This week, we're watching The Green Knight (2021)!
https://youtu.be/i5IbaC1ygUQ
#thegreenknight #myriadkindler #myriadmovienights #moviefan #filmfan #moviecommunity #filmcommunity #thegreenknightmovie #sirgawain #arthurianlegend #arthurianmythology #medievalfantasy #epicfantasy #fantasymovie
“Thus far have I guided you, good sir, at this time, and even now you stand near the noteworthy place that you sought for, and searched after, with such insistent questions. But be certain when I say this, seeing that I know you, my lord, as one in this life whom I well love – It would be worth your while to let my wisdom guide you. The place you are pressing toward has a perilous name. This wilderness holds the wickedest warrior on earth. He is strong and stern, and he strikes with zeal, for he is the mightiest man in this mortal realm, and his body outbulks the four bravest heroes in Arthur’s house, or Hector, or anyone else! What games he gets up to in the Green Chapel – Whoever approaches that place, though he be proudly armed, will get drubbed to death by his driving hand, for he’s a merciless man, immoderate in spirit. Whether peasant or pastor passes that chapel, or minister, or monk, or any other man, he’d sooner slaughter that fellow than save his own life. As certainly as you sit in the saddle, sir, I must say, if you come there, he’ll kill you; of that there’s no question. You can trust it would be true, though you had twenty lives to spend. He always makes the throes of savage strife descend. Against his bitter blows no one can defend
Sir Gawain's guide tells him not to be a fool.
I've just finished translating stanza #84 of 101 in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Enjoy!
#alliterative #poetry #alliterativeverse #SirGawain #GreenKnight #arthurian #poem #poetrysky #medievalsky
#poetrylovers #poetrycommunity #writingcommunity
‘Drugged and imprisoned by the sorceress Morgan Le Fey, Prince Valiant's nights are haunted by terrible visions.’ Art and text: Hal Foster (from installment #58, March 19, 1938). Source: Prince Valiant (Vol. 1): 1937-1938 – Hal Foster (Fantagraphics Books, 2009). www.aprincenamedvaliant.blogspot.com/
‘Under her evil spell Val’s nights are haunted by terrible visions.’
👉ALT
#PrinceValiant #HalFoster #MorganLeFay #SirGawain
(83) The bridge was brought down. The broad castle gates were unlocked and laid open to both left and right. He crossed himself quickly; then, crossing the planks, praised the porter, who knelt to that prince and said – “Good day, Sir Gawain; may God keep you safe!” – and then went on his way with but one companion to point out the path to the perilous place where he must needs get a most grievous blow. They beat their way past bluffs where every branch was bare. They clambered past cliffs where cold icicles clung. The heavens hung over them, ugly underneath. Moisture misted the moor and melted on the mountains. Each hill had a hat, a huge hood of fog. The brooks boiled over, breaking against the banks, and then washed up white, whipped to a lather. They took a winding way indeed through that wood Until that sudden second when the sun’s light unfolds. They halted on a hillside snowy, white, and cold, for he who rode by his side bade his master hold.
So, after a pause to get out the Winter issue of Forgotten Ground Regained, I've translated another stanza from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
This one describes Gawain's exit from Sir Bertilak's castle, on his way at last toward the Green Chapel.
#alliterative #poetry #SirGawain #arthuriana
The Girdle Scene, from Simon Corble's dramatic adaptation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
alliteration.net/poetry/sir-g... #alliterative #poetry #alliterativeverse #SirGawain #GreenKnight #poetrylovers #poetrysky #medievalsky
Then the lord gave orders for them all to gather, summoned matron, mistress, and their maids to join him, commanded the men mustered before him to make the meat ready and march it straight in -- then gaily gave Gawain the game he brought home, and recounting his kills – all quick-footed beasts – showed him fine, marbled flesh flayed from their ribs. “Does this prize please you? Are mine praiseworthy deeds? Have I earned accolades for expertise and skill?” “I’ll grant that!” his guest said, “for no greater haul have I seen in winter’s season for the past seven years!” “And all of it I owe to you, all you shall have, for you have won your wager, and my word is good.” “Agreed!” Gawain answered. “I grant you the same! What my courtesy and courage have caught is yours. The prize I pass on is the pay I won.” Impeccably puckering, he planted a kiss, saying “Here is your haul! I have nothing else. I’d make over more, were it mine to give.” “Why that’s good!” he told Gawain. “I am grateful, you know. Though the business would have been better if you hadn’t been so coy about where this prize was won and how your wit claimed it.” “That was not how we settled it! I can say no more. You gained what I got, so our game is tied today.” They laugh and show respect with every word they say. Then on to dinner, to select dainties from every tray.
Whoops! I guess kisses count as winnings ...
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Then she gave him good day and glanced at him laughing, and as she stood astonished him with these stunning words. "Now may God grant you honor for gracious conversation, but I guess that Gawain's not your given name." "What do you mean?" the man asked at once, afraid he had failed in some form of honor. "Bless you," she answered. "I must base my doubt on Gawain's known graciousness, his grand reputation. How could the complete paragon of perfect behavior spend so much time speaking with a lady without craving a kiss in courteous fashion by a tactful hint or turn of conversation?" "Very well," said Gawain, "your wishes will guide me, I shall kiss when called upon, as becomes a knight who would not upset you. Say nothing more." At that she came close and clasping her arms bent beautifully down, embraced him and kissed. "Now may Christ care for you," they called to each other, and away she went without a word further. But he's ready to rise, and rushes out soon, calls for his chamberlain, chooses his clothing, and thus changed, charges out cheerfully to mass. When he dined that day, delicacies were served him; making merry past moonrise that man gave fun free reign. The world could never hold two finer dames, it's plain, the young one and the old -- those two could entertain.
Seems like the Lady was the ultimate Sir Gawain fangirl ...
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"Good morning, Sir Gawain!" she gaily exclaimed. "You're a sound sleeper! I slipped in unnoticed and you are quite my captive! Unless we come to terms I shall bind you in your bed -- of that be quite certain." Delighted the lady laughed as she teased him. "Good morning, gay lady!" answered Gawain blithely. "Just decide on my sentence; it will suit me nicely. I'm your prisoner completely, and plead for your mercy. It's my best bet, so I had better take it!" (So he teased her in turn, returning her laughter.) "But at least, lovely lady, allow me one wish: pardon your prisoner, please let him rise; let me be out of bed, in better apparel, and we'll finish chatting in far greater comfort." "Certainly not, good sir," that sweet lady said. "You'll not budge from your bed: I have better plans. I shall hold you here -- and that other half also -- and get to know the knight I've so neatly trapped. I know enough after all, to know of Sir Gawain whom all the world worships; every way you ride your courteous character is acclaimed most nobly by lords and by ladies and all living people. And now you are here, and here we're alone -- my lord and his men will be long afield; the servants are sleeping; so are my maidens; I have closed the door, it's securely locked; and since I have in this house he whom all admire, I shall spend my time in speech I am sure to treasure. My person's yours, of course, to see you take your pleasure; I am obliged, perforce, to serve you at your leisure."
Now, my dear Gawain, the real game begins ...
#SirGawain #GreenKnight #arthurian #epic #poem #alliterative #poetry #medievalsky #poetrysky #poetrycommunity #poetrylovers #Gawain #seduction #alliterativeverse
Per usual, here's a link to my translation to date of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight:
alliteration.net/poetry/sggk/
#SirGawain #GreenKnight #arthurian #epic #poem #alliterative #poetry #poetrysky #medievalsky #poetrylovers
His grand horse Gringolet was glad of the saddle, though kept in comfort and carefully groomed – ears pricked up, elegant, and eager to run. When they led him to Lord Gawain, he looked him over, and on his soul swore this most solemn oath: “The men quartered in this castle are courteous indeed! May the lord who leads them ever live in bliss, and his delightful lady receive love’s blessings! If they by their charity cherish a guest and keep honor close, may He our King aid them who holds highest Heaven – and help you all, too. If I might walk in this world a little while longer, I should gladly give you the gifts you deserve.” First he stepped in the stirrup; then he strode aloft. His man showed him his shield; he shouldered it securely, and goaded Gringolet with his glittering heels, who struck the stone as he started up, ready to prance. His squire prepared to ride, bearing his spear and lance. “This castle is Christ’s,” he cried; “May its fortunes ever advance!”
Here's stanza #82 of my ongoing free online translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Gawain is setting forth for the Green Chapel and bidding the servants at the castle farewell.
#SirGawain #GreenKnight #arthurian #epic #poem #alliterative #poetry #poetrysky #medievalsky #alliterativeverse
"Look," said the lord - "Let us now bargain: What I get in the wood I will give to you, and charge in exchange whatever chance may deal you. Friend, here's how to do it: we'll hold to our word regardless who gains or gives up the most." "By God!" Gawain answered, "I grant what you ask; just give me the game -- I will gladly play it!" "Then let's down this drink, and our deal is made!" said the lord of that land, and they laughed together. So these lords and ladies relaxed as they drank and played gallant games while it gave them pleasure. Then in French fashion, with many fine words, they made their excuses with murmured farewells, and pretty pecks planted on either cheek. Then bright burning torches were born by the servants who led them at last to lie down softly in bed. Before they reached the door, what promises they said! And how that country's lord made fun times fly ahead!
Seriously, Gawain. You saw what came of the first Christmas game you played. Do you really want to play another?
#SirGawain #GreenKnight #epic #arthurian #NewYears #Christmas #poetry #alliteration #poetrysky #medievalsky #poetrylovers #poetrycommunity #alliterativeverse
When the dinner was done, and their darling rose, it was nearly dark, for night was approaching. The chapels were opened as the chaplains came with bells ringing richly, right as they should for vesper devotions on the verge of Christmas. The lord now led the way, his lady beside him; she paced along prettily and entered her pew. When Gawain came gliding in with a glad heart, the lord latched on to him and led him to his seat, glad-handing Gawain, greeting him by name, and said he was the most welcome guest in the world. After hearty hugs and heartfelt thanks, they sat soberly together till the service ended. As the lady had been longing to look on the knight, she emerged to meet him, her maidens about her. In form she was fairest: in figure and face, complexion, comportment surpassing all others, and to Gawain not even Guinevere could equal her grace. She steered through the chancel to strengthen his welcome. Another lady led her by the left hand who was obviously older: an elderly matron whom the household held in the highest honor. But in looks the two ladies were obviously unlike: one active and young, one yellow with age. On the first a flush rose, ruddy and fair; on the other, rough wrinkles on rugged cheeks. On the first one, clear pearls displayed on a kerchief shone from her breast and her bare throat whiter than snow on the winter hills. The other one's kerchief covered her neck, and bright veils billowed round her black chin, while silk framed her forehead, which was fretted round with lacework linked in delicate loops. Nothing was bare about her but her black brows, over eyes and nose over naked lips, and those made a sorry sight, bleary and sour. She was, God knows! A lady of grace and pride -- but her body was short and thick; her buttocks big and wide. A tastier plum to pick was the beauty by her side.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Christmas vespers at the castle!
alliteration.net/poetry/sggk/ #alliterative #arthurian #epic #christmas #poetry #SirGawain #GreenKnight #poetrysky #medievalsky #alliterativeverse
He held back his horse where the bank halted in a deep double ditch close dug to the wall, which plunged in the pool impossibly deep -- and then its full, huge height heaved itself up in tiers of tough stone straight to the top, its battlements built in the best style, its guard-towers rising in graceful rows lined with loopholes covered and latched: a barbican better than the best he knew. He noticed behind it a high-roofed hall tucked among towers, from whose clustered tips buttresses sprang, and pinnacled spires cunningly carved, and crafted with skill. Chalk-white chimneys were checkered about like radiance rising from rooftops and towers. So many painted pinnacles stood round that place or climbed from the castle's crenellated walls that it seemed like a cutout clipped from paper. As he sat there in saddle, it seemed very fine if only he could enter the innermost court, and win welcome there to worship in a house so blessed. A porter came at call, more gracious than the best, who stood upon the wall and hailed that knight on quest.
Civilization at last! With Christmas coming ever nearer, Gawain finds a fine castle to seek safety for the night ...
From my ongoing translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. alliteration.net/poetry/sggk #arthurian #epic #poem #SirGawain #GreenKnight #alliterative #poetry #alliterativeverse
He climbed past cliffs in unknown country, a stranger faring far from his home. At each stream and ford that he found in those lands enemies lurked (unless his luck held) -- vicious, violent, hard to avoid. In those mountains he met so many strange wonders a tenth of the total could hardly be told. He dared to fight dragons and warred with wolves, or lurking woses, living wild on the crags, or with bulls, or bears, or boars on occasion, and trolls that hunted him across the high hills. Only constant courage and the care of his God could save him sometimes from certain death. For if warfare was hard, winter was worse, when the clouds shed water cold and clear which froze in the air and fell as sleet. He lay down half-dead, drenched in his armor, too many times to bear: and on barren stone where cold-running creeks came clattering down and icicles hardened high overhead. Thus with peril and pain, in difficult plight, he carried on alone till the Eve of Christmas fell. Then lifting head he cried: "Good Mary, hear me well -- and grant me grace to ride to realms where people dwell."
And Sir Gawain has many adventures while he hunts for the Green Chapel and the Green Knight (which no one seems to have heard of!)
#arthurian #epic #christmas #poem #SirGawain #GreenKnight
#alliterative #poetry #poetrysky #medievalsky #alliterativeverse
The green knight got ready, feet firm on the ground; leaned his head a little to let the cheek show, and raised the rich riot of his hair so the nape of his neck was naked and exposed. Gawain held the ax high overhead, his left foot set before him on the floor, swung swiftly at the soft flesh so the bit of the blade broke through the bones, crashed through the clear fat and cut it in two, and the brightly burnished edge bit into the earth. The handsome head fell, hit the ground, and rolled forward; they fended it off with their feet. The red blood burst bright from the green body, yet the fellow neither faltered nor fell but stepped strongly out on sturdy thighs, reached roughly right through their legs, grabbed his graceful head and lifted it from the ground, ran to his horse, caught hold of the reins, stepped in the stirrup, strode into the saddle, the head dangling by the hair from his hand, and seated himself as firmly in the saddle as if he were unhurt, though he sat on his horse without a head. He swiveled his bulk about; the ugly stump still bled. They gaped in fear and doubt because of the words he said.
King Arthur didn't want to start Christmas dinner until he had seen a marvel. Well, he got his wish!
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"Never fear," he said, "I'm not fishing for a fight with the beardless children on the benches all about. If I were strapped on steel on a sturdy horse no man here has might to match me. No, I have come to this court for a bit of Christmas fun fitting for Yuletide and New Years with such a fine crowd. Who here in this house thinks he has what it takes, has bold blood and a brash head, and dares to stand his ground, giving stroke for stroke? Here! I shall give him this gilded blade as my gift; this heavy ax shall be his, to handle as he likes. and I shall stand here bare of armor, and brave the first blow. If anyone's tough enough to try out my game, let him come here quickly and claim his weapon! I give up all rights; he will get it for keeps. I'll stand like a tree trunk -- he can strike at me once, if you'll grant me the right to give as good as I get in play. But later is soon enough, a full year and a day. Get up, if you think you're rough, let's see what you dare to say!"
The Green Knight wasn't exactly a model of courtesy. 😉
alliteration.net/poetry/sggk/
#SirGawain #GreenKnight #arthurian #epic #poetry #Christmas #adventure #alliterative #poetrysky #medievalsky
(7) I need say no more how they served the food, for what fool would fancy their feast was a famine? But a new noise announced itself quickly enough to grant the high lord leave to have dinner. The music had finished but a moment before, the first course just served, and set before the court, when a horrible horseman hurtled through the doors, his body as brawny as any can be, so bull-necked, big-thighed, bulky and square, so long-legged, large-limbed, looming so tall I can hardly tell if he were half troll, or merely as large as living man can be -- a handsome one too; as hearty a hulk as ever rode horse. His back and chest were broad as a barrel, but he slimmed at the waist, with a slender stomach, and his face was well formed, with features sharp and clean -- Men sat there gaping, gasping at his strange, unearthly sheen, as if a ghost were passing, for every inch was green.
It's the time of year to read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight!
alliteration.net/poetry/sggk/ #alliterative #poetry #SirGawain #GreenKnight #arthurian #epic #poetrylovers #medievalsky
(3) One Christmas in Camelot King Arthur sat at ease with his lords and loyal liegemen arranged as brothers round the Round Table. Their reckless jokes rang about that rich hall till they turned from the table to the tournament field and jousted like gentlemen with lances and laughs, then trooped to court in a carolling crowd. For the feast lasted a full fifteen days of meals and merriment (as much as could fit.) Such gay glee must gladden the ear -- by day what a din, and dancing by night! The halls and chambers were heaped with happy lords and ladies as high as you like! There they were gathered with all the world's goodness: knights as kind as Christ himself, ladies as lovely as ever have lived, and the noblest king our nation has known. They were yet in the pride, in the prime of their youth, and filled as full of heaven's blessing as the king had strength of will. And mighty men surpassing all were gathered on that hill.
If you're looking for Christmas reading, the famous poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" takes place during two Christmas celebrations, set a year apart
alliteration.net/poetry/sggk/ #Christmas #poem #alliterative #poetry #poetrysky #poetrycommunity #poetrylovers #SirGawain #GreenKnight #arthurian
Per usual, here's a link to the full translation-to-date for my version of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight:
alliteration.net/poetry/sggk/
#alliterative #MiddleEnglish #poetry #SirGawain #greenKnight #medievalsky #poetrysky #poetrylovers #alliterativeverse
Though he arrayed himself in his richest clothing – his coat bearing his crest exquisitely stitched, vivid against velvet, a vision of jewels embodying the bright virtues, with embroidered seams, and a fine fur lining sewn from the finest pelts – still he did not neglect the lady’s gift, the girdle she supplied. For his own good, Sir Gawain could not forgo that token. He belted his blade upon his broad hips, wrapped the lace in a ring around himself twice, then swiftly cinched it snug at his waist. That girdle of green silk suited Gawain well. Against his royal red clothing it made a rich display. But it was not his purpose to display such treasure, nor was it for pride in its pendants, polished though they were, with glittering gold glistening from their tips. He sought only to save himself from harm when he must bow his head to the bite of knife or sword. By then his mind was set on the road that lay before. The servants bowed, and yet he thanked them even more.
Here's stanza #81 in my ongoing online translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. This was a hard stanza to translate, but I'm fairly happy with what I ended up with.
#SirGawain #GreenKnight #alliterative #MiddleEnglish #poetry #medievalsky #poetrysky #poetrylovers #alliteativeverse
Per my usual, here's a link to my whole online translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to date.
alliteration.net/poetry/sggk/
#alliterative #Arthurian #epic #poetry #SirGawain #GreenKnight #alliteration #medievalsky #poetrysky #poetrylovers #poetrycommunity #alliterativeverse
Now the New Year draws near, and the night passes as light limits shadow by our Lord’s decree. But wild weather stirred in the world’s four corners. There were clouds whose keen breath fell cold on the earth, bitter-sharp and biting, a blast from the North. Flakes fell in flurries, flailing around, and the wind whistled past, whirling from the heights, drowning dale and valley under drifting snow. Gawain lingers there, listening, as he lies in bed. Though he keeps his eyes closed, he catches no rest. Each rooster-cry rouses him, for his reckoning’s due. Before daylight dawned, he dressed himself swiftly under a lamp whose light illumined his chamber. He called for his chamberlain, who was quick to answer, and asked for his saddle and his suit of mail. So the fellow went off, fetched back his things, and got him ready to ride as royalty should. First he wrapped him up warm against winter’s chill, then gave him his other gear, which had seen good care. Both his plate-mail and its padding were polished and clean; the rust rubbed from each link until his ring-mail glittered. It was as good as he first got it, Gawain must happily concede. Here and now, each piece was polished and proud indeed – the best between Britain and Greece. So he bid him bring his steed.
Here's stanza #80 from my ongoing translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Sir Gawain prepares to ride to the Green Chapel.
#alliterative #Arthurian #epic #poetry #SirGawain #GreenKnight #alliteration #medievalsky #poetrysky #poetrylovers #poetrycommunity #alliterativeverse
Linocut print showing a worried Sir Gawain standing in front of a grinning Green Knight with a giant axe.
In the Green Chapel - colour version of a b/w linocut print illustration in my translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Nobut an old cave? Certainly a dark and haunting place, where the Devil’s matins might be heard at midnight... #TombTuesday #linocut #SirGawain #SGGK
For #promptcombo @hool415.bsky.social #Workinglove, here's Simon Corble's dramatic adaptation of the girdle scene in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
alliteration.net/poetry/sir-g... #alliterative #poetry #SirGawain #GreenKnight #girdle #poetrysky #poetrycommunity #poetrylovers #alliterativeverse
Several drawings of The Knights of the round table by Shanzeh and colored by me, done as a sort of coloring/rendering practice. Ive always liked the way I did these :) Again, thank you to the wonderful Shanzeh for letting me use their linart for this, it wouldn't look nearly as good without it!
Knights of the round (2024)
Lineart by @shanzehpoo.bsky.social
#art #fanart #sonicandtheblacknight #sirgawain #sirpercival #sirlancelot #shadowthehedgehog #blazethecat #knucklestheechidna #coloringpractice
2nd creative nonfiction piece Forgotten Ground Regained is nominating to #BestOfTheNet:
@martinkennedyyates.bsky.social's "What Causes Sir Gawain to Go at a Gallop"
alliteration.net/info/what-causes-sir-gawain-to-go-at-a-gallup/ #BOTN #SirGawain #GreenKnight #poetrycommunity #alliterative #poetry
Per usual, here's the link to my whole translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to date:
alliteration.net/poetry/sggk #SirGawain #GreenKnight #Arthurian #alliterative #poetry #poetrysky #medievalsky
Crying and kissing, he declared them friends, wishing them well with overwhelming thanks. But as good as they got, they gave right back, and with sad sighs commended his soul to Christ. Next, and most graciously, he greeted the household. To each man he met he made his thanks known for proper care, pleasant company, and painstaking attention to the business that had brought him the benefit of their service. And the servants were as sorry to see him go as if raised to reverence him as their rightful lord. Holding lights uplifted, they led him to his chamber, brightly bringing him to bed, where he could be at rest. I cannot say for certain whether he slept well, for tomorrow held much to enmesh him deep in thought. Let him lie there still. He is near to what he sought. And if you will sit still, I will say what morning brought.
I have reached the end of Part 3 of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: stanza 79. 22 stanzas more to go to finish my translation ... 😃
#SirGawain #GreenKnight #Gawain #Arthurian #alliterative #poetry #poetrysky #medievalsky #alliterativeverse #translation
