Character guide

Sir Gawain

major

Also known as Gawain, the good Sir Gawain, Sir Gawain the good, the good Gawain, Quoth Gawain

Arthur's courteous nephew, who takes up the Green Knight's monstrous dare when no other knight will, binding his honor to a blow he must one day repay.

The Green Knight

major

Also known as Green Knight, The Knight

A giant stranger who rides into Camelot's Christmas feast glowing all over green, offering a deadly game of blows that no knight dares refuse.

King Arthur

supporting

Also known as Arthur, the high King, The King, King Arthur the athel

Camelot's stalwart liege, who will not eat at a feast until some marvel of chivalry or knight-errantry has been told or dared before him.

Morgan le Fay

supporting

Also known as Morgan

Arthur's half-sister, a sorceress whose hidden hand shapes the marvel that rides into Camelot's hall, testing the Round Table's pride.

Bertilak de Hautdesert

major

Also known as the Knight, a fearsome master, Sir Knight

A hearty lord whose castle offers Gawain shelter and a strange exchange of winnings, while his hunting parties range the winter woods outside.

Lady Bertilak

supporting

The lord's beautiful wife, whose courteous attentions in the private chamber press Gawain's chivalry and chastity to their limits.

Queen Guinevere

minor

Also known as Queen Guenore

Arthur's queen, present at the New Year's feast in Camelot.

Gringolet

minor

Also known as Gringolet graith

Gawain's loyal horse, which he rides on his quest.

Bishop Baldwin

minor

Also known as Baldwin

A bishop present at Arthur's court during the feast.

Christ

minor

Referenced in oaths and prayers by characters in the poem.

Cuchulinn

minor

Also known as the Cuchulinn

Mythical Irish hero mentioned in the poem.

Gath

minor

A biblical or legendary figure briefly mentioned.

Mary

minor

The Virgin Mary, invoked by Gawain for protection.

Noah

minor

Biblical figure mentioned in the poem's allusions.

Felix Brutus

minor

Also known as Brutus

Legendary founder of Britain, referenced in the poem's opening.

Reynard

minor

The fox hunted by Bertilak during Gawain's stay.