The Green Knight's Game

In the festive atmosphere of Camelot during Christmas time, King Arthur hosted a grand celebration, inviting the entire court, except the wicked sorceress Morgan le Fay. Food and drink flowed freely as merriment filled the air. However, the joyous occasion was abruptly interrupted when the castle doors swung open, revealing a towering knight mounted on an emerald steed. The court fell into stunned silence as the knight proposed a daring game.

The Green Knight declared that he would allow the bravest warrior present to strike him with his own axe. If successful, the victor would win the Green Knight's powerful weapon. However, in one year and one day, the Green Knight would have the right to return the blow. Arthur and his knights were perplexed, realizing that no man could withstand such a strike. Mocking their leader's hesitation, the Green Knight provoked Arthur, but before he could act, another stepped forward. It was Arthur's nephew, Sir Gawain, who courageously accepted the challenge and wielded the axe. With one swift stroke, he beheaded the grinning knight.

To their astonishment, the moment the Green Knight's head touched the ground, it began to laugh. Retrieving his head, the Green Knight mounted his horse and departed, reminding Gawain of their agreement to meet at the Green Chapel one year later.

In the ensuing months, Gawain attempted to suppress the memories of this bizarre encounter. Yet, despite the strangeness of the knight's game, Gawain was determined to act with honor. As the following winter approached, he embarked on a treacherous journey, enduring harsh weather and encountering dangerous creatures in his quest to find the elusive Green Chapel. Finally, on Christmas Eve, a shimmering castle appeared on the horizon. The lord and lady of the castle warmly welcomed Gawain, offering him respite and informing him that the Green Chapel was nearby. They urged him to rest and await his meeting with the Green Knight.

Delighted by this news, Gawain accepted their gracious offer. However, the lord made a peculiar request in return for their hospitality. Over the next three days, he would go hunting and share his spoils each night. In return, Gawain must give the lord whatever he had gained during his stay at the castle.

Initially puzzled by these unusual terms, Gawain soon understood their meaning when the lady of the castle attempted to seduce him. To rebuff her advances without compromising her honor, Gawain allowed her a single kiss, which he then passed on to her husband in exchange for a slain deer. The next day, Gawain granted two kisses, subsequently given to the lord for a dead boar. On the third day, the lady offered more than just three kisses. She presented Gawain with a magical sash that would supposedly protect him from the Green Knight's blow. Accepting the gift, Gawain eagerly donned the sash. However, that evening, when the lord returned, he only requested three kisses without mentioning the enchanted item.

The following morning, Gawain set out for the Green Chapel—a simple mound of earth where the Green Knight ominously sharpened his axe. Protected by the sash, Gawain approached with stoic determination, honoring his agreement. Bowing his head for the deadly blow, the Green Knight swung with great force, cutting Gawain's neck, but inflicting only a superficial wound. Confusion consumed Gawain once more. Why hadn't the sash provided the promised protection? And why hadn't the Green Knight fulfilled his lethal intent? Bursting into laughter, the Green Knight revealed himself as the lord of the castle, disclosing his collaboration with Morgan le Fay to test the honor and bravery of Arthur's knights. Impressed by Gawain's conduct, the Green Knight had initially planned to spare his life completely, but Gawain's decision to conceal the sash changed his mind. Filled with shame, Gawain returned to Camelot.

To his surprise, Gawain's companions absolved him of any blame and celebrated his valor. Struggling to comprehend the perplexing journey he had undertaken, Gawain began to perceive that perhaps the whole world was engaged in a game with rules far wilder and more bewildering than any mortal could fathom.

Henrik Leandro