'So at Christmas in this court I lay down a challenge: if a person here present, within these premises, is big or bold or red blooded enough to strike me one stroke and be struck in return, I shall give him as a gift this gigantic cleaver and the axe shall be his to handle how he likes' (Fitt I, 39, L. 284-289).
Who is this guy...?
Who shall step up to the challenge!?
Fitt IThe Green Knight's Challenge
''Furthermore,' said the master, 'let's make a pact. Here's a wager: what I win in the woods will be yours, and what you gain while I'm gone you will give to me. Young sir, let's swap, and strike a bond, let a bargain be a bargain, for better or worse' (Fitt II, 95, L. 1105-1109).
Why don't we play a little game of exchange? I give you what I get from hunting, and you give me whatever you get during your time here.
Sure, I'll play along to this game of yours. It sounds quite fun.
Fitt IIThe Lord's Bargain of Exchange
Fitt IVThe Reveal of the Green Knight
'And I know of your courtesies, and conduct, and kisses, and the wooing of my wife--for it was all my work! I sent her to test you--and in truth it turns out you're by far the most faultless fellow on earth...But a little thing more--it was loyalty that you lacked: not because you're wicked, or a womanizer, or worse, but you loved your own life; so I blame you less' (Fitt IV, 179, L. 2360-2368).
Remember the guy that you had that bargain with? Yeah, that's me. I know about the girdle and how you lied to me. I have to say, though, that you are, indeed, a very honorable knight, despite that last action.
I see...Well, I shall take blame for this act of cowardice. Is there anything I can do to make up for it?