Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Key Details

Michaelmas

Feast day on September 29 marking the end of harvest and the beginning of Gawain's countdown.

All Saints Day

November 1 feast at Camelot where King Arthur holds a farewell banquet for Gawain.

All Souls Day

November 2, the official day Gawain departs Camelot on his quest.

Gringolet

Gawain's famous warhorse, outfitted with rich gold armor and saddle.

Red Shield

Background color of Gawain's shield, symbolizing chivalric sacrifice and blood.

Gold Pentangle

Five-pointed star painted on the outside of Gawain's shield.

Endless Knot

English name for the pentangle because its lines overlap continuously without ending.

Solomons Symbol

Historical origin of the pentangle, created by King Solomon as a token of truth.

Five Senses

First set of five: Gawain's physical senses, which are completely faultless.

Five Fingers

Second set of five: Gawain's physical dexterity and martial strength in battle.

Five Wounds

Third set of five: Gawain's devotion to Christ's five wounds on the cross.

Five Joys

Fourth set of five: Mary's five joys (Annunciation, Nativity, Resurrection, Ascension, Assumption).

Virgin Mary

Image painted on the inside of Gawain's shield to restore his courage during battle.

Five Virtues

Fifth set of five: Generosity, Fellowship, Purity, Courtesy, and Compassion.

North Wales

First geographical territory Gawain rides through on his journey.

Wilderness of Wirral

Dangerous, lawless forest where Gawain finds few civilized people or hospitable homes.

Gawains Foes

Dragons, wolves, satyrs, bears, boars, ogres, and wild wood-dwellers fought on his ride.

Worst Enemy

The freezing winter sleet and ice, which was more dangerous than the monsters.

Christmas Eve

The day Gawain prays to Mary for a place to attend Christmas morning Mass.

Three Crosses

Number of times Gawain signs the cross before Castle Hautdesert magically appears.

Hautdesert

Name of the fairy-like castle in the forest owned by Lord Bertilak.

Paper Cutouts

What the castle's chalk-white pinnacles and delicate turrets resemble to Gawain.

Lord Bertilak

Gawain's host; a massive, broad knight with a thick red beard and welcoming tone.

Christmas Eve Meal

Feast composed entirely of fish cooked in various ways because it was a religious fast day.

Young Lady

Lord Bertilak's gorgeous wife, described as even fairer than Queen Guinevere.

Old Woman

Ancient, wrinkled, short woman accompanying the host's wife, treated with high honor.

St Johns Day

December 27, the final day of official Christmas feasting when guests depart.

Two Miles

Distance from Castle Hautdesert to the Green Chapel according to Lord Bertilak.

Three Days

Number of days Gawain agrees to rest at the castle while Bertilak hunts.

Exchange Game

Agreement where Bertilak gives Gawain his hunting gains in exchange for whatever Gawain wins inside the castle.