In context, “minstrelsy” refers to a body of songs performed by a minstrel, a medieval musician who sang verses while accompanied by the playing of a harp.
"I beseech now with all courtesy that this affair might be mine...."See in text(Fytte the First)
“Beseech” means to beg; “courtesy” as it is used here means respect. Gawain is essentially asking, as politely as he can, that Arthur allow him to accept the Green Knight's challenge.
"the wightest and the worthiest of the world’s kind..."See in text(Fytte the First)
In context, “wightest” can be inferred to mean the strongest and most active or engaged. Note too the alliteration in “wightest,” “worthiest,” and “world’s,” with the repeated “W” sound. The Green Knight’s use of alliteration draws attention to his words, emphasizing his presence in Arthur’s court.
As an archaic word, a “hostel” is an inn that provides accommodations for travelers. Arthur uses the word to indicate that the Green Knight is welcome to stay and that his needs or desires will be met.
"He had neither helm nor hauberk, nor gorget, armour nor breastplate, nor shaft nor shield to guard or to smite..."See in text(Fytte the First)
“Helm” refers to a helmet. A “hauberk” is a piece of armor covering the neck and shoulders; a “gorget” is a piece of armor covering the throat. In context, “armour,” a variant spelling of “armor,” is a full-length coat of armor that covers the body, whereas while a breastplate specifically covers the chest. “Shaft” refers to the lance a knight would carry into battle, and to “smite” means to strike with a strong blow. Without a lance or a shield, the Green Knight is not prepared to strike his enemies or protect himself from their blows. The passage establishes that the Green Knight has not come to Arthur’s court to fight.
"the pendants of the poitrel..."See in text(Fytte the First)
A “poitrel” is a medieval often richly decorated piece of armor used to protect the breast of a horse. The poitrel on the Green Knight’s horse is decorated with “pendants,” pieces of jewelry that hang from a chain.
"gay gauds of green..."See in text(Fytte the First)
“Gauds” are things that are showy and merely ornamental. The alliteration of the "G" sound is also present in this clause to emphasize how extravagantly green the knight is.
"vesture verily was clean verdure..."See in text(Fytte the First)
“Vesture” is clothing. “Verdure” is the fresh green color of vegetation; “clean verdure” implies that his clothing was only green, absent any other color. Note too the alliteration of the repeated "V" sound, which emphasizes this phrase.
In context, “fair” is an archaic word meaning beautiful or attractive. A mantle is a cloak or cape, often with an attached hood. The green knight is wearing a good-looking outfit, suggesting a higher level of status.
“Chivalry” refers to the customs and code of conduct observed by knights in the Middle Ages. Developed during the 1100s and 1200s, chivalry includes the ideals of valor, generosity, courtesy, loyalty, humility, faith in Christianity, and skill in battle.
"tapestries of Tars..."See in text(Fytte the First)
A tapestry is a work of art, a thick fabric woven or embroidered to create pictures or designs. The tapestries of Tars refers to particular tapestries from the Central and Eastern Asia noted for their beauty.
"the best man ever above, as it best behoved..."See in text(Fytte the First)
“The best man” refers to Arthur, who sits “ever above,” meaning that he always sits on the dais, a raised platform. “Behoved” is a variant spelling of “behooved”; the phrase “as it best behoved” means that it was most fitting and appropriate for Arthur to sit on the dais above others in the hall.
"the court was served double on the dais..."See in text(Fytte the First)
The “dais” is a somewhat elevated platform in the hall; seats on the dais are places of honor. Being “served double” means that two diners shared a platter and cup, rather than eating from communal dishes. Being “served double” suggests that there was a great deal of food at the feast.
"merry tumult, glorious to hear; joyful din..."See in text(Fytte the First)
“Tumult” and “din” are synonyms meaning noisy confusion, commotion, or disorder. Their being “merry” and “joyful” further emphasizes the happy, celebratory mood in Arthur’s court.
"tourneyed betimes, jousted full gaily..."See in text(Fytte the First)
Jousting tournaments or contests were popular entertainment in the Middle Ages. Mounted on horses and armed with blunted lances, two contestants would ride directly at each another; each would attempt to unseat his opponent by using his lance to push the other off his horse. In context, the word “betimes” means early in the day. Arthur’s knights jousting “full gaily” implies that they jousted in the spirit of fun and comradeship.
“Jest” can be interpreted as a game or a form of entertainment; it also can be interpreted as a joke or deceit, which seems to foreshadow subsequent events in the story.
"to glad Sir Gawain with games in the hall that night. When it came time the king commanded lights; Sir Gawain took his leave and went to his bed...."See in text(Fytte the Second)
In context, “to glad Sir Gawain” means to entertain him so that he will enjoy himself. The phrase “the king commanded lights” indicates that the lord, here referred to as “the king,” called for torches to light the way for those assembled to go to their beds.
“Forsooth” means “indeed.” It is sometimes used to imply contempt or doubt. The exclamation point following “forsooth” suggests that here it is used humorously or ironically.
“Tricked” may be used here to mean “tricked out,” referring to dressing or decorating something in an elaborate or extravagant way. The term is known to date to 1576, but its earliest entry into English vernacular is not known.
"The kerchiefs of the one broidered with many clear pearls..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“Broidered” means “embroidered,” indicating that the kerchiefs were decorated with thread sewn in patterns on the face of the fabric; in this case, the embroidery secured pearls to the fabric, making it especially beautiful.
A chancel is the part of a church near the altar, reserved for the clergy and choir; it is usually separated from the main body of the sanctuary by steps or a rail.
"The Lord turns thither..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“Thither” means to go toward a place. Going toward the chapel, the lady of the castle, presumably the lord’s wife, goes into her room, while Gawain and the lord proceed to the chapel.
"—double fold as was proper—with pottages..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
Gawain’s being served “double fold” suggests that he was given large portions of food. “Pottages” refers to thick soups or stews made with vegetables and grains.
"a bright bower where the bedding was curtains of pure silk with clear gold hems, and covertures right curious with comely borders, adorned above with bright fur...."See in text(Fytte the Second)
In context, a “bower” is a private bedroom in the castle. The passage describes the bed,
which is enclosed with silk curtains that hang from a canopy or frame above it. “Covertures” are coverings, referring to the covers on the bed.
"Firm-gaited was he on his stalwart limbs..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“Gait” refers to a manner of walking or moving on foot; “stalwart” means possessing great strength, and “limbs” refers to a person’s legs. The description of the lord indicates that he had not been physically diminished by old age.
“Gramercy” is an archaic word used as an interjection to express surprise or strong emotion. Gawain is no doubt surprised and deeply appreciative of the lord’s generosity.
"corbelled under the battlement..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
A battlement is a low protective wall at the edge of a castle’s roof; it is designed with openings through which weapons can be fired at enemies below. A battlement extends over the edge of the roof and is supported with “corbels,” heavy stone structures that steep upward and outward from the castle’s vertical wall.
"I pray my pater and ave and creed..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“I pray my pater and ave and creed” refers to prayers Gawain says as he rides. “Pater” is Latin for father; “my pater” refers to the Lord’s prayer that begins, “Our father who art in heaven.” “Ave,” which means “hail” in Latin, refers to the Ave Maria prayer, which begins, “Hail Mary, full of grace.” “Creed” refers to the Apostles Creed, a statement of Christian faith that begins, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty.”
"that Sire who on that very night was born of a lady to quell our pain..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“Sire” is an allusion to Jesus Christ, and “born of a lady” refers to his mother, the Virgin Mary. “Quell” means to quiet or to stop. The passage depicts Jesus as having been born to save and comfort humankind.
"At that tide to Mary he made his moan..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
In context, “tide” refers to an anniversary or festival that is observed in Christianity, in this case Christmas. The phrase “to Mary he made his moan” means that Gawain prayed to the Virgin Mary.
"friths and downs..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“Frith” is an archaic spelling of “firth,” which is an inlet from the sea; “downs” refers to rounded, grass-covered hills found in the south of England.
"sheer gules, with the pentangle..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
In context, “sheer” means vertical, and gules is the color red used in painting or engraving a coat of arms; the field of red on Gawain’s shield is created with closely drawn vertical lines of red that are parallel. A pentangle is a five-pointed star drawn in a continuous line of five straight segments; the pentangle on Gawain’s shield is a central symbol in the story.
"The circlet that surrounded his crown..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
As “crown” is used here, it refers to the top of Gawain’s head, and the “circlet” is a coronet or a decorated circular band of metal he wears on his head.
“True-loves” refers to “true lover’s” knots,” knots tied in two separate cords and constructed so that the two knots intertwine; since antiquity, true lover’s knots have symbolized love, friendship, loyalty, and affection.
Turtle doves are small gray birds with beautiful plumage, including gold-laced feathers on their wings. They coo to their mates and stay with them for life; for centuries, turtle doves have symbolized love and devotion.
"a sure brand girt about his side by a silken sash..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
In Old English, “brand” is a poetic name for a sword; Gawain’s sword is “sure,” suggesting that it is strong and reliable; it is “girt” or tied by his side with a sash made of silk, in keeping with Gawain’s high position in Arthur’s court and the splendid nature of his attire as he sets out on his quest for the Green Knight.
"The wild wind of the welkin wrestles with the sun...."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“Welkin” refers to the sky or the heavens, and the alliteration in this line—the repeated “W” sound—emphasizes the changes that the turning of the seasons brings.
"the crabbed Lent, that tries the flesh with fish..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
In the Christian faith, Lent is a period of personal sacrifice in preparation for the observance of Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his death by crucifixion. In context, “crabbed” describes Lent as a miserable time. In the Roman Catholic church, the predominant religion in England at the time, eating meat during Lent was forbidden; the faithful ate fish instead.
"Although there was little news when they went to their seats, now they are provided with stern work,..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
As “stern” is used here, it means putting someone under extreme pressure. After the Green Knight’s sudden appearance at Arthur’s feast, Arthur and his knights could not ignore his subsequent insults; the Green Knight’s challenge to their courage and reputation had to be accepted.
"This hansel of adventures had Arthur at the beginning, in the young year,..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
The second part of the story begins by recalling the setting of the first part when Arthur gathered his court for the holiday feast. In context, “hansel” means a gift to mark the start of an undertaking, in this case the beginning of a new year. “This hansel of adventures” is an implied metaphor, a figure of speech that describes one thing by implying that it is something else; Arthur’s “adventures” are described by implying that they are a gift to him.
A “rood” is a cross or a crucifix; unlike a cross, a crucifix depicts the crucifixion of Jesus with his body nailed to a cross. “By the rood” is an expression used here for emphasis.
"foul fox-fell; the fiend have the good ones!..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
In context, “foul” means offensive and disgusting, especially in regard to smell. “Fox-fell” refers to the pelt or coat cut off the fox. The passage, “the fiend have the good one,” is a jest, with “fiend” referring to the devil.
"The man was ware of the game, and warily abode;..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
“Ware of” is an archaic expression meaning “aware of.” The word “game” refers to animals or birds hunted for food or sport, in this case the fox. In context, “warily” means cautiously, alertly, or watchfully, and “abode” means waited or stayed.
"Then he shrives him cleanly and shows his misdeeds, both the more and the less, beseeches mercy, and begs for absolution...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
The passage relates to the sacrament of confession in the Catholic church through which sinners are reconciled with God by confessing their sins to a priest and receiving absolution or forgiveness. In context, “shrives” means that Gawain presents himself to the priest for confession.
"and oft he reeled in again, so wily was Reynard...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
The fox cleverly zigzagged through the terrain making it harder to catch him. “Wily” means skilled at gaining an advantage, especially by being devious.
"the ticklers were at his tail so that he could not tarry...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
“Ticklers” refers to the hunters and the dogs who pursue the fox very closely, making it impossible for him to “tarry,” meaning to linger or stay in one place.
"Wondrous fair was the field, for the frost still lingered. The sun rose in a rack of ruddy red, and drove all the clouds from the welkin..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
“Rack” is an archaic word that describes clouds driven by the wind. The passage creates a visual image of the countryside on a frosty winter morning as the sun rises in a cloudless sky.
"the tale of the girth37 and the length of the wild swine..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
In the context of the passage, which describes the size of the boar, “girth” seems to refer to the width or bulk of the swine, as opposed to the length of his body.
"the brawn in fine broad shields, and has out the hastlets..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
“Brawn” is a British word for the flesh of a boar. “Shields” are most likely slabs of meat, while “hastlets” are particular cuts of meat, possibly those that are especially desirable.
In context, “manifold” means so-called for many good reasons. In relation to the beginning of the sentence, Gawain is saying that for him to try to explain “true love” would rightfully be called “folly,” a foolish act, for many reasons.
"Full oft he bides at bay, and maims the pack in the mêlée...."See in text(Fytte the Third)
When confronted with the baying hunting hounds, the boar “bides,” meaning that he stays or remains in place; he chooses to fight the hounds, rather than retreat. “Maims” refers to wounding or injuring so severely as to cause permanent damage; “mêlée” is the French translation of “melee,” meaning a confused, disordered fight.
"the chine, and corbie’s fee..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
“Chine” refers to an animal’s backbone. A “corbie” is a bird—a raven, crow, or rook. “Corbie’s fee” refers to internal parts of the deer that humans won’t eat and give to the birds instead.
The use of the word “weasand” dates to some time before the 12th century in England. It refers to the gullet or esophagus through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach.
"the eaves of the linden wood..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
As “eaves” is used here, it means the projecting edge of a hill. “Linden wood” refers to a forested area made up of linden trees; the wood of linden trees is light and fine-grained.
"shot and alighted full oft..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
In context, “alighted” means dismounted from a horse; “full oft” means very often. The lord’s hunting was very successful; often after shooting an arrow, he got off his horse to claim the deer he had killed.
"pestered at the heights, and worried at the waters..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
In context, “pestered” means besieged and tormented, and “worried” means chased and frightened. The phrase indicates that the deer could not escape the hunters, who pursued them on the high ground and by the streams in the valley.
"the harts with the high head go their way, the wild bucks..."See in text(Fytte the Third)
Harts are adult male deer, especially red deer over five years old; having a “high head” most likely refers to having large antlers. “Wild bucks” refers to all male deer.
“Trackers,” also called “beaters,” were men who assisted the hunters by driving game into the open when the animals sought refuge in the woods or undergrowth.
"Cursed be cowardice and covetousness both! In you is villainy and vice, that destroy virtue...."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
“Covetousness” is the fervent desire or craving to possess another person’s property to which one has no right. “You” refers to “cowardice and covetousness.” “Villainy” and “vice” are similar in meaning; “villainy” is wicked or evil behavior, while “vice” is defined as wicked or sinful behavior.
"knits both brow and lip..."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
The phrase describes the expression on the Green Knight’s face. To “knit one’s brow” refers to drawing the eyebrows together in concentrated thought; it also suggests frowning, which is supported by the reference to his lip. The look on the Green Knight’s face indicates intensity and concentration.
"as he feinted, the ever doughty one..."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
“Feinted” means moved in a deceptive way while pretending to deliver a blow. The
“ever doughty one” refers to Gawain, describing him as always courageous.
"He set the steel shaft to the stone and stalked beside it...."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
The passage means that the Green Knight lowered the axe and placed its head against the stony ground, as if it were a walking stick. As “stalked” is used here, it means walked in an angry manner, striding toward his intended destination.
"a Danish axe new dight,..."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
“Danish axe” refers to an early type of battle axe, also called an English long axe, used in combat during the years between the Viking Age and the early Middle Ages. In context, “dight” means made ready for use.
"Now I feel in my five wits it is the fiend that has made this bargain with me, to destroy me here...."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
“Fiend” is a common literary allusion to the devil. Gawain now suspects that the Green Knight is Satan himself. The passage illustrates the motifs of magic and supernatural events found in many Arthurian tales, motifs which are introduced in Fytte the First with the beheading of the Green Knight.
"if it pleases thee to lose thy life, I shall not let nor hinder thee...."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
In context, “let” means to give opportunity to. The servant is saying that he will not help Gawain in losing his life, nor will he obstruct Gawain in doing it.
"monk or mass-priest..."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
A “monk” is a member of a religious order who takes a vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience and lives apart from society, dedicating themselves to prayer and contemplation. “Mass-priest” refers to a Catholic priest who celebrates mass for a congregation.
“Gilt” refers to gold leaf, gold beaten into a thin sheet used for ornamenting or “gilding” objects. Like the rest of Gawain’s armor, the pieces of armor on his feet are gilded.
"his harness, that had been well kept, both mail and plate,..."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
Gawain’s “harness” is his suit of armor; “mail” refers to chainmail, and “plate” refers to metal plates of armor worn under the chainmail that provided greater protection.
"By each cock that crew he knew well the hour...."See in text(Fytte the Fourth)
“Crew” is the past tense of the verb “to crow.” This is another reference in the story to marking the time by the crowing of roosters in the hours just before dawn.
