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Home , Book of Chivalry, Gawain, Geoffrey of Monmouth, Hoel, King Arthur, Mordred

Susan Rojas

Malory’s : Characterizing Fragmentation and Unification

Aquila – The FGCU Student Research Journal Volume 2 Issue 1 (2016)

DOI 10.24049/aq.2.1.5

© 2016 Rojas

Distributed under Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0

OPEN ACCESS Aquila - The FGCU Student Research Journal

0DORU\¶V*DZDLQ&KDUDFWHUL]LQJ)UDJPHQWDWLRQDQG8QL¿FDWLRQ Susan Rojas: English In Geoffrey of ’s The History of the Kings that “Britains were better at boasting and making threats” of Britain, Gawain1 is portrayed as a respected warrior WKDQ ¿JKWLQJ DQG FXWV RII KLV KHDG LJQLWLQJ WKH FODVK and brave and valiant . His leadership in battle is between the Romans and Britains (241). This incident without question, and his troops are successful under his is also found in the Alliterative Morte (1263-76, 1352- command. The Quest of the , however, paints a 1354), and in both texts, after the beheading Gawain leads very different picture. This Gawain is much less noble, a his men skillfully, holding their own until reinforcements “bad and faithless” knight (77) so concerned with earthly arrive (Alliterative 1368-1405, Geoffrey 242). adventure and glory he cannot realize this spiritual lack In both The History and the Alliterative Morte, Gawain’s will cause him to fail in his quest. In what might be abilities as knight and leader are common knowledge described as a blend of the two, Sir ’s among his opponents, who savor the opportunity to Le Morte Darthur limns a very different Gawain, taking engage with him. Geoffrey does not stint in his praise of threads from The Quest, the Alliterative Morte Arthure, Gawain, stating “No better than and Gawain and the French The Death of King and intertwining have ever been born down the ages” (254), and calling them. When this Gawain dies, he has arguably become him “fearless” and “the bravest of all the knights,” as he a more honorable, noble, and introspective character “decimated the enemy” (254). These superlatives not only than the one found in either Geoffrey or The Quest. A GH¿QH*DZDLQ¶VDELOLWLHVEXWDOVRSODFHKLPDVDNQLJKW comparison of these sources with Le Morte Darthur of the highest order.2 Additionally, Geoffrey takes care to suggests that Malory employs aspects of several versions recount how easily Gawain orders his troops, as well as RIWKH*DZDLQFKDUDFWHUDYDLODEOHLQWKH¿IWHHQWKFHQWXU\ KRZVXFFHVVIXOO\WKH\¿JKWXQGHUKLVFRPPDQGREVHUYLQJ to skillfully renew and resituate the knight. Although re- “[Gawain’s troops] agreed to what he proposed. They all establishing Gawain as honorable and noble at the end of turned back and each of them killed his man” (242). He 0DORU\¶V ERRN UHÀHFWV D KRSH IRU UHVROXWLRQ RI FRQÀLFW notes that Lucius, commander of the Roman troops, is and forgiveness in the face of the disintegration of the ³NHHQ´WR¿JKWKDQGWRKDQGZLWK*DZDLQDQG³UHMRLFHG , the process also shows loyalty and valor that his opponent was so famous a man” (254). Although as attributes able to cut both ways: they may heal, but in Geoffrey’s history Lucius “fell dead, pierced through they may also harm, revealing through the fellowship by an unknown hand” (256), his pleasure in battling with of the knights the essence of Malory’s Arthurian world. Gawain makes clear that Gawain’s status as warrior knight ZDVVROLGDQGKLVUHSXWDWLRQIRU¿JKWLQJZHOONQRZQE\KLV GAWAIN IN GEOFFREY AND THE foes. This fame is echoed in the Alliterative Morte, where $//,7(5$7,9(0257(±9$/,$17.1,*+7 the knight is deemed “Sir Gawain the Good” (1368) and $1'67521*())(&7,9(/($'(5 “Sir Gawain the Gracious” (1468); it also chronicles the Critics disagree about evaluating Gawain in a positive ease with which Gawain dispatches the enemy and how or negative light, but clearly, labelling him as either/ ZHOOKHFRQGXFWVKLPVHOIRQWKH¿HOG  RUGRHVQRWUHÀHFWDOODVSHFWVRIKLVFKDUDFWHU³9LOODQ\´ 1368-75). The poet recounts Lucius taunting Gawain to and “troublemaker” are words sometimes associated with ¿JKWKLP³:KDWZLOOWKRX:DZDLQ":RUNIRUWK\ZHSHQ"´ Gawain, yet so are descriptions such as “complex” and (2223); it does not appear they exchange blows, as Lionel “a valiant knight of great achievement, who can be both dispatches the commander (2226-29), but the fact that magnanimous and diplomatic” (McCarthy 12-13). To /XFLXV ZRXOG EH ³NHHQ´ DQG GHVLURXV RI ¿JKWLQJ ZLWK understand Malory’s Gawain, it is necessary to look at his Gawain is another indication of his respect and renown. direct source, the Alliterative Morte Arthure, as well as To battle a knight with no fame would bring no , the book from which the Alliterative ultimately derives its but engaging one known for bravery and prowess positive account of the knight, ’s brings the possibility of greater glory and knightly status. The History of the Kings of Britain. Geoffrey’s Gawain is THE GAWAIN OF “THE QUEST” AND THE brave, commanding, and heroic; Thomas Hahn speaks of FRENCH DEATH OF ARTHUR - LOYAL, BUT his importance, noting the knight’s “stirring exploits” and “UNLUCKY” “preeminent role” (“Chivalric” 218-219). In The History, Gawain is one of Arthur’s high-ranking emissaries sending The Quest of the Holy Grail differs from Geoffrey and an ultimatum to Lucius Hiberius and his Roman troops: the Alliterative Morte in that the author implies Gawain OHDYH *DXO RU ¿JKW IRU SRVVHVVLRQ RI WKH ODQG *DZDLQ is not a knight to be emulated, despite his loyalty to however, takes offense when Lucius’s nephew mutters the king and desire for chivalric adventure3. Gawain’s 1 Throughout, I will use the spelling “Gawain” as it is found in 2 The “scale of merit” in Geoffroi de Charny’s Book of the cited editions of Geoffrey, The Quest, and the French Death. .DHXSHU GHVFULEHVVXFFHVVDQGYDORULQDFWXDOFRQÀLFWDVWKHDSH[ The spelling of the knight’s name is highly inconsistent in both the of knightly attainment. Geoffrey’s and the Alliterative poet’s accounts Alliterative Morte and Malory, so for the ease of both author and of Gawain in battle show he earns this level of recognition. reader, I have selected a commonly used form. 3 In endnotes to his translation of The Quest, P.M.Matarasso also

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military prowess and leadership are not described, but when Gawain and Hector encounter a hermit who tells his allegiance to Arthur is displayed early on through his them they are “most heinous sinners” and since they are obeying the command to attempt to draw the sword in in “mortal sin” should leave the quest (174). Gawain in the stone. Although Gawain originally will not make an particular is told he is an “old tree” who has done “little attempt, after Arthur says “You shall try all the same… enough for [his] Maker” since he was knighted (175). His not to win the sword, but because I ask it” (Quest 35), response, that he would “gladly” talk with the hermit, the knight immediately does, and fails. tells but has to catch up with his companion (175), once more him he will regret the action, but Gawain replies he was shows his lack of concern for the condition of his soul and only following Arthur’s command, regardless of the spiritual life; his priorities are catching up with Hector and outcome (36), displaying the attributes of a good knight seeking adventure. The exchange not only foregrounds who obeys his king’s wishes despite the threat of personal Gawain “as the outstanding instance of relentless harm.4 It is perhaps this loyalty to Arthur and his court, devotion to physical exertion and knightly honor,” but as well as his desire for “adventure…the raison d’être of also “pays tribute to his unique stature and broad celebrity the kingdom at peace” (McCarthy 11), which prompts as the knight of adventure” (Hahn, “Chivalric” 220). *DZDLQWREHWKH¿UVWWRYROXQWHHUIRUWKH4XHVW 4XHVW Clearly, Gawain’s status and “celebrity” are not good 44). He certainly recognizes this adventure as primarily enough for the author of The Quest. Its Gawain episodes an opportunity for gaining personal glory and honor, surround the knight with settings and situations that yet participating will also bring prestige to the name of underscore his poor spiritual condition, as well as the Arthur and the Round Table (Hahn, “Romances” 2). idea that he is unworthy of and unable to understand the Arthur, however, sees the situation in a different light, sacred. In an “ancient chapel, set on an upland in between lamenting and accusing Gawain of “a mortal blow, for two crags, and seemingly abandoned and deserted” (163), you have deprived me of the best and truest companions Gawain and Hector unarm, kneel before the altar, and DPDQFRXOG¿QG´ 4XHVW *DZDLQZRXOGWKHQKDYH pray “as good Christians should,” then sit and “chat…of reneged on his promise, but “the occasion had been too this and that” (164). Their actions imply the poverty of public to permit it” (45), the implication being that his their faith, as it is clear that they go through the motions pride would not let him -- although Arthur’s unexpected RQO\ UDWKHU WKDQ WDNLQJ SUD\HUV WR KHDUW ZLWK UHÀHFWLRQ retort may also have caused him some guilt and shame. and meditation, they pray “as [they] should,” then fall Gawain’s decision not to go back on his vow helps into idle conversation. Gawain and Hector also choose to reveal the complexity of the character: a man of his shelter with a forester, rather than with a hermit (175), word, but somewhat “proud and frivolous” (Lacy & Ashe one of the only times in the text that questing knights do 136), foreshadowing both his failure in the Quest and not lodge in a castle, hermitage, or chapel. Per the OED, (by extension) his failure to be a solid and noble knight. D IRUHVWHU LV ³DQ RI¿FHU KDYLQJ FKDUJH RI D IRUHVW DOVR The Quest shows Gawain to be willfully ignorant of one who looks after the growing timber on an estate…. spiritual matters, resulting in his utter failure to complete In poetical and romantic use sometimes a huntsman.”5 the Quest. As he starts out, he cannot understand why This is certainly a different sort of host than a holy man he encounters no marvels or adventures, unable to grasp or gentlewoman, and very apparently a commentary WKLV DV D UHÀHFWLRQ RI KLV VSLULWXDO SRYHUW\ DQG ¿QDOO\ on the earthly, non-spiritual life of the two knights. deciding he is just “unlucky” (Quest 76). The author of 7RWKHFKLYDOULFPLQGKRZHYHU³KRQRXULVQRW¿QDOO\ The Quest uses this conclusion to point out Gawain’s the same thing as moral goodness,” but the mark of a less-than-acceptable life, and that even worse, he feels successful knight (Benson, “Defence” 270). This idea no remorse for his spiritual lack. Called “henchman to aligns well with the character of Gawain as a whole: he the enemy” as he has “abused his knighthood” by doing is what he is, and content to remain that way. The knight deeds for earthly fame rather than God’s glory (79), the adamantly refuses to do penance, as he feels there is implication is that Gawain is unworthy of experiencing nothing wrong with his manner of life and sees no need the marvelous adventures that more worthy knights for it. This denunciation of Gawain as too concerned with such as Perceval, , and even Lancelot, encounter. A earthly pride and adventure is driven home in The Quest who overhears Gawain comment that he hopes to through his wounding by (208) -- the overly accompany Galahad reproves him, calling him “a bad worldly knight’s participation brought to a close by the and faithless servant” (77); whether in assent, sarcasm, or holiest and most perfect. Gawain, however, merely muses ironic resistance, Gawain replies “I deduce you know me that his injury by Galahad’s sword was prophesied after well” (77), giving the impression that he is aware of his his attempt at the sword in the stone (208); he shows no failings, but does not care. This theme comes up again recognition that his Quest is actually ended by his sinful state and refusal to repent. Gawain’s involvement with the makes mention of Gawain’s “generosity of mind” and quickness to commend others, stating the knight’s “human qualities” are brought tale is over, and the last reference to him is an inscription on forth in the tale to stress the “inadequacy of the courtly ideal” (294, n. Baudemagus’s tomb that states he was “slain by Gawain” 45). 4 Hahn likens Gawain’s obedience to a “good ‘son’” “unwilling to challenge the fatherly authority of the king” (“Chivalric” 223). (QWU\VKRZVDVGDWHRI¿UVWXVDJH

34 Aquila - The FGCU Student Research Journal

(268). Gawain’s last mention in The Quest is therefore VLQV7KLVFRQFHSWLVUHÀHFWHGLQ-LOO0DQQ¶VREVHUYDWLRQ related to a reckless death, bringing full circle the text’s that a knight’s body is symbolic of the Grail, as well as her conception of him as a knight “in mortal sin” (Quest 174). statement that a “knight’s bodily exploits are the vehicle Although not as concerned with the spiritual aspect through which his spiritual worth is realized” (208). In of the knight, in similar fashion the French Death paints light of her argument, Malory’s Gawain is not a “bad, a picture of Gawain as sinful and shameful. In the faithless” knight, but rather one who repeatedly proves his opening pages, the tale uses his own words to accuse him, worth through bodily trial and privation. Fiona Tolhurst immediately labelling the knight as a source of dishonor suggests that since neither the hermit nor Nacien, two holy to the Round Table. From the start, Arthur shows his men who admonish Gawain for his spiritual lack, refutes scorn of Gawain’s recklessness, admonishing him for his Gawain’s rejection of penance and excuse of knightly killing of other Round Table knights during the Quest. peril, it can be posited his words gain their “blessing” The knight numbers these deaths at eighteen, citing it and agreement. In this way, the character of Gawain is as a “misfortune” “through his sin,” and stating “You somewhat redeemed and improved (141), and as part of the have made me reveal my shame” (23-4). This portrayal character’s arc, also creates tension regarding what exactly continues, presenting Gawain as a would-be seducer of GH¿QHVDJRRGNQLJKWSLHW\RUFKLYDOULFKRQRUDQGOR\DOW\ a damsel who turns out to be in love with Lancelot (“He Questions regarding the relationship of honor and drew back embarrassed and regretful for what he had said loyalty to familial ties and the chivalric code are at the to the girl, because he was frightened that Lancelot might core of Malory’s “The Deth of Arthur,” which shows ¿QG RXW´ >@  DQG DOWKRXJK KLV PRWLYHV IRU NHHSLQJ not only how these responsibilities overlap and interact, his knowledge of Lancelot and from the king but how they may clash. Gawain is at the center of the DUHJRRG  $UWKXU¶VUHMRLQGHUDSSHDUVWRUHÀHFWWKH maelstrom, his knightly oath of chivalry brought sharply author’s own ideas concerning Gawain: “Gawain…depart XS DJDLQVW OR\DOW\ WR EORRG DQG NLQ $W ¿UVW *DZDLQ from here, because you are a man I shall never trust again. defends Lancelot’s actions in rescuing Gwenyver, saying You have behaved badly towards me” (112). As in The “for oftyntymys we do many thyngs that we wene for Quest, the French Death seems intent to present Gawain the beste be, and yet peradventure hit turnyth to the as a frivolous knight living in shame and dishonor, warste” (655.22-24): a declaration which can arguably concerned only with worldly adventure and glory. EH FDOOHG *DZDLQ¶V GH¿QLQJ VWDWHPHQW +LV ODWHU UHIXVDO to allow Arthur to make peace with Lancelot, however, GAWAIN IN MALORY’S “THE SANKGREAL” can be viewed as either a stance of great loyalty to kin AND “THE DETH OF ARTHUR” or a stubborn, willful move, lacking in the forgiveness Much like The Quest and the French Death, Malory and mercy a knight is bound to display6. Either way, portrays Gawain as a man of adventure and knightly this debate effaces the original advice Gawain gives . He is essentially the same knight, but not Arthur: “to nat be over hasty, but that ye wolde put hit in portrayed as overly sinful, since Malory presents the respite, thys jougemente of my lady the Quene, for many chivalric life as penance unto itself. His Gawain also causis” (Malory 655.10-11), and it has been suggested seeks “’worshyp’ or honour,” gains inextricably linked to that the king’s failure to consider the “wise counsel of “appearance and stance,” through his “public expression of GHOD\ DQG GHOLEHUDWLRQ´ *DZDLQ ¿UVW SURYLGHV DVVLJQV personal obligation” (Benson, “Defence” 270), but rather KLPD³VLJQL¿FDQWPHDVXUHRIEODPH´IRUWKHGHYDVWDWLRQ than being shown as willfully ignorant of the state of his to come (Kelly 131). Despite this, Gawain is effectively soul, this Gawain appears to achieve penitential cleansing caught between his responsibilities to family blood and through his perilous life of adventure and his station as Arthur’s brotherhood. Originally, Gawain states Lancelot loyal, respected knight. In “The Sankgreal,” Gawain’s would not kill his brother (658.32-38), as there loyalty to Arthur is once more displayed through his was deep respect and love between them; Lancelot made attempting the sword in the stone (499.1-3), and again, his Gareth a knight (624.3), so they act as mentor and novice. EHLQJ¿UVWWRYRZKLV4XHVWFDXVHV$UWKXUWRODPHQWDQG In Gawain’s own words, “I dare say my brother loved hym charge Gawain with “betraying” him (505.3). Gawain is bettir than me and all hys brethirn and the Kynge bothe” still called “wycked and synfull” by a hermit and advised (658.33-34), and “no man shall make hym be ayenste Sir to do penance (515.13-14), but where the Gawain of The Lancelot, bycause he made hym kniyght” (623.14-15). Quest replies “the hardships of penance would be more Aware of the strong bond between Lancelot and Gareth, than he could brook” (80), in Malory, he declares “Nay…I Gawain cannot accept the possibility that Lancelot did not may do no penaunce, for we knyghtes adventures many recognize Gareth and accidentally killed him. Gawain is W\PHV VXI¿U JUHWH ZRR DQG SD\QH´   ,Q KLV unable to fathom this as anything but an act of heinous tale, Malory paints a picture of a knight who needs not be murder, an intentional killing of apprentice by master, FRQFHUQHGZLWKVSLULWXDOGHYHORSPHQWDVKLVOLIHLV¿OOHG and therefore feels obligated as both chivalric knight ZLWKVDFUL¿FHDQGSHQDQFHDQGZKREHOLHYHVLQD*RGWKDW 6 Benson points out that “because his brothers were noncombatants recognizes these sufferings as recompense for knightly and unarmed, Gawain is honour bound to revenge them, regardless of mitigating factors” (“Defence” 271).

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and Gareth’s blood kin to respond accordingly. It has its associated spiral of destruction. Desiring forgiveness, been argued that “it is in pursuit of the knightly worship Lancelot comes to court and states he would rather have he praises in Lancelot that Gawain becomes the other’s killed his nephew Bors than Gareth (661.28-29), recounts mortal enemy” and “[Gawain] must now oppose Lancelot his previous rescue of Gawain (667.32-38), and returns to retain his own honour” (Benson, “End”232). It must the Queen to Arthur (670.10-24). During these encounters, be noted, however, that Arthur’s stated code of chivalry Gawain calls him a “false and recrayde knight” (661.12), requires a knight “to gyff mercy unto hym that askith threatens to leave Arthur if he reconciles with Lancelot mercy” (77.28-29), something Gawain is not prepared to (668.43-44), and is the only dry eye in court when Lancelot do in the case of Lancelot (despite repeated pleas), so it is VD\VKLV¿QDOJRRGE\HV  5DWKHUWKDQPDNLQJ GLI¿FXOWWRUXOHRXWWKHLGHDRIYHQJHDQFHIRUWKHVSLOOLQJ a courtly challenge, Malory’s Gawain taunts Lancelot of familial blood7. Benson also points out that Gawain’s LQWRKDQGWRKDQGFRQÀLFWLQVXOWLQJKLPZLWKVOXUVVXFK “extreme sorrow may be caused as much by the revenge as “false traytour,” and “cowarde,” to the point Lancelot he must take against his old comrade as by his brothers’ must answer or “be shamed forever” (675.10-15). deaths” (“Defence” 272). This implies that overwhelming The fact that Arthur shifts responsibility for the confusion and frustration in making the correct response FRQÀLFWZLWK/DQFHORWRQWR*DZDLQLVLQWHUHVWLQJDVKH may well contribute to Gawain’s intransigence and had foreseen the knight’s role in the disintegration of the stubbornness; due to the complexity of the situation, once Round Table. After Gawain’s vow begins the quest for the he has decided, he has no other option but to stay the course. Grail, Arthur exclaims “Ye have sette me in grete sorrow Gawain’s insistence on revenge is also seen in the for I have grete doute that my trew felyshyp shall never French Death, although Gawain holds a lesser role in mete here more agayne” (504.3-5) and “Ye have betrayed requiring Arthur’s participation and vengeance, and does me! For never shall my courte be amended by you. But ye not goad Lancelot quite as heavily as in Malory’s text. will never be so sory for me as I am for you” (505.3-5). This creates a subtle difference between the knight in the In these prophetic words, Arthur implies Gawain’s honor French and Malory’s character, perhaps revealing a desire and strong leadership will draw the others into the Quest, in Malory to preserve the relationship between Arthur while at the same time expressing his great love and respect and Lancelot. There are only two mentions of Gawain’s for the knight. Arthur seems to recognize with trepidation LQÀXHQFHRQ$UWKXULQWKH)UHQFK  DGHWDLO the strength in Gawain, a fortitude that ultimately leads to endowing the knight with an understated, yet powerful, the recalcitrance that drives Lancelot from court; but his and strength. At one point, Arthur allows Gawain DOORZLQJWKHNQLJKWVXFKLQÀXHQFHDOVRVXJJHVWVWKHNLQJ to tell Lancelot to leave the country, stating “Because that sees nobility in his reasoning. Despite this, Arthur appears is what Gawain desires…it is what I want too” (150). to understand the unity of the Fellowship will be irreparably This deferral, even as an indication of indecisiveness or broken, and wants Gawain through his love and loyalty to unwillingness to act on the part of the king, indicates the feel accountable. He attempts to shift responsibility for the respect Arthur has for Gawain’s leadership and status. In situation onto Gawain, although the disintegration of the fact, it seems Gawain is given free rein of the situation, Round Table is set in motion by the very ideals the king as the French text notes the knight’s “incitement” and has put at its core, such as his own attempt to uphold the that “the king would never have become involved if Sir integrity of his name and court against the adultery of his Gawain had not compelled him” (155); this could describe queen, Lancelot’s perceived obligations to Gwenyvere, either a king handing off a situation that has no good and Gawain’s struggle to appropriately answer the UHVROXWLRQRUDPRQDUFKOHWWLQJD¿HUFHDQGKHDGVWURQJ death of his brothers (Benson, “Defence” 270-271). knight have control because he knows no other way to ³7+('(7+2)*$:$,1´±25&+(675$7,1* handle him. Regardless of the reasons for his involvement HIS LEGACY and attitude, when Gawain comes to blows with Lancelot in the French, it is in polite, courtly fashion. The knight The death of Gawain is treated differently in the four texts. offers his gage to the king, and Lancelot responds in Although neither Geoffrey nor The Quest give Gawain a kind (176), giving the appearance of a less emotional, death scene, the French Death, Alliterative Morte, and and more measured Gawain: still commanding and Malory all allow the knight the opportunity to craft himself decisive, yet noble in his action and unyielding stance. a legend of honorable and chivalrous demise. It is unusual, At this point in Malory’s narrative a more brash and in light of Gawain’s importance and prowess in battle, childish Gawain appears, still decisive and unyielding that Geoffrey gives the knight’s death so little space in his but showing none of the measured nobility found in the narrative, stating only “Auguselus, the King of Albany, French tale. This Gawain seems a prime mover in the and Gawain, the King’s nephew, died that day, together fragmentation of Arthur’s brotherhood of knights and with many others too numerous to describe” (258). It is 7KRXJK/DQFHORWGRHVQRWVSHFL¿FDOO\FDOOIRU³PHUF\´KHUHSHDWHGO\ notable, however, that his name is listed alongside that asks for understanding and forgiveness (Malory 660-668). He reiterates that the killing of Gawain’s brothers was an accident, offers to do of the King of Albany, rather than consigned to the list penance, and restores Gwenyvere to Arthur. All is rejected by Gawain, of “many others too numerous to describe,” indicating even when Arthur seems open to resolution.

36 Aquila - The FGCU Student Research Journal

WKDWGHVSLWHWKHRPLVVLRQRIDGHDWKVFHQH*HRIIUH\¿QGV both Arthur and , who is clearly named as his Gawain to be a knight of note and honor whose passing killer (3840-63). Gawain’s encountering the traitor in merits mention. Hahn claims that Geoffrey’s Gawain close combat underscores his bravery, loyalty to Arthur, “leads [Arthur’s] forces against his brother Mordred, by and willingness to die defending the king and his realm; whom he is killed” (“Chivalric” 219), but as the passage his death at the hands of the traitorous villain is portrayed on page 258 demonstrates, the text does not assign anyone as valiant and honorable, and the lines surrounding and credit for Gawain’s decease. From earlier descriptions of following the event are elegiac and laudatory. The level his importance as a capable knight known for hardiness of Mordred’s grief is further indication of Gawain’s and valor, the lack of details surrounding Gawain’s high standing in the Alliterative, as it is unique to the GHPLVHPD\UHÀHFW*HRIIUH\¶VIRFXVRQWKHVXFFHVVLRQRI text (Hahn, “Chivalric” 221). Mordred weeps (3886), kings who ruled Britain; recounting the death of even a calls Gawain “makless in molde” (3875), “hardiest in highly respected knight may not have seemed necessary. hand” (3878), and even seems to repent his own treason: In the French Death, however, Gawain’s demise is When he thought on this thing it thirled his given lengthy treatment, allowing him to craft a legend herte; For sake of his sib-blood sighand he rides of his own noble death at the hands of Lancelot, rather When that renayed renk remembered himselve WKDQ WKH 5RPDQV RU 0RUGUHG :KHQ WKH\ ¿QDOO\ PHHW Of reverence and riotes of the Round Table, RQ WKH ¿HOG /DQFHORW EHVWV DQG JULHYRXVO\ ZRXQGV WKH He romed and repent him of all his rewth workes, knight but refuses to kill him (183-5); Gawain then lingers Rode away with his rout, restes he no lenger, after this wound is aggravated in battle with the Romans For rade of our rich king, rive that he sholde. (3390-96)  8QDEOHWR¿JKWDJDLQVW0RUGUHGKHFRXQVHOVWKH Arthur’s grief is expressed in tears (3950) and swoons King to call for Lancelot’s aid against the traitor (194). (3969) as he embraces the corpse; he exclaims Gawain was $OWKRXJKKLVLQDELOLW\WR¿JKWUREV*DZDLQRIVRPHRIKLV “…the hope of my hele, my happing in armes” (3958) and prestige as heroic knight, it allows for his transition into cries “I am utterly undone in mine owen landes!” (3966). the role of mediator, as well as his movement toward the Although Mordred may emphasize Gawain’s honor in ¿QDOVDOYDWLRQWKDWWUDQVIRUPVKLPIURPHDUWKO\FKLYDOULF order to elevate his own accomplishment in killing him, NQLJKWWRIRUJLYHQVRXO,QKLV¿QDOPRPHQWV*DZDLQDFWV Arthur’s reaction reveals the respect and love he felt for this according to chivalric oath, urging mercy for Lancelot knight, a man he loved as a relative and counted on in battle. and calling on the Christian concept of forgiveness and Malory’s death of Gawain helps to resituate the knight, loving one’s enemy. He names Lancelot “the noblest man as he is again provided the opportunity to explain and I have ever seen” (193), reiterates Lancelot’s love for elaborate on the sequence of events leading to his mortal Arthur (193, 194), and blames his own death on his own wound. The narrative states afresh that Lancelot wounds “foolishness” (200). As Gawain dies, he repeats that the Gawain twice in the same spot, but both times refuses original wound he received from Lancelot, aggravated by to kill a fallen knight (676.43, 678.32-35). This again the Romans, caused his demise (200), giving the prestige sets up Gawain’s ability to claim he indirectly caused of killing a beloved knight to Lancelot. This insistence his own death, for after the battle against Mordred and that his death resulted from his own actions and blows to his men, Malory’s Gawain is “founde in a greate boote, the site of his old wound attempts to bring honor and valor liynge more than half dede” and he explains to Arthur to his death, taking the glory from the hated Romans and he was “hurte and smitten upon myne olde wounde that treasonous Mordred. This way, it cannot be said Gawain Sir Lancelot gaff me” (681.12-13, 27-28). He insists he was slain by a traitor or miscreant, which would be a caused his own death through his own stubbornness, and dishonorable death; instead, he packages the narrative if Lancelot had been with Arthur, the with Mordred of his death to create a legend of warlike glory. Gawain would probably have been prevented (681.29-32). In a WKHQSXUJHVKLVVRXOWKURXJKKLV¿QDOZRUGV³-HVXV&KULVW detail unique to Malory, Gawain calls for pen, ink, and Father, do not judge me by my sins” (200), through these paper, and writes to Lancelot apologizing for his actions, acts becoming a knight who dies a good death. The tale asking him to return to Arthur’s defense, and requests states that upon Gawain’s loss Arthur felt a “grief that his prayers at his tomb (681.43-682.29). In the letter, touched his heart more than any other; that was the grief Gawain repeatedly refers to “nobility,” attributing it to that did not allow him to rest day or night; that was the the knights attending both Arthur and Lancelot, to the grief that did not allow him to eat or drink” (194). This king, and to Lancelot himself; not only does this show not only underscores the importance of the knight as brave him to be good-hearted and gracious, it also reinforces ¿JKWHUEXWDOVRWKHUHVSHFWWKHNLQJKHOGIRUKLPRYHUDOO his status as he notes his valued and respected peers. The Alliterative Morte also makes clear through long Gawain again makes mention that he “sought [his] dethe, speeches and passages mourning his death that Gawain and nat thorow thy deservynge, but myne owne sekynge” was loved and respected even by his foes, and that those (682.6-7). He points out that the letter was written within who knew his loyalty felt his loss keenly. The knight’s two and a half hours of his death, and signs it using his death is met in the with horrible, tangible grief by “harte blood” (682.25-27), symbolizing the sincerity

37 Rojas DOI 10.24049/aq.2.1.5

and truth of his words of forgiveness, culpability for his Lancelot and Arthur still apparent, allowing Gawain to own death, and plea for Lancelot to come to the aid of WDNH WKH ¿UVW WHQWDWLYH VWHSV WR UHFRQFLOLDWLRQ EULQJV WKH Arthur.8 In this scene, Malory takes characterizations of tale full circle, as his vow to begin the Quest, as well as nobility, love, and self-destructive acts from the French his recalcitrance toward Lancelot, largely contribute to the and builds on them, making them key to the redemption dissolution of the Fellowship. Rather than leave the reader and resituating of Gawain’s legacy as Christian knight with a sense of despair and total loss in the breaking up of and beloved member of the Round Table fellowship. such a strong and chivalric ideal, Malory evokes unity in WKHSHQXOWLPDWHOLQHEHIRUHKLV¿QDOSUD\HUVD\LQJZLWKD RENEWAL AND REDEMPTION IN MALORY sense of wonder and appreciation “when they were holé After his passing in the French Death, Gawain appears WRJ\GHUVWKHUHZDVHYHUDQKRQGUHGDQG>¿IW\@´  in a vision to Arthur, a scene of great importance to the 37). It may be argued that Malory ushers responsibility idea of his being forgiven and exalted. The knight appears and forgiveness into the tale through his redemption of “more handsome than [Arthur] had ever seen him” with Gawain, making it not only a of chivalry and “a crowd of poor people” who tell Arthur they “secured DGYHQWXUHEXWDOVRLQVWUXFWLRQDQGHGL¿FDWLRQ7RTXRWH the admission of…Gawain to the house of God because Caxton’s preface to his edition of Le Morte Darthur: “Do of his great generosity and charity” to them, telling after the good and leave the evil, and it shall bring you Arthur “if you follow his example you will be acting very to good fame and renommee” (3). If the reader, as well wisely” (204). Before the vision ends, Gawain counsels as kings and nobles, will practice Christian virtues and $UWKXU DJDLQVW ¿JKWLQJ 0RUGUHG 6HQW LQ D YLVLRQ IURP morality, much animosity and bloodshed may be avoided. God, surrounded by the poor and offering sage advice to CONCLUSION the king, it is irrefutable that Gawain has been redeemed and forgiven. The sinful and shameful knight found in the It is easy to see how Caxton’s interpretation of Le Morte opening chapter of the Death is cleansed and accepted Darthur might pertain to Malory’s life and any commentary by God – and apparently through his life of chivalry. he may have intended in compiling his book. Malory’s The salvation and redemption of Gawain also appears life was one bookended by war; born between 1415-1418 of great importance to Malory, along with the idea of during the Hundred Years’ War, and dying in 1471 during knightly chivalry as a form of penance: as in the French, the War of the Roses, he would have experienced only it is made clear the knight is both forgiven his sins and WKUHH\HDUV  ZLWKRXWZDURUFLYLOFRQÀLFW,WLV accepted into the everlasting. The dying Gawain is interesting that the Alliterative Morte sets Arthur’s battle “founde in a greate boote” (681.13), a notable detail, since with Lancelot in ; Malory’s shifting the scene to ERDWV ³RIWHQ ¿JXUH LQ PHGLHYDOOLWHUDWXUHDV V\PEROV RI )UDQFHPD\UHÀHFWKLVOLYLQJWKURXJKWKH+XQGUHG

38 Aquila - The FGCU Student Research Journal to Arthur. Rather than the earthly, sinful Gawain who fails in The Quest or the brash, easily angered knight found Krueger, Roberta L., Ed. The Cambridge Companion to HDUOLHU LQ 0DORU\¶V WDOH WKLV ¿QDO VFHQH EULQJV *DZDLQ Medieval Romance. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2000. closer to the knight found in Geoffrey and the Alliterative Print. Morte: bravely facing death and remaining valiant in the face of a new, unknown adventure, yet loved and respected Lacy, Norris J. “The Evolution and Legacy of French enough in position to counsel both mercy and forgiveness. Prose Romance.” Krueger 167-182. This Gawain, brave negotiator of peace, becomes more than a character -- he appears to embody the hopes of a man Lacy, Norris J. and . The Arthurian Handbook. who lived through too many years of war and civil strife. New York and : Garland Publishing, Inc., 1988. Print. WORKS CITED Leitch, Megan G. Romancing Treason: The Literature of Archibald, Elizabeth and A.S.G. Edwards, Ed. A the of the Roses. : Oxford UP, 2015. Print. Companion to Malory. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer, 1996. Print. Malory, Sir Thomas. Le Morte Darthur. Ed. H. A. Shepherd. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2003. Print. The Alliterative Morte Arthure. Ed. Larry D. Benson, Rev. Edward E. Foster. Kalamazoo: Medieval Institute Mann, Jill. “Malory and the Grail Legend.” Archibald and Publications, 1994. TEAMS Texts. Web. Edwards 203-220. 7 November 2015. McCarthy, Terence. An Introduction to Malory. Benson, C. . “Gawain’s Defence of Cambridge: D.S. Brewer, 1988, reprint 1994.Print. Lancelot in Malory’s ‘Death of Arthur.’” Modern Language Review Vol. 78, Issue 2 (Apr The Quest of the Holy Grail. Trans. P. M. Matarasso. 1983): 267-272. Web. 9 Oct 2015. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1969, reprint 2005. Print.

“The Ending of the Morte Darthur.” Archibald and Tohurst, Fiona. “Slouching Towards Bethlehem: Edwards 221-238. Secularized Salvation in Le Morte Darthur.” Malory and : Essays on Sir Thomas Caxton, William. “Preface to Morte Darthur.” Malory’s Morte Darthur. Ed. D. Thomas wwnorton.com. W.W. Norton & Company, Hanks, Jr, and Janet Jesmok. Kalamazoo: Inc., n.d. Web. 9 Dec 2015. Medieval Institute Publications, 2013. Print.

The Death of . Trans. James Cable. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1971. Print.

“Forester.” The Oxford English Dictionary, 2015. OED Online. Web. 21 Nov 2015.

Geoffrey of Monmouth. The History of the Kings of Britain. Trans. Lewis Thorpe. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1966. Print.

Hahn, Thomas. “Gawain and Popular in Britain.” Krueger 218-233. “Sir Gawain, Eleven Romances and Tales: General Introduction.” Sir Gawain: Eleven Romances and Tales. Kalamazoo: Medieval Institute Publications, 1995.

TEAMS Middle English Texts. Web. 11 Oct 2015. Kaeuper, Richard. “The Societal Role of Chivalry in Romance: Northwestern Europe.” Krueger 97-114.

Kelly, Robert L. “Malory and the Common Law: Hasty jougement in the ‘Tale of the Death of King Arthur.’” Medievalia et Humanistica n.s. 22 (1995): 111-140. Print.

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