Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Chapter 3 summary
Chapter 3 of 4 · 24 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 3, Sir Gawain receives the lady’s visits while his host hunts, and exchanges her kisses for the animals his host brings home. On the third day, fear of the approaching blow leads him to accept and conceal a girdle said to protect its wearer, breaking their agreement before his departure.
What happens
- The lord hunts deer while his wife visits Sir Gawain; that evening, Gawain exchanges her single kiss for the hunting spoils.
- On the second day, the lady gives Gawain two kisses, which he passes to his host in exchange for a slain boar.
- Gawain agrees to stay another day after his host promises timely arrival at the Green Chapel.
- During the fox hunt, the lady gives Gawain three kisses and a girdle she claims prevents death; he promises secrecy.
- Gawain hides the girdle, confesses to a priest, and gives his host three kisses without surrendering the gift.
- The host supplies a guide, and Gawain takes leave before retiring with anxious thoughts about the next day.

Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, 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
In this chapter
What to notice
Gawain commits himself to hiding the girdle. This promise conflicts with his agreement to exchange his winnings with his host.
Quick check
Why does Gawain accept the girdle after first refusing it?

Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, 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

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free

















