Sir Gawian

Nature returns to life every spring but humans more only towards death.

The Green Knight, whose very colour suggests nature, can survive death but Gawain cannot. (Twomey)

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the pure pentangle

generosity, sympathy, chastity, courtesy, compassion

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Gawain swears to wear the Girdle as "a reminder to me/

of the frailty and weakness of the treacherous flesh,/ how liable it is to the sins of impurity"

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Gawain is much too aware of his excellence: no modest man would employ

the pentangle with its symbolism on his shield... What he learns in Bertilak's domain is some humility. (Leyerle)

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This is the ancient ethos of the Mannerbund (German for 'male cohort')

In which honour is held collectively as well as individually. (Twomey)

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But of all those who dwelt there, of the British kings,/

Arthur was always judged noblest, as I have heard tell.

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His hue astounded them,/ Set in his looks so keen;/

For boldly he rode in,/ Completely emerald green.

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and all the court too laughed loudly about it,

and formally agreed that all lords and ladies of the Round Table... would wear such a belt

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Other cards in this set

the pure pentangle

generosity, sympathy, chastity, courtesy, compassion

Gawain swears to wear the Girdle as "a reminder to me/

Gawain is much too aware of his excellence: no modest man would employ

This is the ancient ethos of the Mannerbund (German for 'male cohort')

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