Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Medieval Romance and the Hero’s Journey
Historical Background (pg. 168) Written by an unknown author Arthurian legend Beheading is a ritual death Celebrate the return of spring and the growth of new crops
Literary Forms (pg. 169) Medieval Romance Feudal ideal of chivalry Adventure, love, and the supernatural Typically feature kings, knights, & damsels in distress
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight pages 170-184
8 Stages of the Hero’s Journey Separation (from the known) The Call The Threshold Initiation and Transformation The Challenges The Abyss The Transformation The Revelation The Atonement The Return (to the know world) The Return (with a gift)
Separation The Call The Threshold The Hero is called to adventure by some event or messenger. The Hero may accept or refuse the call. The Threshold The contrast between the familiar world of light and the dark, unknown world of adventure
Initiation and Transformation The Road of Trials (Challenges) The Hero must undergo a series of tests. Each successful test further proves the hero’s ability and advances the journey toward its climax The Abyss The Hero faces his greatest challenge which he must face alone
Initiation and Transformation The Transformation and Revelation The Hero overcomes his fears and his transformation is complete. Part of the Hero must die so that a new part can be born. The Atonement The Hero is fully reborn and becomes “at-one” with his new self.
The Return The Hero again crosses the threshold and returns to the everyday world. The hero comes back from this adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man. Boon: blessing, gift
Sir Gawain and the Hero’s Journey Activity “Whether the hero happens to gain a princess (or prince), a kingdom, a healing medicine, a talisman, or some other reward appears immaterial. He actually earns self-integration, balance, wisdom, and spiritual health. In every case…the phantasmagorical adventures of the hero symbolize inner development.” Alexander Elliot The Universal Myths