Lady Bertilak gifts Sir Gawain the Green Knight a gift as a response to Gawain’s inability and disinterest to give her any type of keepsake. Lady Bertilak presents Gawain with a green silk sash, embroidered with gold thread, and an exquisite red-gold ring. Gawain initially refuses the gift, insisting that he won’t accept anything until he completes the Green Knight challenge. Lady Bertilak argues against that, and claims that the Green Knight’s girdle contains magical qualities. Gawain, however, accepts the gift and believes it will grant him immunity.
Gawain is therefore first to associate the girdle’s promised protection with it. Although the girdle did serve its purpose of protecting him, it was not as effective as Lady Bertilak claimed. The girdle’s magic properties gave Gawain hope and provided him with the assurance of being spared death. It also convinced him to tell his truth, making it an important motif in his survival. “By admitting your faults you are without blame / and have publicly paid penance at point of my knife” (2391-92). As such, the Green Knight, revealed to be Lord Bertilak, said, “By confessing your failings you are free from fault / and have openly paid penance at the point of my axe” (2391-92). It was also the object which allowed the Green Knight to be identified and the motives of Castle Hautdesert’s participants to be revealed. The girdle was presented by Lord Bertilak to his wife in the final moments. “It’s mine, Sir Gawain” (2396-98). Gawain is reminded to keep his humble nature and to never forget when his knightly virtues were exposed to danger.
Gawain is also reflected in the girdle. Lady Bertilak was not attracted to him any more than they were, but Gawain’s failure to tell the truth is a disgraceful act. Gawain, having privately confessed his sins before the priest and received absolution, did not consider mentioning Lord Bertilak’s girdle. Instead, he gave Lady Bertilak three kisses. The girdle is also called the “sash” (1874), which is an indication of how Gawain is bound by his secrecy, sin and “once sin is intertwined it is permanently attached” (2512). This ties him to his shame and prompts him to repent.
King Arthur believes that the girdle symbolizes respect and unity between the court’s lords. Gawain had given his consent to become the “weakest among [Arthur’s] soldiers and feeblest with wit” (354), and the Green Knight’s challenge was accepted. Therefore, it was a show to express gratitude to all Arthur’s knights for wearing a green shash. It also demonstrates the camaraderie between the brothers of Arthur’s court. This symbolizes the meaning of “all for one” and the importance to each other of mutual understanding. Gawain has abandoned the original meaning of the “girdle” as it was understood by him. He now uses the girdle to emphasize the knightly virtues of friendship and pride.
Arthur and his court see the girdle not only as an emblem of honor but also as a sign of Gawain’s knightly virtues. In the face of temptations and death, he remained polite and chaste. This was a strong sign of his character as a member Arthur’s roundtable. Gawain was determined to keep his promise. Gawain acknowledged his mistakes and expressed his desire to be forgiven. Gawain was a knightly character, possessing the 5 listed virtues: “Generosity. Chastity. Chivalry. And courtesy.” (663). Gawain also displayed chivalry. Gawain may have been convinced of his failings personally but he did not realize how well outsiders saw him.
The Green Knight’s beheading of Gawain is finally demonstrated by the girdle. Regardless of all the obstacles–self-inflicted and inflicted by others–he endured, he did not have to die for his mistakes and found forgiveness. Even though he believed he had a weak mind and was weak, his survival proved the contrary, proving his worth to Arthur’s nephew. Arthur was impressed by his perseverance against Lady Bertilak, his willingness and ability to admit his weaknesses, which allowed Gawain victory that was more than physical dominion, despite Gawain’s personal pessimism.
Arthur and his court view Gawain with a greater optimism than Gawain’s. They also seem more accurate and appropriate because Gawain could possibly have been influenced in self-doubts and personal regrets. Arthur’s Court saw Gawain’s trials as a learning opportunity, and as an opportunity to rally support for Gawain.
