Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Chapter 4 summary
Chapter 4 of 4 · 17 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 4, Sir Gawain faces the Green Knight, receives a slight neck wound, and learns that his host arranges the tests of his honesty. He admits that fear makes him conceal the girdle, returns to court wearing it as a reminder of failure, and receives comfort rather than condemnation.
What happens
- Sir Gawain wears the protective girdle, leaves the castle, and rejects his guide’s offer to conceal an escape.
- At the Green Chapel, the Green Knight makes two harmless strokes before cutting Gawain’s neck slightly with the third.
- The knight explains that the strokes match Gawain’s conduct during their exchange agreement, including his concealment of the girdle.
- Gawain confesses his fault, accepts the girdle as a reminder of weakness, and declines an invitation to return to the castle.
- The knight names himself Bernlak de Hautdesert and identifies Morgain le Fay as the force behind his appearance at Arthur’s court.
- Gawain returns to court and recounts his shame; the Round Table adopts green baldrics in his honor.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Sir Gauvain et le Chevalier vert, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this chapter
Quick check
Why does the third axe stroke wound Gawain?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Sir Gauvain et le Chevalier vert, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
