In Sir Gawain and The Green Knight, between lines 763 to 840, a vivid description of a castle is given. The castle appears literally out of thin air to rescue Sir Gawain from the danger and perils that have surrounded him. The castle is a drastic change in setting for the story. It also sets up the rest of the tale, allowing the major action to take place within its walls. The passage clearly describes the castle and its wondrous beauty while giving rise to the question of where it came from in the first place.
Sir Gawain has traveled far and wide, the length and breath of Wales, searching for the Green Chapel with no success. Then upon entering an ancient forest where magic is afoot, fear rises up in the brave knight. So he prays to hi saint and patron, the Virgin Mary for protection and guidance and �no soon[er] had Sir Gawain signed [crossed] himself thrice than he was ware, in the wood, of a wondrous dwelling� (lines 763 and 764). This castle appears gleaming, glinting in the middle of the winter landscape, standing in a stately green park. It is odd that only a day or after before Christmas everything there is green and bright, especially after Sir Gawian has just passed a icy and snowy landscape. For the grounds are fair and there is a �goodly park� (lines 768). The castle also shimmers and is so beautiful for the eye to behold, �With finials (gable ornaments well � fashioned as filigree fine� (line 797).
This magic castle saves Sir Gawain from the perils and dangers he has previously faced. The castle gives a sense of security, whether it is true or not will be determined later. For since Sir Gawain has left the court of Arthur he has been battling wild men, boars, and serpents. He has also been sleeping in his armor and here at this castle he is given an opportunity to rest and relax. Given a warm reception by all, it seems as though his arrival has been expected. He enters the castle where decorations are up all around and every one of Gawain�s needs is seen to before he can voice it. Then the lord of the castle appears. He greets Sir Gawain as though he is family and offers him every comfort: �To this house you are heartily welcome: What is here is wholly yours, to have in your power and sway� (lines 835 to 837). Gawain�s politeness and gentle manner are shown as he thanks the lord, and they embrace like brothers.
This scene is beautifully written and the imagery is clear. When these lines are read a vivid picture of a beautiful castle is drawn. There are turrets and spires with filigree work and high battlements and watchtowers. The whole castle looks new as though it was just built as it appears out of the mist. While the rest of the world is cold and barren, this oasis is all lush and green. �For two miles and more� (lines 770), around it seems to be springtime. It seems odd that such a place would be there and later when we discover its origins to magical and that it is the castle and not the Green Chapel was the setting of Sir Gawain challenge.
This passage of Sir Gawain and The Green Knight is significant in that it gives a sharp and detailed vision of the enchanted castle. It introduces a new character of the lord of the castle and sets up the next phase of the story. Sir Gawain is taken from the frozen bitter wasteland to the warmth of the hearth. From there the major conflict unfolds.
Work Cited
Sir Gawain and The Green Knight. In The Norton Anthology of English Literature.
7th ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Company Inc., 2000. pp. 156- 209.
