The stories begins amid the festivities of New Year’s Eve at the court of King Arthur. A great feast is being prepared, but King Arthur has vowed not to eat until he has heard strange news or a challenge has been issued at his court. His desire is quickly fulfilled, as a huge Green Knight appears in the door, holding a holly branch in one hand and a battle–ax in the other. All stare at the stranger in fear, but he explains that he has come in peace.
He proceeds, however, to taunt the knights, and issues a challenge. Any knight may take the ax, and chop off the head of the...
Source: Poetry for Students, ©2013 Gale Cengage. All Rights Reserved. Full copyright.
(The entire page is 1038 words.)
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