Sir Gawain and Lanval

Write on both of these.

1) What is going on in the opening lines (ll. 1-24) of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight? Why do you think it opens this way? 

2) As you read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, what seems to be similar to Lanval? What is different?

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Reasons Behind Lines 1-24

The poem begins in antiquity, will the fall of Troy. It then speedily progresses through the founding of other great city-states and kingdoms, ending with the settlement of Britain. It transitions into the main story, set during Arthur's reign, by claiming that the war-ready, "valiant" Brits attracted momentous events of both "joy and turmoil" (Lines 21, 18).

This historical introduction serves to glorify the infallible strength of Britain. In contrast to Troy, Britain and the other nations established by impressive men are eternally successful. Rome, that pinnacle of civilization to which all other attempts are compared, receives two whole lines. Little description is offered of Tuscany or Lombardy, but Britain is clearly robust. It is set on a pedestal on lower than Rome’s. In fact, Britain’s settler Felix Brutus, is described in the same manner as Rome’s Romulus; they are both “noble” (Lines 8, 20). Although this connection is not as strong in the original Anglo-Norman text, the “rych” Brutus is reminiscent of “riche Romulus” (Lines 20, 8). Britain and its people are a power on par with Rome.

Lines 2 through 21 also establish the significance of a nation’s founder. The character of the man correlates to the majesty of his kingdom. Great kingdoms require great men to sustain them. Therefore, the abundance of legendary men in Camelot is explained by the qualities of its founder.

Finally, it is common for legends to begin in a historical context. That a story is important even when viewed on a scale that spans much time, adds drama to a tale. However, the fantastic is counterbalanced by the historical references, which create a backdrop of credibility.

Sir Gawain in Comparison to Lanval

            Both poems were written in the Anglo-Norman period of feudalism and chivalry. Therefore, the knight and his qualities are central in each work. Sir Gawain and Lanval are both men of their word, expected to be brave, loyal, and respectful of women. They are tested by temptresses, and succumb pardonably. They differ in that Lanval has a lady to be faithful to, and Sir Gawain does not. Lanval’s lady is a main character. She comes to his rescue, which slightly diminishes his masculine solidarity and chivalry. Sir Gawain on the other hand, exemplifies these characteristics exactly by refusing to abandon his mission and abstaining from romance.