Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Fit 2 (or section 2).

1) Look at the progression of each stanza in this section and briefly list/discuss in order what every stanza is about.

2) Look at the motif of games and discuss how it works in this section.

3) Other than the pentangle describe a symbol in this section and relate it to a theme. Discuss how this symbol reinforces the theme.

4) How is Gawain different in this section as compared to the last?

5) Discuss the setting.

Hrolf Kraki

On your blogs answer the following questions:

2. Explain how the following themes work and what characters can looked at as symbols of the theme:

Role of Kings:
Role of the warrior:
Role of women:
Concept of Magic:
Revenge:
Hospitality:


3. Discuss one event in the story that seems to represent what you believe the book to be about.
4. How do Hrolf and his Champions compare with King Arthur and the round table?
8. Compare Hrolf Kraki to Beowulf.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Chivalry

THE THIRTEEN RULES OF CHIVALRY KNOWN AS THE QUEST
1. A TRUE KNIGHT must be a gentleman, yet not fail in duty.
2. A TRUE KNIGHT must uphold the Dignity of Men and Women,
remembering that all are born free and equal in Dignity and Rights.
3. A TRUE KNIGHT’s manner of living is an example to the young.
4. A TRUE KNIGHT shall at no time act outrageously nor do murder or be
cruel in any way to man or beast.
5. A TRUE KNIGHT respects and defends the rights of all men and women to
hold and practice religious beliefs other than his own.
6. A TRUE KNIGHT takes no part in wrongful quarrel, but at all times
supports the lawful rights of all men and women.
7. A TRUE KNIGHT’s word is his bond.
8. A TRUE KNIGHT must be honorable in all things and know good from evil.
9. A TRUE KNIGHT must be of modest demeanor and shall not seek worship
of himself.
10. A TRUE KNIGHT must seek out such Quests as lead to the protection of
the oppressed and never fail in Charity, Fidelity, and the Truth.
11. A TRUE KNIGHT speaks evil of no man. A slanderous tongue brings shame
and disgrace to an Honorable Knight.
12. A TRUE KNIGHT never betrays a trust of confidence given to him by a
brother Knight.
13. A TRUE KNIGHT must so order his life that by his contribution, the people
of the world may hope to live together in greater peace and tolerance.

Hrolf Kraki

Saga translates to "what is said". It is the recording of an oral story in prose. The saga usually starts with the ancestral background of the main character, usually starting with a grandfather or great-grandfather and briefly telling the relatives story and bringing the narrative quickly forward. For background info on Hrolf Kraki go here

1. Characters

Halfdane
Frodi
Helgi
Hroar
Signy
Regin
Vifil
Heid
Olaf
Yrsa
Hrok
Adils
Skuld
Berserkers
Svipdag
Svip (his advice to his son)
Bjalki
Bera:
Bjorn:
Bodvar Bjarki:
Drifa:
Elk-Frodi:
Haki:
Hakland:
Hardrefil:
Hjalti:
Hott:
Hjorvard:
Hring:
Hromund:
Hvit:
Skuld:
Storolf:
Vogg:
Vott:
Yrsa:

2. Explain how the following themes work and what characters can looked at as symbols of the theme:

Role of Kings:
Role of the warrior:
Role of women:
Concept of Magic:
Revenge:
Hospitality:
Loyalty:
Pride:
Man alone in a hostile world:

3. Discuss one event in the story that seems to represent what you believe the book to be about.
4. How do Hrolf and his Champions compare with King Arthur and the round table?
5. Make a list of at least ten moments of magic in the book.
6. Who is your favorite character and why?
7. How is the Cult of Odin important to this book?
8. Compare Hrolf Kraki to Beowulf.

Battle of Maldon

Notes:

Epic Devices: Single combat between individuals

Use of Kennings – list some examples

Mention of Epic Boast or Boasting

Motifs – running away from battle or the cowardly warrior vs. the warrior who dies by their leader

The celebration of a loss. It’s not the victory that is important as much as it is the struggle and the sacrifice. There are victories in losses.

Wyrd, Christianity vs. Paganism, Loyalty, Pride (ofermod), Transitory nature of life, the Idea of Honor

Characters to know from Maldon

Byrhtnoth
Offa
Eadric
Ethelred
Wulfstan
Aelfnoth
Wulfmoer
Aelfwine
Godric
Godwine
Godwig
Leofsunu
Aescferth
Byrhtwold