Product Description

About this book - One of the greatest works of the Middle Ages, in a marveloustranslation Composed in the fourteenth century, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is as beloved as it is venerable, combining the hallmarks of medieval romancepageantry, chivalry, and courtly lovewith the charm of fairy tales and heroic sagas. When a mysterious green knight rides on horseback into King Arthurs court, interrupting a New Years feast, he issues a challenge: if any of King Arthurs men can behead him and he survives, then a year later he is entitled to return the strike. Sir Gawain takes up the challenge and decapitates the green knight, only to see him pick up his severed head and ride away, leaving Gawain to seek him out to fulfill their pact. Blending Celtic myth and Christian faith, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a Middle English masterpiece of magic, chivalry, and seduction. Translated by J. R. R. Tolkien Reviews 'The introduction to Gawain is a little masterpiece.' Times Higher Educational Supplement 'This magnificent Arthurian tale of love, sex, honour, social tact, personal integrity and folk-magic is one of the greatest and most approachable narrative poems in the language. Tolkien's version makes it come triumphantly alive, a moving and consoling elegy.' Birmingham Post "Quite simply the best edition there is!"--Nancy P. Stork, Stanford University