This is a retelling of the Arthurian legend, Sir Gawain and the Greene Knight, to be told in four parts. I must note that the plot, and in fact quite a bit of what is said, is not entirely my invention, though I have embellished it. I wrote this over a year ago, so do not take this as a representation of my current writing skills, which have improved.

Chapter I 

It was Christmastide and the halls of Camelot were ringing with the merry tidings of the season. The Great King Arthur himself was home that year and many nights of feasting and celebration were held. 

Upon this particular night where my story begins the Great Hall of Camelot was at its finest. Boughs of greenery hung about, holly decorated every table, and an enormous yule log set the room ablaze with light. The scent of spices filled the air. Suckling pigs, venison, and wild boar were carried in on silver platters. Only the best was brought up from cellars and everyone ate and drank their fill. 

King Arthur sat at the head table, his royal crown on his head and his robes a brilliant crimson, as was befitting the festive season. Fair Queen Guinevere was draped in the finest golden silks and when she moved the light made the cloth glint and sparkle. Her cheeks blushed red with the heat of the fire and her grey eyes shone with an equal warmth. On her left sat Sir Agravaine and on her right Arthur’s young nephew, Gawain. 

Sir Gawain, yet unproven and still beardless, was eagerly awaiting an adventure where he might win some honor. As no one seemed inclined to attempt an assassination of his king or to kidnap his fair companion however, Gawain had settled into an easy and happy mood, observing the festivities, and conversing with the queen. 

After about an hour of this merry making Arthur stood up. The talk and laughter subsided, and the minstrels paused in their singing. “Friends”, he called, spreading wide his arms to address those gathered. “The old year is ending and a new one shall soon be upon us!” A cheer rose from the crowd. Arthur raised a hand for silence. “I have grown weary of this eating and idle talk. Let us indulge in a tradition of this court. This past year was full of adventures I trust? Well then! I charge one of you, grace us with a story of daring and heroism, so that we might be entertained.” 

The son of Iwain Urien stood up. Arthur nodded to him eagerly and returned to his seat. The knight cleared his throat, but just as he was about to begin loud shouts from outside distracted his attention. 

The doors were flung open and a horse and rider charged into the Hall. The warm, cheery atmosphere was dampened by the chill wind that came with the intruders. The rider was a giant of fantastic proportions, and over his shoulder he carried a battle axe almost as large as himself. But what was most shocking was his coloring. From head to foot the rider was entirely green, his skin, beard, and armor all a deep woodland shade. His wild horse too was as green as his master, complete with green bit and bridal. 

The court held its breath in a stunned silence. Arthur only was able to find his voice. He rose slowly and addressed the green giant, “what manner of wight are you who has charged so unceremoniously into my Hall?” 

The rider, who all this time had been grinning broadly, bellowed back his answer, “I am the Greene Knight of the far north! I bring a challenge to the high King Arthur and his court! A simple game, not war.” 

“Name your challenge.” 

The Greene Knight looked about, grinning at those gathered. “You see this my guisarme?” He swung the battleax off his shoulder. “I challenge one of you to take a stroke at my head. Then I bid him to come and meet me at the Greene Chapel next New Year’s Day and I shall give him the same.” The hall was silent. The Knight flung back his huge head and roared with laughter. “Is this the great court of Camelot? The one told of in stories and sung in songs? Are you all such cravens that none will dare see blood?” 

Arthur responded indignantly, “sir I will play your game if that is what you want. Give me that axe and I will prove the honor of my court!” He strode forward and moved to take the weapon. 

Before he could do so Sir Gawain spoke up. “My liege! Allow me to do so instead! It seems hardly fitting that you, the highest in this court, should take up this task while so many able men are here. I am the least of those gathered, my only claim to honor is that you are my uncle. As I am of no loss to anyone, let me fulfill this man’s request.” 

Arthur looked steadily at his young nephew. “As you wish. Now rise and do as you have asked.” Gawain stood and came at his King’s command. “Remember, only one stroke. I believe that you will have the courage and the honor to comply with his terms.” Gawain nodded and grasped the axe tightly with both hands. It was a fearful weight, but Gawain held it firmly. 

“Who is this who comes to fulfill my challenge?”, boomed the giant. 

“I am Sir Gawain, nephew to this high king. I am prepared to do as you have asked and to go to the Greene Chapel next December so you may do as I gave you.” 

The Knight laughed, sending the sound echoing through every hall and corridor of the keep. “Then I may say, Sir Gawain, that I am happy to have this weapon wielded by so honorable a knight. Though whether you be trustworthy we shall wait and see.” So saying the Greene Knight removed his helmet and knelt upon the floor. 

Gawain took a deep breath and raised the battleax above his head. Then, with all the force in his young body, he brought the blade down upon the knight’s bared neck. The blade cut cleanly through the giant’s flesh and the green head tumbled onto the floor, spattering blood against Gawain’s legs. 

One of the court ladies let forth a hollow scream as the headless body of the Greene Knight leapt to his feet and bounded after the rolling head. He caught it by the hair, grabbed his axe, and swung himself back up onto his horse before anyone could stop him. 

“Well Sir Gawain, I look forward to seeing you next year!”, he cried as his stallion galloped out the open doors. Gawain stood in the melting snow that had been tracked in, the thunderous laughing of the Greene Knight still echoing around him.