This cover is very creepy but not indicative of how the Green Knight is described. An addition to the Arthurian legend. This is a quest story of a typThis cover is very creepy but not indicative of how the Green Knight is described. An addition to the Arthurian legend. This is a quest story of a type told as an epic poem written in the 14th century, I'm sure it was related orally to entertain a gathering, and what a story it is! In part I, Arthur and his Knights are celebrating the Christmas/New Year's holidays and are intruded upon by this fabulous Green Knight who throws down a challenge. Sir Gawain accepts and what ensures IS quite creepy. Part II begins the quest of Sir Gawain to complete the challenge with the Green Knight which takes him away from known parts. In the guise of hospitality at a castle in the woods, comes another challenge, although Sir Gawain does not recognize it as such. The story is wrapped up in the code of chivalry, faith, and a pinch or two of magic - it is Arthurian, so magic is always around.
I enjoyed this tale, although the preparing of the animals after the hunt was more than I needed to visualize for a "holiday" read. If you want an in depth look at this read, go to the Classic and Western Canon group for some very education & insightful commentary of this Dec group interim read...more
My first B. Cornwell book, and one to add to the "King" Arthur mythology and this month's group read. Told from the retrospective writing of a man whoMy first B. Cornwell book, and one to add to the "King" Arthur mythology and this month's group read. Told from the retrospective writing of a man who was a warrior in Arthur's troops. Enjoyed the overall story, despite the different characterizations of the main characters. Guinevere is a shrew, Arthur is a warrior and loves the battle, Lancelot is not only arrogant but more coward than hero, Nimue is a vengeful woman, Mordred is the rightful heir to the Kingdom & not the bastard child of an incestual liaison between Arthur & his half-sister, Merlin is a minor although important character etc. There is no magic, although a struggle between Christianity & the Druids. No Knights of the Round table. Plenty of battles. Which is probably more realistic of the times & less fantasy. I believe this is the first book of a trilogy, so perhaps Camelot is yet to be....more
Nice addition to the Arthurian mythology. This was the first in a trilogy written in the 80's. The Welsh names were somewhat of a stumbling block for Nice addition to the Arthurian mythology. This was the first in a trilogy written in the 80's. The Welsh names were somewhat of a stumbling block for me at times especially when it came to places. I like to feel I know the territory, as I've read so much about Merlin, Arthur and his knights and the various other players in the myth. Started slow, but as the story progressed I started to see it all come alive....more