Defiance Spelled in Old English Alphabet

In the midst of a seemingly innocuous Arthurian romance from the fourteenth century, lies a tale of dual testing for Sir Gawain by the enigmatic Green Knight. Dubbed 'How the Fox Was Slain, or, How Sir Gawain Was Not,' this story is replete with moments that challenge our understanding of the characters and their motivations.

One such moment arises when we examine the pronunciation of Sir Gawain's name. The original author alliterated on the letter 'G,' suggesting a stress on the first syllable. Lewis, in his vivid description, calls him Bercilak, while Simon Armitage's introduction to his translation offers an alternative perspective. Notably, C.S. Lewis himself is perplexed by the Green Knight's identity, which turns out to be Bertilak de Hautdesert.

The concept of a 'handle' – something to grasp or understand about another person – becomes crucial in this narrative. A knight who reveals his true identity offers others a handle, a means to comprehend him better. In our contemporary world, we may liken this to the security guard's apparatus, which grants us a sense of safety within a potentially perilous setting.

Forty years ago, the poem's most astute critic remarked on the irreversible shift that occurs when Sir Gawain learns not only the Green Knight's name but also his true identity. This revelation serves as a turning point in the tale, and one that underscores the significance of titles and labels. In the case of 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,' the very existence of a title provides more than just a purchase or understanding; it offers insight into the nature of the characters themselves.

Time, much like a governing body, bestows titles upon individuals and entities alike. As such, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight emerge as two figures whose identities are forever intertwined, their stories forever bound to each other in a dance of defiance and discovery.

Defiance spelled in old english alphabet