# Fit II explained — Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

> Chapter companion for Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Anonymous.

## What happens

Gawain takes his leave of the court and sets out on his perilous journey to find the Green Chapel. After a long and arduous ride through hostile lands, he arrives at a magnificent castle on Christmas Eve, where he is warmly welcomed by the lord, Bertilak de Hautdesert. Gawain learns that the Green Chapel is nearby, and Bertilak offers to guide him. They strike a bargain: Bertilak will give Gawain whatever he hunts in exchange for whatever Gawain gains at the castle.

## Themes in this chapter

### Chivalry and Honor

Gawain's quest to fulfill his promise to the Green Knight demonstrates his commitment to chivalric honor, even at great personal risk.

### Temptation and Testing

The bargain with Bertilak sets up a series of tests that will challenge Gawain's integrity and self-control.

### Courtesy and Social Code

Gawain's polite interactions with Bertilak and the ladies highlight the importance of courtly manners and social obligations.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Gawain

Departs Camelot, endures a harsh journey through wilderness, and arrives at Bertilak's castle where he agrees to a bargain.

### Bertilak de Hautdesert

Hosts Gawain at his castle, offers to guide him to the Green Chapel, and proposes the exchange of winnings.

### Lady Bertilak

Mentioned as part of the company; she will sit with Gawain while Bertilak hunts.

### Gringolet

Gawain's horse, mentioned as he rides through the forest.

### King Arthur

Referenced as the king whose court Gawain leaves.

### Queen Guinevere

Implied as part of the court from which Gawain departs.

## Key lines

> Gawain gives good-day to the goodman anon, And he leads him to chamber, and the chimney beside Draws him adree and dearly him thanks For the winsome worship that the wight had deign'd him By honouring his house at the holy tide

Gawain bids farewell to the host, who leads him to a chamber by the fire and thanks him warmly for honoring his home during the holy season.

_Gawain's departure from the first host and the gratitude expressed._

> I am summon'd, in sooth, to seek to a place, That I wot not whither I must wend to find. But I might not miss it on New-Year's morn For all the land in Logrès, so our Lord help me!

I am truly summoned to a place I do not know how to find, but I cannot fail to be there on New Year's morning for anything in Logres.

_Gawain explains his urgent quest to Bertilak._

> What I win in the woodland to you shall I waive, And what here ye achieve, ye shall change it therefor. A bargain, I beg ye! We'll abide by it fair

I will give you whatever I catch while hunting, and you will give me whatever you gain here in exchange. Let us make this bargain and keep it fairly.

_Bertilak proposes the exchange of winnings._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_gawain_and_the_green_knight_se/chapters/fit-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_gawain_and_the_green_knight_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_gawain_and_the_green_knight_se/chapters