Gawains Vow Essay - 1306 Words

In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by J.R.R. Tolkien, Gawain, a knight of the round table, expresses love and respect to aid his journey. These forms of love, from the beginning to the end, play key roles in demonstrating and maintaining the dignity of his knighthood. The manifestation of Gawain’s love forms a number of relationships over the course of the poem. Accordingly, these relationships test his true vow of chivalry and sustain his credibility as a true knight of the round table. Sir Gawain had a very deep devotion to his faith. There is proof that he loves his Lord and his spiritual mother, Mary, in his words and on his shield. â€Å"They brought him his blazon that was of brilliant gules with the pentangle depicted in a pure†¦show more content†¦As the Green Knight barges in the court of the round table, no one stands up to his challenge. Initially, King Arthur is the only person brave enough to take on this challenge, until Gawain raises himself up. Gawain, who [was] the weakest ... [and] ... in wit feeblest, urged to protect his king, Arthur (Tolkien 36). Gawain demonstrates the love and respect that he has for Arthur when he asks permission to take on the challenge. Would you, my worthy lord...bid me abandon this bench and stand by you there, so that I without discourtesy might be excused from the table...?† (Tolkien 36). Sir Gawain also admits that Arthur is a near relative, Only because you are my uncle is honour given me...(36). At this moment in the story Gawain is willing to protect his Kings life. Gawain is tested of his knightly vow as it says, â€Å"Knightly conduct was that of a commander †¦ loyal even to death† (Stroud 327). Gawain was ready to risk his life for his king. King Arthur is not the only kingly figure that Gawain respects, though. After Gawain sets out on his journey he swiftly encounters a castle. He speaks to a porter, who leads Gawain to the lord of the giant castle. The lo rd is more than happy to welcome Gawain as he says, of all men on middle-earth [Gawain] was most admired...God has given us of His goodness His grace now indeed, who such a guest as Gawain has granted us to have! (Tolkien 58). As the lord of the castleShow MoreRelatedSir Gawain And The Green Knight1335 Words   |  6 PagesSir Gawain: The Ironic Knight Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a tale of the utmost irony in which Sir Gawain, the most loyal and courteous of all of King Arthur’s knights, fails utterly to be loyal and courteous to his king, his host, his vows, and his God. In each case, Sir Gawain not only fails to perform well, but performs particularly poorly, especially in the case of his relationship with God. Ultimately, Sir Gawain chooses magic over faith, and by doing so, shows his ironic nature as aRead MoreAnalysis Of Part 1 Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight837 Words   |  4 Pagessupport his king. 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