Religion In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

Since the beginning of time, humans have always been looking for answers to questions about the universe. Queries about the beginning of humanity and thoughts about whether or not there was a divine creator, as well as questions about the possibility of a specific plan for creation are some of the issues that have been debated for centuries. The one thing that always emerges to explain all these questions is religion. There are thousands of different types of religions that provide answers to satisfy these questions - Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, to name a few. Religious beliefs have been explored in literature by authors who have written epics and great stories for many centuries and millenniums. The story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, whose author is unknown, is an example of the impact of religion and how it has been affected in the world of literature. It is evident that the author was influenced by Christianity from his use of moral virtues, biblical references and allusions throughout the story.

The Roman Empire fell to barbarian tribes in 476. The Roman Empire had lasted for many years and stabilized the European continent. What came about after the fall of Rome has been referred to as Medieval Times, or The Dark Ages. The days were very long and dark for many Europeans. Thousands turned to religion to help escape from the world. The Catholic Church flourished, and many writers were influenced by Christianity. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was written during this time.

The author of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was influenced by the Christian faith. There are numerous examples scattered throughout the text. One major piece of evidence is what is painted on Sir Gawain’s shield. ...

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...ts has recently come about from David N. Beauregard’s article. All the emblems that are attached the Green Knight signify the peace, martyrdom, and eternal life, and thus point to his identity as Christ (156). The green and gold colors that the Green Knight wears as well as other items point to the Green Knight representing Jesus. Many people find this hard to believe because the Green Knight carries an axe with him. In many eyes the axe signifies war and destruction but Beauregard argues something else. We also find the axe as an instrument of martyrdom in the iconology of St. Denis, who like the Green Knight, was decapitated with an axe, picked up his head, and walked away, a miracle which occurs with some seventy-four other saints (Beauregard 155). The axe appears to be a symbol of destruction but it was only a tool to show the martyrdom of the Green Knight.