There is more latent homo-eroticism than expected, it's a cool story. I will read it again in the winter.

This short statement seems to hint at an interesting and perhaps somewhat unexpected aspect within a particular story. The mention of "latent homo-eroticism" piques the reader's curiosity, making them wonder what exactly this refers to and how it unfolds within the narrative. The description of it as a "cool story" further adds to the allure, suggesting that there is something engaging and perhaps even unique about it.

The intention to reread it in the winter gives a sense of anticipation and a desire to experience the story again in a different season. Winter, with its cold and often cozy atmosphere, might provide a new backdrop or mood for the reading, potentially enhancing the overall experience and allowing for a deeper exploration of the story's themes and elements.

I read another book where Gawain was one of the characters and I was left longing to know a little more about him.

With this book, I have a slightly broader perspective of him and his motivations. It has been interesting to see how his character is developed and what drives him.

Moreover, I have found the concept of courtly love and the honor of knights quite fascinating, especially when contrasted with other books I have read. It gives me a better understanding of the values and ideals of that time period.

The only drawback I would mention is that I felt the story was very short. There were certain aspects of Gawain's adventure that could have been developed much more. For example, the relationship between Gawain and the Green Knight could have been explored in greater depth. Overall, however, I still enjoyed the book and it has made me want to read more about Gawain and the Arthurian legends.

I’m truly stunned. On one hand, it’s because of the vivid poetry that描绘出的scenes, which are like paintings in my mind. On the other hand, it’s because of how much I’ve come to understand through this translation. Simon Armitage’s translation not only brings out the beauty of the language but also addresses those little quibbles that had puzzled me while reading The Death of King Arthur . In Ackroyd’s book, I had a sense that there was a connection between chivalry and the service a knight felt obliged to provide to women in distress. From a modern perspective, this seemed to have romantic notions, but it clashed with the idea of a knight being armed to fight. I couldn’t quite figure out how the religious aspect fit into this picture.

However, reading this translation, with its sumptuous poetry, is far superior to reading crib notes or an explanatory article. As a read, I liked it much more than I initially thought I would. I felt sorry for Sir Gawain, who steps in for King Arthur to take on the Green Knight’s challenge, believing himself to be the least worthy knight, only to discover that it was all a test of his knightly values. From the very first sentence, I was completely captivated until the last. Maybe it was the alliteration, which enhances rather than disrupts the drama. Or perhaps it was the many standout moments in this novella-sized poem, such as in Book / Fitt II, the gorgeous and breathtaking descriptions of the seasons, or how the drama is intensified with the Lord of the Land’s hunting being intercut with the lady trying to seduce Gawain in Fitt III. Additionally, I was surprised to find that the start of the story connects itself to the ancient city of Troy and the Aeneid.

This is one read that I’ve put off for far too long, and I now feel rather silly about it because it is truly a wonderful read.

I first read this remarkable piece in 1975.

Since then, I have had the pleasure of reading it several times over.

The translation by Marie Borroff is truly excellent, capturing the essence and beauty of the original work.

One aspect that completely captivates me is the parallel structures present throughout the story.

They add a sense of rhythm and symmetry, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative.

In a type of literature not typically renowned for well-developed characters, Sir Gawain emerges as a wonderfully human character.

His flaws and virtues are presented in a realistic and engaging manner, making him a truly memorable figure.

Overall, this work is a testament to the power of great literature and continues to resonate with me to this day.

Quina absoluta meravella a tots els nivells!

Regarding the text, it is a spectacular combination of adventures, intimacy, and poetry, revolving around the Arthurian values of loyalty, honor, and virtue. However, it is also due to the translation by Rosa Badia, which makes it very, very close and modern, and constructs a bridge of six centuries between our two worlds.

It is an essential in my personal library, to which I will return often because it has kindled my interest.

Moreover, it confirms to me that Lowery's film adaptation is yet another unsurpassable masterpiece.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by an anonymous late 14th Century author, is a captivating chivalric romance written in Middle English.

Although it may seem daunting due to the language, there's no need to worry as there are several outstanding translations accessible, even online.

This charming Medieval poem chronicles the adventures of Sir Gawain, King Arthur's nephew. The story unfolds over two consecutive Christmas seasons and features a jovial green giant, a beheading, a perilous quest, a journey into the untamed wilderness, a mysterious magic castle, a breathtakingly beautiful lady, a couple of enchanting seduction scenes, a clever ruse, an unexpected twist, and perhaps the most significant blunder in English literature.

The poet skillfully reveals the flaws of human nature and the challenges of adhering to courtly ideals and their associated code of chivalry. He does this with both sympathy and humor, beautifully packaged in eloquent language to celebrate the season.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in Medieval literature or a thrilling adventure.

This cover is extremely creepy, yet it doesn't accurately depict how the Green Knight is described. It's an addition to the Arthurian legend. This is a quest story of a particular type, told as an epic poem written in the 14th century. I'm certain it was related orally to amuse a gathering, and what a remarkable story it is!

In part I, Arthur and his Knights are commemorating the Christmas/New Year's holidays when they are interrupted by this extraordinary Green Knight who issues a challenge. Sir Gawain accepts, and what follows is truly creepy.

Part II commences the quest of Sir Gawain to fulfill the challenge with the Green Knight, which leads him away from familiar regions. Under the pretense of hospitality at a castle in the woods, another challenge presents itself, although Sir Gawain fails to recognize it as such. The story is intertwined with the code of chivalry, faith, and a touch or two of magic - after all, it's Arthurian, so magic is always present.

I relished this tale, although the description of preparing the animals after the hunt was a bit more than I desired to visualize for a "holiday" read. If you wish for an in-depth examination of this work, visit the Classic and Western Canon group for some highly educational and perceptive commentary on this December group interim read.

I’m not much of one for Arthurian tales. In fact, I usually find them rather dull and uninteresting. However, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a completely different story.

This particular tale is truly gripping from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of excitement and adventure.

The story follows Sir Gawain as he accepts a challenge from the mysterious Green Knight. The Green Knight proposes a game in which he will allow someone to strike him with an axe, but in one year and one day, he will return the blow.

Sir Gawain bravely takes up the challenge, and what follows is a series of events that test his courage, honor, and integrity. The descriptions of the battles and the landscapes are vivid and detailed, making it easy to imagine oneself in the story.

Overall, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good adventure story. It’s a classic tale that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers today.

On a scholarly level, this poem is truly fascinating. The translation presented here is nothing short of gorgeous. It is truly remarkable how Borroff managed to maintain the alliterative line structure, which adds a unique musicality and rhythm to the piece. Additionally, her handling of the rhyme scheme is masterful, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the translation.

On an emotional level, there is a certain longing within me. I kind of wish that the Green Knight was literally just some fucked-up-if-true green guy who was down bad for Sir Gawain. I envision a comical scenario where this green fellow is hopelessly smitten with Gawain, perhaps in a rather absurd and exaggerated way. I think it would add a touch of humor and lightheartedness to the otherwise serious and heroic tale. It would be a refreshing and unexpected twist that could bring a smile to the reader's face and make the story even more engaging and memorable.

Overall, both the scholarly and emotional aspects of this poem and its translation contribute to its allure and make it a captivating piece of literature.

This was truly a first for me. It was the very first time that I had delved into one of the renowned medieval tales. I find it rather a silly thing to base my review of this book solely on how much I relished the story. Because in my opinion, it's not just about that. This is an ancient classic tale, and one simply has to love it! And indeed, I did.

Since I'm neither a student of Middle English literature nor an expert in this field, I cannot and should not pass judgment on this translation. I'm not adequately equipped for that task, and I leave it to those fortunate individuals who have dedicated themselves to the intense study of this topic.

I thoroughly delighted in both the tale itself and all the wonderful content in the introduction and notes section. I gleaned a great deal of knowledge from the additional information provided there, and I even wished that there had been more of such excellent material within the book.

A very big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.

Perhaps my favorite Arthurian classic so far.

Loved the alliterative verse and the beautiful descriptions of seasons. The conflicting ideas centered on chivalry, courtship, religion, etc. all made the reading much more intellectually stimulating.

Not to mention that the ending throws in a wedge that forces one to evaluate the overall theme of the poem, or whether a unifying theme exists at all.

Highly recommended for those interested in British literature and for those who want to give it a try. It's much more bearable than Beowulf. The seduction scene is one of my favorites.

Moreover, the story is filled with vivid characters and exciting adventures. The alliterative verse adds a musical quality to the text, making it a pleasure to read aloud.

The descriptions of the seasons are so detailed that one can almost feel the changing of the weather and the passage of time.

The conflicts between the different ideas of chivalry, courtship, and religion add depth and complexity to the story, making it a thought-provoking read.

The ending, with its unexpected twist, leaves the reader with much to ponder and discuss. Overall, this is a wonderful Arthurian classic that I would highly recommend to anyone.

What a treat it is! Simon Armitage's lyrical translation of this 600-year-old medieval English poem simply begs to be read aloud. Bill Wallis was an inspired choice indeed. His gruff yet warm reading is a perfect fit for both the soaring alliteration and the more rustic, colloquial moments of the story.

His northern accent lent a special authenticity to the performance, as the poem was composed in a Northwest Midlands dialect. Armitage's rendering of the poem sacrifices literal translation for the sake of preserving alliteration and rhyme. The result is a musical cascade that effortlessly carries the reader through the tale.

The story itself is almost a satire of chivalric ideals. How can a mere man, no matter how noble and well-intentioned, aspire to perfection? Not to mention the impossibility, as Gawain's seductress shows him, of remaining both chaste and perfectly courteous. Suitably, Gawain, the would-be perfect knight, is far harder on himself when confronted with his failings than anyone else, including his adversary.

As an added bonus, Wallis reads the original Middle English poem as well. It is truly fascinating to listen to. Some lines are perfectly understandable, while others sound like some weird, lost Germanic language. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the poem in its original form and to appreciate the evolution of the English language over the centuries.