Sir_Gawain_in_Arthurian_Legend

Sir Gawain is one of the most prominent and noble characters in Arthurian Legend. He is most noted for his quest in the tales of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and many others. A recurring theme in all his quest involves a years time and a test of his wisdom and honesty(Howard). Because of his trials he is know as one of Arthur’s most noble and honest knights. He has become one of the legends most important characters and consistently appears throughout most of the stories. Throughout the stories of King Arthur Sir Gawains role varies for each story. This may be because his heritage is never completely established. In all the stories Gawain is shown as the son of Authurs sisters Morgawse or Anna. The varying factor is who his father is. In most cases he is known as the son of King Lot of Orkeny but in earlier stories he is the son Loth of Lothian. Regardless of his parents are, he has family connections with Arthur and is the nearest male relative to the king. Because of this close tie he enjoys many privileges that other knights lack. This gives Gawain access to the kingdoms inner circle but doesn’t sacrifice any of his freedom(Howard). This situation is what has made Gawain a very popular subject in legend. A great example of Gawains popularity and how important he is to Authur, is how he became married. While away at Caer-Ligualid Arthur is defeated by a local knight but his life sparred if he could solve the riddle “What is it that women most desire'”. Arthur only had a year to solve the riddle but found that he could not. Later he was confronted by a hideous women that had the answer, for a price. Arthur had to find her a wife. Gawain, being the humble man he was offered himself as the sacrifice. Because of his strong morals Arthurs’ life was sparred and he was rewarded. The hideous women actually turned out to be a beauty under a curse(Briannia). Another great tale that made Gawain famous was in the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. A suspicious knight rides into King Authurs court and wants to play a deadly game. When no one offers to play, the knight calls the men cowards. To spare the knights from cowardly shame Sir Gawain offers to play. Gawain in the end thinks that he has lost his honor and nobility because of his decisions made during his quest. Basically Gawain marks himself as a coward and a liar(Timelessmyths). Although he thinks this, the other knights and Authur find his exploits worthy of heroism and all wear a badge in his honor. Because he admits mistakes and regrets where he faulted Bertilak, the man behind the quest, admits that he is still one of the finest knights in the land(Timelessmyths). Regardless of any of Sir Gawains faults, he is one of the most important features of Arthurian legend. His feats of honor and honesty make him an almost perfect knight. His position in the legend give it an extra interest and point of view.