Summary Of The Archetypal Roles In Sir Gawain And The...

Throughout history, archetypes have become increasingly common. In the medieval, chivalrous, romance narrative poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, archetypes are heavily displayed, particularly in the character of the Green Knight- who holds several archetypal roles himself. The Green Knight performs the most crucial archetypal roles in the reading and he plays a pivotal part in perfecting of the hero’s--Gawain’s--moral development and revealing some significant changes that occur in the hero’s character. First of all, the Green Knight occupies the role of the Herald, defined as â€Å"The herald or announcer of the adventure, therefore is often dark, loathly, or terrifying, judged evil by the world; yet if one could follow, the way would be†¦show more content†¦By protecting the honor of his kingdom and mostly keeping to the rules of his arrangement with the host, he receives only a nick on the back of his neck instead of decapitation. That small woun d represents what he learns and his temporary moment of weakness. Little does Gawain know, these events and their messages will stick with him and represent a crucial future developments in his character. Lastly, the Green Knight also fills the role of the Evil Figure/Ultimately Good. The Green Knight displays role when he does not kill Gawain and reveals himself: â€Å"Then the Green Knight drew off from him and leaned on his axe,... Then he spoke merrily in a loud voice, and said to the knight, Bold sir, be not so fierce, no man here has done you wrong, nor will do, save by covenant, as we made at Arthurs court. I promised you a blow and you have it--hold yourself well paid! I release you of all other claims†¦ All the gain didst you give me as a true man should. The other feint I proffered you for the morrow: my fair wife kissed you, and you didst give me her kisses--for both those days I gave you two blows without scathe--true man, true return† (Weston 40). In sparing Gawain’s life because he mostly stuck to the deal, the Green Knight also represents the importance of honor