Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an epic story that takes place in the medieval time period. The premise of the story is that a Green Knight challenges King Arthur to a duel, in which each man will take a swing at the other's head with an axe. Sir Gawain volunteers to take Arthur's place. He cuts off the head of the Green Knight, who casually picks his head back up again and promises to repay Gawain in 366 days (the standard length of time for a medieval contract). Gawain must then set off on a quest to find the castle of the Green Knight before his time is up.
During his journey, Gawain is tempted by each of the seven deadly sins: lust, sloth, greed, pride, envy, gluttony, and anger. Lady Bertilak tempts him with kisses, Gawain lounges in bed instead of working, he exhibits greed when he keeps Lady Bertilak's girdle for himself, and he is tempted by the others as he feasts and parties at Bertilak's castle.
Eventually Gawain is put to the test. He flinches when the Green Knight swings the axe to cut off his head, and fails the first test. On the second swing, Gawain holds true, and receives only a scratch on his neck. Gawain confesses his sins and is pardoned by the Green Knight for his failings. He is allowed to keep his head.
When Gawain finally returns to Arthur's court, he humbles himself and vows to wear a girdle as a reminder that he has sinned. The entire court is initiated into Gawain's idea, and everyone in court dons a similar girdle. The ending of the story contains possible themes of rebirth, hope and reformation for the court.
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