The same as "Beowulf", another English epic, "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight / Sir Gawain ve Yeşil Şövalye", is one of the important works that presents the test of Sir Gawain's honesty in an interesting way to the readers. Besides being one of the building blocks of English literature, while reading the work that carries the classical Jesus and Holy Grail inspirations of its period, especially when reading the passages described in detail, your attention can be distracted. Nevertheless, towards the end, it manages to give the message it wants to give with an exciting and surprising finale to the readers.

19.02.2018

Istanbul, Türkiye

Alp Turgut

http://www.filmdoktoru.com/kitap-labo...

This is the second time that I have read it and I liked it even more on this occasion. :)

I found that there were more details and subtleties that I had missed the first time around.

The story seems to have a deeper meaning and a more profound impact on me this time.

It makes me think about different aspects of life and relationships.

I also appreciate the author's writing style more now.

The way the story is told, the use of language, and the pacing all contribute to making it a really enjoyable read.

I'm looking forward to reading more of the author's works in the future.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with this second reading experience.

I suppose I have a weakness for medieval literature.

Medieval literature is a fascinating genre that offers a unique window into the past. It allows us to explore the values, beliefs, and traditions of a bygone era.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, as one of the earliest surviving works of English literature, is a prime example of this. It tells the story of Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur’s Round Table, who undertakes a perilous adventure.

The poem is not only a thrilling adventure but also a meditation on the virtues that the knights of the Round Table adhered to and the ideals to which they aspired. These virtues include courage, honor, loyalty, and courtesy.

Simon Armitage’s brilliant translation breathes new life not only into the characters but also into the poetry itself. His translation makes the poem accessible to a modern audience while still retaining the beauty and power of the original.

Overall, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a masterpiece of medieval literature that continues to captivate readers today. It is a testament to the enduring power of great literature to inspire and move us.

An uninvited guest, dressed all in green, suddenly crashes the Christmas party at Camelot.

He proposes a truly crazy game. In my own words, he says, "Chop my head off and then, in one year's time, let me chop your head off." Without hesitation, Sir Gawain steps forward and chops his head off.

Surprisingly, the guy simply picks up his head from the ground, mounts his horse, and rides away.

Do I have your attention yet? It's an extremely奇特的way to start a story. I can't help but wonder if Washington Irving got his inspiration for a headless horseman from this very book.

A year later, as Sir Gawain is on his way to meet the green knight, he visits a castle. The king of the castle tells him, roughly speaking, "I'll leave the castle for the day and leave you here alone with my wife." Implicitly, he is suggesting that Sir Gawain can do whatever he wants with the wife.

The wife's behavior is indeed seductive. This situation occurs for three consecutive days. However, Sir Gawain, being a proper knight, behaves himself and only accepts a kiss.

Later, when Sir Gawain finally meets the green knight, he manages to survive the blow. But he is deeply embarrassed because he secretly carried a charmed sash given to him by the king's wife.

So, what is the point of this story? Well, if you are pure, meaning you don't give in to sexual temptation, you will be magically protected from harm. Also, it emphasizes the importance of telling the truth and not secretly carrying something like a charmed sash.

Those people in medieval times truly had some very strange stories.

The story of a short hero's journey related to being worthy in a work remaining from the 14th century, of which the author is unknown. Its language, plot, and translation are truly successful.

This work takes the reader on an adventure as the hero embarks on a path to prove his worth. The language used is vivid and engaging, allowing the reader to easily immerse themselves in the story. The plot is well-crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

The translation of this work is also of high quality, ensuring that the essence and beauty of the original text are preserved. Overall, this is a remarkable piece of literature that offers a unique and captivating reading experience.

A captivating glimpse into medieval storytelling and into Arthur's Britain awaits within the pages of this remarkable work.

This modern translation is truly a gem. It is the only one I've read thus far, but it has undeniably piqued my curiosity to explore others. I am eager to see how they stack up against this one.

The writing here is of such a high caliber that it is simply breathtaking. Each word seems to be carefully chosen and expertly crafted to create a vivid and enchanting world.

It transports the reader back in time, allowing them to experience the magic and mystery of Arthur's Britain as if they were there.

I cannot recommend this translation highly enough. It is a must-read for anyone with an interest in medieval history, literature, or simply a good story.

I look forward to delving deeper into the world of Arthurian legend and seeing what other treasures I can discover.

Originally, I read this work alongside The Lord of the Rings (LotR) due to its connection to Tolkien. It was a translation by Tolkien himself from the original Middle English. However, to my surprise, it was an outstanding piece all on its own.

Allegory? Certainly. But it was also a captivating tale of Sir Gawain, the epitome of purity, embarking on his own small quest. Along the way, he gets seduced and has confrontations with mother nature. Literally, in this case.

I have always loved the element of pride and the unexpected twist in the story. I enjoyed it just as much upon re-reading. Additionally, I have a great fondness for the Green Knight, regardless of anything else. So, this story was an easy choice for me to appreciate and enjoy.

Shame be to the man who has evil in his mind




Written around 1375, "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is a captivating Arthurian quest fantasy. It encompasses all the essential elements that make such a fantasy truly engaging. There is the brave and renowned knight, Sir Gawain, who embarks on a perilous adventure. The alluring lady adds a touch of mystery and temptation. The magical and mysterious stranger, the Green Knight, with his extraordinary ability to have his head removed and still hold it in his hand while it speaks, heightens the sense of wonder. The ranging quest takes the reader on a journey filled with challenges and unexpected encounters. And finally, there is the moment of truth when Sir Gawain must face his own virtues and flaws.



The poetry in this work is exquisitely written. It seems to sing off the page, captivating the reader's imagination. I can envision this poem being recited to a gathering, perhaps at court, much like Homer sang his poems to the Greeks. To the possible annoyance of my husband, I couldn't help but read this aloud to myself. It demanded to be heard and experienced in that way.



This Arthurian tale is a timeless classic that continues to enchant readers with its rich characters, magical elements, and beautiful poetry.

I know it's not fair to evaluate a book written so many centuries ago, but this is just random crap... To read about a green monster at Christmas, I'll watch the Grinch. Bye

Simon Armitage translation (Faber & Faber / Norton), and the Oxford edition's notes

I had almost forgotten about "Gawain and the Green Knight" - and I had definitely forgotten that it was set over Christmas and New Year. This all changed when I heard an episode of In Our Time in mid-December. During the programme, I thought about how bored I had become of Simon Armitage, who has been a regular on BBC arts shows in recent years. I didn't expect to end up reading his translation of "Gawain". However, after looking at a couple of other translations, I found them too formal and RP. The northernness of the poem is one of its most distinctive features, setting it apart from other 14th-century English works like "The Canterbury Tales" or "Piers Plowman". I wanted this to be evident in the translation. Although Armitage's version didn't have as many dialect words as I had hoped at the beginning (nor in the full poem), you can hear an accent if you look closely, which you can't in the Penguin or Oxford translations.

Armitage says about the translation, "the often-quoted notion that a poem can never be finished, only abandoned, has never felt more true. Even now, further permutations and possibilities keep suggesting themselves, as if the tweaking and fine-tuning could last a lifetime". A new revised edition was published in October 2018, so there may be even more dialect in it now.

Another great advantage of Armitage's version is that it uses alliteration like the original, rather than blank verse or a rhymed meter. One edition's introduction explains that Germanic languages frequently use alliteration as a poetic device, while romance languages use rhyme. I love alliteration, but it can seem uncool if overdone. However, in Armitage's "Gawain", it is used in such quantity and so well that it is never cringe-worthy.
The descriptions of the Green Knight's appearance at Camelot and Gawain's adventures on his journey northwards in winter are vivid and bring to life the harsh conditions of a medieval winter. The contrast between Christmas and the rest of winter is also striking. As with all good long poems, there are a few lines that don't work, but the good outweighs the bad.
Armitage's edition has a short but interesting introduction, but for the best historical background info, the Oxford edition is the place to look, with Helen Cooper's introduction and notes. The info about the Wirral being a refuge for outlaws and the possible origin of the scribe who copied the poems into the manuscript was particularly exciting.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Armitage's translation of "Gawain and the Green Knight". It not only made me appreciate the alliteration and the descriptions of the winter weather, but also helped me see chivalry in a different context. The only reason for giving 4 stars instead of 5 is the known fault with the original, that the purported plot by Morgan Le Fay is unconvincing. Otherwise, the poem ends with a beautiful and unexpectedly moving final line, as if it were a prayer, reminding the reader of the religion at the heart of medieval life.

I suppose I finally got around to this!

I really, really love it.

Remember, the boyishness of King Arthur is something that truly captivates.

It's that youthful charm and energy that makes him so endearing.

Maybe it's the way he approaches challenges with a sense of adventure and a lack of jadedness.

Or perhaps it's his ability to inspire those around him with his idealism and courage.

Whatever it is, the boyishness of King Arthur is an essential part of his character and one that has endured throughout the ages.

It's something that we can all look to for inspiration and a reminder of the power of youth and enthusiasm.

It was Christmas at Camelot. The great castle was decked out in all its festive glory. The halls were filled with the warm glow of candles and the sweet scent of evergreen boughs. Knights and ladies alike gathered to celebrate the joyous occasion. Laughter and merriment filled the air as they exchanged gifts and told stories of heroic deeds. The feasting table was laden with delicious treats, from roasted meats to sumptuous desserts. Everyone was in high spirits, enjoying the company of their friends and comrades. Outside, the snow fell gently, adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting scene. It was a Christmas that would be remembered for years to come at Camelot.