Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Sound Bite

Before there was Game of Thrones there was a sophisticated Arthurian romance replete with brave knights, noble ladies, temptation, seduction, blame, shame, and a memorable beheading game in an obscure Middle English dialect. This new edition is closely translated from the original, presenting the delightful and insightful story of a flawed hero, and a fascinating villain or two, with verve and vital energy.

About the Book

The legendary King Arthur and his most chivalrous knight, Sir Gawain, star in this classic Middle English romantic poem relating a haunting tale of temptation. This action-filled tale breathes with the hot-blooded passion of the hunt, alternating interior scenes where the tension is internal — reputation and soul are at stake — with outdoor scenes weaving through the wilds of the North, where life is on the line. Can any hero muster the fierce self mastery that is essential to overcome all one's instincts, when one must go forward and equally when one must hold back?

The work combines Christian themes with earlier literary traditions, and it illustrates the classic values of chivalry. Prof. Wayne emulates the original poet's style, admired for its use of strong physical and visual imagery, alliteration and internal rhymes, and the metrical form called the "bob and wheel." Wit and wile, fear and daring dance throughout the pages.