The Green Knight Analysis: A Tale of Two Knights

Of all Arthurian tales, “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight” takes the most modern approach to storytelling, raising timeless themes and questions within its plot. From ambiguous and intensely introspective questions such as asking what someone truly should value in life, to more complex ones like the relationship between religion and humanity, the story addresses a plethora of concepts all leading towards a revelation of what defines someone’s self-worth. The profoundly nuanced content within the story compared to how esoteric the actual poem is in its written form makes it the perfect Arthurian story to receive a modern, movie adaptation. The film version of The Green Knight stays true to the classic mid-century tale while making some welcome, ambitious artistic changes to better suit the story for a grander stage. The core concepts and motifs present in The Green Knight stay true throughout both versions, with the film adding some clever symbolism and enthralling aesthetics to go along with the already riveting story. Both versions of the story are strong in their own right, however, when pieced together The Green Knight stands as one of the most timeless odysseys of self-realization ever told.

In both poem and film versions of the story, two key relationships are addressed and explored through storytelling, symbolism, and character progression. These being the relationship between Christianity and humanity, and the distinction between the fabricated greatness surrounding someone and the actuality of the person. These two main themes are driving forces in the plot, forcing Gawain to critically think about the motivation behind his decisions as well as what he truly values. The clear separation between humanity and Christianity is made very apparent from the beginning of the story, yet fades more into ambiguity as the plot unfolds. King Arthur and the knights of his round table are first introduced in the story while at a Christmas gathering celebrating the birth of Christ, establishing a strong connection to religion. In stark contrast, the Green Knight, symbolic of humanity and natural forces, is first introduced as a blatant outsider and intruding force at a first impression. The story presents Christianity as a blanket for Gawain that drives him and holds influence over his decisions before he sets out on his journey. Gawain slowly frees himself from this as his journey unfolds, learning that he and only he can decide what is right for him.

While the opposing ideals of Christianity and humanity present a backdrop for the story to unfold, the bulk of thematic discussion within the story stems from the inner struggle Gawain experiences while attempting to fulfill his promise of knighthood. Much like Christianity, the pressure of greatness weighs heavy on Gawain’s shoulders throughout the story and is something he frees himself of through self-realization. The clout and praise Gawain receives following his beheading of The Green Knight creates a knightly self or an exaggerated image of who Gawain truly is. This Knightly self shrouds him as he sets out on his journey to return to The Green Knight, quite literally beginning his trek back to humanity. The phrase “you are no knight” is repeated much throughout books two and three of the poem, as well as the film. These four words completely transform their meanings as Gawain’s understanding of them, as well as himself, progresses. An insult at first slowly transforms into words of truth and realization for Gawain the more he understands himself. Knights are not characterized as a person but rather a romanticized concept that embodies virtues such as selflessness, bravery, and honor, all traits that Gawain does not possess and thus criticized for throughout his journey. It is not until the end of the story that Gawain is rewarded and revered for the humanity he has displayed throughout his travels. The Green Knight, symbolic of natural life and humanity, is the first and only one to look past the legend of Sir Gawain the knight, and recognize Gawain as himself. The confrontation between the two knights differs in the film and poem but both infer the same concluding theme, that the knighthood Gawain tirelessly pursued was not what he ever truly wanted. In much more dramatic fashion than the poem, the film sees Gawain envision his life as a king and live out his days of what he would become had he run away from the confrontation with The Green Knight and lived to tell the tale. A future full of betrayal, power, and lust eventually ends in the downfall of Gawain’s kingdom, and eventually himself. Seeing the future that lay ahead of him had he truly embodied the legend of Sir Gawain, he returns to the current moment and has now accepted his death, understanding that this greatness he has been searching for all along was never what he desired. However, when Gawain accepts his death fully and allows for The Green Knight to behead him without displaying cowardice, The Green Knight spares him, endearing him with the name “brave little knight”. And so, the same figure who gave rise to Gawain’s story of false knighthood stripped him down to his bare self, relieving him of his exaggerated person, allowing his humanity to return, and thus bringing Gawain’s idea of self full circle.

The film’s opening scene sets the tone of rich cinematography and symbolism by combusting the head of Sir Gawain dramatically as he sits on the throne, crown still on head. The film adaptation of the story stays true to the original poem, as well as expands on key symbols and themes through brilliant shots and visual storytelling throughout the film. Perhaps the symbol that recurs most often throughout the film is the green belt worn by Gawain that was made for him by his mother, claiming it will ensure his safe return home so long as he keeps it on. The true significance of the belt lies within the dilemma it presents Gawain with. Wearing the belt detracts from the knighthood he is seeking since a knight should require no outside means of protection other than themselves. Serving as a constant reminder of his timidity and weakness, the belt shapes Gawain into the man he is at the end of the story, one who has accepted imperfections and flaws within himself.

Director David Lowery uses vivid imagery to exemplify the original poem’s moral motifs, such as acceptance and power. The riddling and alliterative nature of the poem itself is translated beautifully into sleek, cryptic scenes filled with indirect storytelling and ambiguity. This confluence of incredible storytelling and masterful cinematics is held together by a stellar performance of Gawain by Dev Patel. Patel embodies the hesitant and cowardly nature of Gawain at the outset of the adventure, yet matures to a calm stoicism by the film’s end, masterfully capturing the character’s progression. Patel’s presence as an actor perfectly reflects the journey of Gawain, providing a modern face to fit the 14th-century character.

The Green Knight is a tale of lust, self-reflection, and eventually, belonging. All of which are contemporary concepts that had no place in the glory-filled, brutish, late 14th century when the poem was written. This is what makes Gawain’s odyssey a timeless masterpiece. The concepts and truths that Gawain struggles to understand are truths that humanity constantly searches for. Not held back by tropes or themes defined by the time in which it was written, the story of Gawain and The Green Knight transcends time and forces the audience to search introspectively and question their purpose, something that will forever hold relevance.