Gawain A Real One

“For I find it unthinkable, if the truth may be told

That when such a weird request is raised in your halls

You alone should have the yearning to undertake it yourself,

While so many bold warriors are warming these benches,

Who, I know, stand second to none in fighting spirit…

I’m the weakest of all, I’m aware- the feeblest in wit.

The loss of my life would surely be the least important.

My only claim to fame is that I call you my closest kin.

My body has no blessing except what comes from your blood;

And since this is all a foolish fuss, it shouldn’t fall upon you” (lines 348-358, pg. 410).

In this passage, Sir Gawain truly reflects self-deprecation and loyalty. Self-deprecation, according to dictionary.com, is defined as belittling or undervaluing oneself while being excessively modest. He claims that he is the “weakest” of all and most “feeble” in wit, while saying his life is next to worthless and he is nothing without King Arthur. It is kind of sad that Gawain views himself to be this way, though his excessive modesty is respectable and admirable. But this is a clear-cut example of the undying loyalty and respect that King Arthur’s knights are supposed to have for him. Despite thinking that he is the weakest link of all the knights, he is willing to take up arms with the giant Green Knight just so that his leader will not have to. Even if Sir Gawain does not see himself as a worthy knight, the fact that he is willing and able to stand up to this beast shows that he has just as much strength and will power as all of the other knights that he stands with. Gawain recognizes his role as a knight and his duty is to serve his king regardless of the way he may view himself.