![]() ![]() ![]() The poet describes it as a low, smooth mound covered with grass, with openings at the ends and the sides, indicating that it is oblong. The dramatic resolution of the Green Knight's game comes in these lines, as Gawain discovers that his expectations have been entirely wrong - and not least of all, he is wrong about his notion of exactly how he is being tested.įirst, the supposedly famous Green Chapel is not the building Gawain expects, but a hole in the ground. Gawain is overcome with shame and confesses his fault, asking forgiveness. The knight says that he sent his wife to test Gawain, and he found Gawain the most perfect knight in the world, but Gawain failed to keep faith, although only out of fear for his life. The knight tells Gawain that the first two blows were for the first two nights at the castle, when Gawain fairly repaid him his wife's kisses, and the small cut was for Gawain's falsehood on the third day. Gawain springs up and grabs his sword, telling the knight he will defend himself now that he had taken the promised blow. The knight finally strikes Gawain, but gives him only a small cut on the neck. The knight pulls the second blow, but this time Gawain has not moved. Gawain promises not to flinch again, and the knight raises his ax. The knight pulls the blow and mocks Gawain for his cowardice. Gawain does so, but as the ax is falling, he sees it and flinches. The knight tells Gawain to prepare to receive the blow he was promised. Gawain calls out, and the Green Knight appears, carrying a huge ax. He sees a low mound off in a clearing and hears a strange noise like the sharpening of a blade. Gawain rides off alone in search of the Green Chapel. ![]()
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