminished by old age.
"All hasped in his high weeds, they led him to the hall, where a fair fire burned fiercely upon the hearth...."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“High weeds” refers to Gawain’s fine clothing. The knights’ being “hasped in his high weeds” indicates that they laid hands on Gawain in friendship and affection as they escorted him to the hall.
"I pray my pater and ave and creed..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“I pray my pater and ave and creed” refers to prayers Gawain says as he rides. “Pater” is Latin for father; “my pater” refers to the Lord’s prayer that begins, “Our father who art in heaven.” “Ave,” which means “hail” in Latin, refers to the Ave Maria prayer, which begins, “Hail Mary, full of grace.” “Creed” refers to the Apostles Creed, a statement of Christian faith that begins, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty.”
"At that tide to Mary he made his moan..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
In context, “tide” refers to an anniversary or festival that is observed in Christianity, in this case Christmas. The phrase “to Mary he made his moan” means that Gawain prayed to the Virgin Mary.
"The circlet that surrounded his crown..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
As “crown” is used here, it refers to the top of Gawain’s head, and the “circlet” is a coronet or a decorated circular band of metal he wears on his head.
"he heard his mass..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
In the Catholic church, a Mass is a solemn religious rite with a priest leading congregants in prayer and communion with God. Before Gawain departs, a Mass is held for him with prayers for his safe return.
"a sure brand girt about his side by a silken sash..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
In Old English, “brand” is a poetic name for a sword; Gawain’s sword is “sure,” suggesting that it is strong and reliable; it is “girt” or tied by his side with a sash made of silk, in keeping with Gawain’s high position in Arthur’s court and the splendid nature of his attire as he sets out on his quest for the Green Knight.
"And so this Yule went by, and the year after it..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
The reference to the passing of time continues the chronology of the story; when accepting the Green Knight’s challenge, Gawain had promised to find him one year later and receive a blow at his hands.
"Although there was little news when they went to their seats, now they are provided with stern work,..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
As “stern” is used here, it means putting someone under extreme pressure. After the Green Knight’s sudden appearance at Arthur’s feast, Arthur and his knights could not ignore his subsequent insults; the Green Knight’s challenge to their courage and reputation had to be accepted.
"foul fox-fell; the fiend have the good ones!..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
In context, “foul” means offensive and disgusting, especially in regard to smell. “Fox-fell” refers to the pelt or coat cut off the fox. The passage, “the fiend have the good one,” is a jest, with “fiend” referring to the devil.
"Then he shrives him cleanly and shows his misdeeds, both the more and the less, beseeches mercy, and begs for absolution...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
The passage relates to the sacrament of confession in the Catholic church through which sinners are reconciled with God by confessing their sins to a priest and receiving absolution or forgiveness. In context, “shrives” means that Gawain presents himself to the priest for confession.
"and besought him for her sake never to discover it, but to conceal it loyally from her lord. The man agreed that never person should know it indeed but they twain...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
Despite his efforts to avoid dishonorable conduct unbefitting a knight, Gawain has placed himself in an impossible situation. He cannot keep both his vow to the lady and the covenant he made with her lord.
"it behooved him either to accept her love or rudely refuse it..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
As a knight, Gawain is bound by courtesy and courtly love to serve the lady and grant her wishes; however, were he to “accept her love” and have a sexual relationship with her, doing so would violate his vows to the church and his vow of loyalty to the lord of the castle, the lady’s husband.
"and great was the peril between them, unless Mary thought of her knight...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
The “peril” or danger between Gawain and the lady is that they are close to having a forbidden sexual encounter; “unless Mary thought of her knight” refers to the Virgin Mary’s interceding to give Gawain strength to resist the temptation.
"her breast bare before and behind too..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
The passage suggests that the area of her chest and back immediately below her neck is uncovered, implying that beneath her mantle, she wears a revealing, low-cut gown.
"and oft he reeled in again, so wily was Reynard...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
The fox cleverly zigzagged through the terrain making it harder to catch him. “Wily” means skilled at gaining an advantage, especially by being devious.
"for I have tried thee twice, and faithful I find thee; now ‘third time, best time...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
In the context of the passage, “third time, best time” could be interpreted to mean that testing Gawain’s character a third time would establish without a doubt that he is an honorable knight who keeps his word.
"But he would not on account of his breeding reprove her, but responded in all courtesy, howsoever outrageous she might be...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
The lady continues her attempts to seduce Gawain, but as a matter of honor, he continues to resist her advances.
"the tale of the girth37 and the length of the wild swine..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
In the context of the passage, which describes the size of the boar, “girth” seems to refer to the width or bulk of the swine, as opposed to the length of his body.
The lord of the castle is referred to here as “the knight.” In other places in the text, he is referred to as “the hero.” Gawain is alternately referred to as “the knight” and “the hero,” as well.
In context, “manifold” means so-called for many good reasons. In relation to the beginning of the sentence, Gawain is saying that for him to try to explain “true love” would rightfully be called “folly,” a foolish act, for many reasons.
"Full oft he bides at bay, and maims the pack in the mêlée...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
When confronted with the baying hunting hounds, the boar “bides,” meaning that he stays or remains in place; he chooses to fight the hounds, rather than retreat. “Maims” refers to wounding or injuring so severely as to cause permanent damage; “mêlée” is the French translation of “melee,” meaning a confused, disordered fight.
"by two such worthy dames, the other and the younger...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
The passage refers to the lord’s beautiful lady, “the younger,” who visited Gawain in his bedchamber, and to her older, unattractive companion and escort, “the other,” who was with the lady when Gawain first met her.
The reference to the Virgin Mary serves as an interjection, a word or phrase that introduces or suddenly interrupts a sentence for emphasis or expression of a spontaneous feeling or reaction. Numerous interjections referring to religious figures are found in the text.
"By God, I should be glad—if it seemed good to you—to do what I might in speech or in service to enhance your worship;6—it were a pure joy.”..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
The passage reflects the ideal of courtly love in medieval romantic literature.
"shot and alighted full oft..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
In context, “alighted” means dismounted from a horse; “full oft” means very often. The lord’s hunting was very successful; often after shooting an arrow, he got off his horse to claim the deer he had killed.
"pestered at the heights, and worried at the waters..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
In context, “pestered” means besieged and tormented, and “worried” means chased and frightened. The phrase indicates that the deer could not escape the hunters, who pursued them on the high ground and by the streams in the valley.
"and he shrank for shame when the warrior talked. This was the first word that the man spoke—..."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
The passage is a bit difficult to follow since the text does not identify Gawain and the lord by name. To clarify, Gawain feels shame when the lord speaks, and after listening to him, Gawain, “the man,” speaks.
"At the third time thou didst fail; and so take thee that tap...."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
This passage and the summary preceding it reveal the surprising identity of the Green Knight: he is the lord of the castle where Gawain had found refuge. The lord explains why he had pretended to strike Gawain the first two times and had given him a “tap” the third time.
"I release thee of the remnant, of all other rights...."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
A “remnant” is the remainder of something. The Green Knight acknowledges that Gawain has upheld his part of the covenant between them and that the Green Knight has no further rights regarding him.
"knits both brow and lip..."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
The phrase describes the expression on the Green Knight’s face. To “knit one’s brow” refers to drawing the eyebrows together in concentrated thought; it also suggests frowning, which is supported by the reference to his lip. The look on the Green Knight’s face indicates intensity and concentration.
"He set the steel shaft to the stone and stalked beside it...."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
The passage means that the Green Knight lowered the axe and placed its head against the stony ground, as if it were a walking stick. As “stalked” is used here, it means walked in an angry manner, striding toward his intended destination.
"no less, by that lace that gleamed full bright...."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
The phrase, which refers to the lady’s sash worn about Gawain’s waist, suggests that the length of the Green Knight’s axe is visible in the light reflected by the gems in the sash.
“Well it beseems” means it is very fitting or suitable. If the sentence were written in modern English, it would read, “It is very fitting for the man dressed in green to worship here in the devil’s way.”
"At that the man turned his bridle in the wood, hit the horse with his heels as hard as he could; leaped over the land, and left the knight there all alone.
..."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
The servant’s refusal to go any farther with Gawain heightens the suspense as Gawain grows closer to meeting the Green Knight.
"if it pleases thee to lose thy life, I shall not let nor hinder thee...."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
In context, “let” means to give opportunity to. The servant is saying that he will not help Gawain in losing his life, nor will he obstruct Gawain in doing it.
"but to save himself when it behoved him to suffer, to await his doom without resistance, with no brand or knife to defend him...."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
The passage clarifies why Gawain wears the lady’s sash when he prepares to meet the Green Knight: to save himself from cowardice in keeping his part of the covenant and to give him courage as he faces his death.
