In this part of our tale, the chivalry of Sir Gawain is shown through that of a symbol: the pentangle shield he bears. Though this particular shield stood for many things, it also represented the characteristics help by the knight:
The fifth of the five fives followed by this knight
Were beneficence boundless and brotherly love
And pure mind and manners, that none might impeach,
And compassion most precious – these peerless five
Were forged and made fast in him, foremost of men. (176)
Another way that Gawain was able to show his knightly worth was from the fact that, though he rode to face what was possibly his death, he remained brave and steadfast in his quest – this is not to mention that, on his journey, he also had to face many hardships along the way.
Now with serpents he wars, now with savage wolves,
Now with wild men of the woods, that watched from the rocks,
Both with bulls and with bears, and with boars besides,
And giants that came gibbering from the jagged steps.Had he not borne himself bravely, and been on God’s side,
He had met with many mishaps and mortal harms. (177)
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