Sir Gawain and the Ghost of the Green Knight (A Poetic Epic/Drama)

Conte del Green Knight

Sir Gawain and the Ghost of the Green Knight

Two Dramatic, Epic Poems —by:

Copyright©2007 by Dennis L. Siluk

Sir Gawain and the Ghost of the Green Knight

Dedicated to Brynna Siluk

Prelude to the Green Knight: “Sir Gawain and the Ghost of the Green Knight,” is a unique tale of romance, tragedy, in the Dark Ages, taking place at Camelot. It is a dramatic Epic poem, done in three styles: narration for explanation, poetic verse for emotions and rhythm, and dramatics for dialogue. It is out of the ordinary, for it involves a sage that starts in Atlantis, and blends into Troy, Rome and onto England. The Green Knight is the main character in this tale, as Florencia and Gawain, become supporting actors, sort of. The quest is not a quest, until the Green Knight meets Florencia at her birthday party, the King, King Arthur is giving for his niece. Gawain, is her protector, and the King’s right hand man. The ending is potent, and will live on within the hearts of those who love such romance and adventures of Medieval Europe.
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Dramatis Personnel (Or Characters of the Story)
The Green Knight—spirit and Flesh Florencia—Niece to King Arthur Sir Gawain—King Arthur’s beloved Knight Flu—the Boy Soldier Phrygian—King OF Atlantis Ais—Queen of Atlantis Queen Guinevere—of Camelot Agaliarept, the Henchman of Hell The Ten-winged Dark Seraph
An Epic in Poetic Form Impression:
A Tale of the Green Knight
1
We come now to the grand story of the Green Knight (or at least one of his life long adventures; and origins), for I sense there were scores of, spirits and flesh that made the Green Knight what he was, and I do hope I can tell the tale as it truly was.
Let me say, his fame started shortly after his name was changed to the Green Knight
—prior to his legendary plight with King Arthur; hence, then called Bercilak de Hautesert.
In the times of King Arthur, two stories emerged of the Green Knight, thereafter a third tale emerged placing him in the Crusades, and becoming respected by the notorious Saladin the Great, (Muslim leader of his day), and marrying
a peasant woman from Glastonbury.
2 Much of the Green Knight’s story and glory is in being a warrior, and from the forth to twelfth centuries one can see this plainly. And as we look deeper into his surroundings, he is interwoven with Celtic Mythology, and maybe with a touch of modern day Anglo-French: with a background in Arthurian legend, where it was incorporated with the “Conte del Graal,”
For the Green Knight carried a Danish Axe did he not? And he was beheaded was he not? And he lived thereafter, did he not? And his skin, horse and all his garments were of a ghostly green, were they not?
3
I take it he may have been married between one to three times, that is, depending on whose tales one needs to read and wishes to believe, for they date back prior to the Fourteenth Century, AD
Both King Arthur and the Green Knight are confusing figures to say the least, perhaps both of British-Roman origins, so it would seem, so it must be. As well as, Camelot, the castle of controversial issues; likewise, the Round Table, which it is said, still exists. I actually went to Glastonbury and visited King Arthur’s grave, if indeed it was his grave. I do believe we must have a lot of faith in these fables, and there is a tinge of testimony for King Arthur and the Green Knight’s existence. And so now we shall go onto the next stage of this story.
The Green Knight Recounted
The Crusades of Asia
12th Century
4
So you see we have had a figure of a huge knight, a symbol of bravery also—and of a ghostly persona. One who lives and dies and lives again, and seems to reach beyond his original roots, and comes to life in the fifth century England, and resurfaces in the 12th century Crusades. But I have found out it goes much deeper than that. And he was more than what he says. Let me explain: he was I do deem, a tester of the Knight’s, of their times, as Arthurian text would put it, and perhaps J.R.R. Tolkien, in the case of Syr. Gawayne, and his translation (1925): and other translators of the tales of the Green Knight, such as Jessie L. Western, and W.A. Neilson, all quite skillful in their versions (1999). And for the most part these paraphrases are well needed, practical, in modern English from Middle English, which has produced a readable medieval past, in fiction.
5
Now we must really touch on the Ghost of the Green Knight before we get into the really story, which is, in its end form, “The Monologue of Florencia.”
I dare say, but I will, if a man can seize his head in his hands, after decapitation (as it was done by Sir. Gawain) he is nothing less than a ghost, and perhaps a little more. And then, talk to his decapitator. What kind of man can stand before another and do that, with green skin to his bones. And so in this case we eliminate all the possibilities and get right down to the facts, he is more than he seems, and for a good reason, and I shall tell you that story for posterity sake in a moment.
6
Sir Gawain beheaded the Green Knight, by allowing him to take the first swing with an axe, but in return, he would have to meet the Green Knight again, and let him have his turn. Quite a test for a night is it not. And would Gawain be true to his honor? These of course were the testing tools of the Green Knight. And is not a reputation for a Knight above all other things that were perhaps the main matter in the back of the Green Knight’s mind.
7
Well, to indulge you a tinge more into this story’s past, told many times, but not like this…Gawain did return to the Chapel where the Green Knight was, one year later (for he had seen him prior to this, with Florencia), and now bowed his head to be cut off by none other than the Green Knight. But Gawain was no fool, he but a special metal strap around his neck to protect it, yet, he still get a wound, but he got to walk away with his head and nick firmly attached, and his honor intact.
Yes indeed, Gawain did a very shrewd thing. On the other hand, the Green Knight used his wit and wisdom to test the Knight’s integrity, almost devilish, almost likened to Satan himself who testing Christ on a Mountain top. But then the Green Knight, he believed I suppose, as Mark Twain once said: “A virtue is not a virtue until tested under fire.”
8
So now I will tell you with all sincerity, I believe this next story, sketch or call it tale, as much as I believe all the other tales of the Green Knight: this one although needs your undivided attention, and it is not like the others, a medieval romance, rather it is beyond that.
The Story From its Original Roots
King of Atlantis 10,666 BC
9
When Atlantis fell (sunk into the Atlantic)) 9600 BC)) about four-hundred years before King Phrygian, of Atlantis, whom lived in the palace at the Port of Poseidonia, had printed a journal— one of treachery with the demonic Netherworld (Hell, itself). His kingdom was somewhat fashioned by the underworld you could say, perhaps that is why God Almighty, destroyed it. At that time the High Priest, Xandore was killed and possessed by the infamous figure, friend and foe, know in Hell, as Agaliarept, the Henchman. He was a brave beast in his own right, devious as such are, psychotic as any other demon, and renowned in the netherworld for his prowess in weaving Atlantis into its internal chaotic doom (or moral downfall). One night he slept with the King’s wife, Ais. Oh, not with his blessings—but by threat: hence, he crept into his bed, as the king moved over, and whom he had sedated her during dinner, thus, she slept soundless throughout the ordeal, as the Henchman, seduced her, hour after hour, in a lustful frenzy. Ais, not knowing much pertaining to what she had endured, and considered now a nightmare, only acknowledge, she had raw and aching thighs.
Agaliarept, the Henchman of Hell
10
The Deception
Shortly after the king was murdered in his garden, so the ancient scrolls have indicate—just how is uncertain—but the best I can piece it together is as follows: Phrygian some twenty-years older than the Queen, Queen Ais still quite young, were having lunch as often they did in the Garden of Poseidon, within their palace grounds by the seaport—there, hidden in the distance was a figure in the garden, hunched down behind some shrubbery; some have said it was the High Priest, and I do believe it to be, for he had the utmost motive, Ais—his lustful dream. But perhaps it could have been someone else, nonetheless, the king choked on food, as it was written down by Anases, the scribe: Anases whom was present in the palace during those far off days, and it was his duty to write down everything, whatever he witnessed, heard, or could verify—to be put onto scrolls (known as The Codex Scrolls).
11
In any case, what took place was that he either had a allergic reaction, or got a bone caught in between his windpipe or whatever, but he could not breathe, and died—died in a development, fighting for air; Ais being too afraid to leave his side, lest someone come and kill him with a dagger or sword—remained. And the wealth of the realm of course went to Ais.
12
In the underworld, in Hell itself, days are not normal days as on earth, nor are weeks, months or years. That is to say, days in Hell, can be months or years, depending on actions and reactions. Nights are long, so I’ve heard, and like in Heaven or in any Army on earth, there is a hierarchy— in hell, there is a pecking order, I say this because I do not know the time period in my next paragraph, but it was not years, rather days, weeks or months, I tend to think it was perhaps twenty-months, earth time, a few days or hours, Hell time.
13
Anyhow, in time, Ais was confronted by her dead husband to join her in Hell, saying in so many words: if you join me, Beelzebub, the King of Demons promised me a high position (the forth in command). Her love and devotion for him was unconditional, and she followed him to the innards of Hell, but while in the waters of Hades, Hell’s river of sorts, he pushed Otis, the row man
over the edge of the vessel and as legend says,
they sailed around the gulf for 1000-years
(before he was caught).
13
Now you might be saying: what does all this have to
do with the Green Knight? A lot, but first we have to
shift back to the sinking of Atlantis. Ais had a child,
a hybrid (a crossbreed), a giant of a soul, one third
man, two thirds superhuman. His skin was pale
and the older he got, greener. Agaliarept, took the
matter of the child birth more serious, he was proud,
almost, and at time he was, boastful, he considered him his son, and in time to be the leader of the Archkingdom of Atlantis, Bercilak, escaped the
upheavals of 9600 BC, then what took place was this:
the human residue of Atlantis escaped to its satellite
countries, the isles of England, Crete, and inland,
Egypt and Troy. At this time, the Mound known as the Tor
had already existed for some thirty-thousand years,
next to Glastonbury, England, where King Arthur
would be buried.
The Tor of Avalon I Glastonbury AD 450
The Agreement and the Ten-winged Dark Seraph
The Ten-winged Dark Seraph
14
Agaliarept, was called back to Hell’s area, by the Ten-winged Creature, the Dark Seraph of doom, whom was superior in authority to Beelzebub; Agaliarept was reluctant, and so he asked for a pact, and it was granted; it was that his son be given life… to the closing stages of living time—accordingly, he would return to the Great Walls of Hell, without protest. It was strife and sadness that overtook him. But sealed in black blood, it was unforgiving should he break the bound. (And so it was that he becomes ghost and flesh, as one.)
15
Hence, he would join in a long series of wars, the Green Knight, as he would be know in due time—: first he fought at Kish, for Gilgamesh; next, at the great siege of Troy, for Paris, prudently; with the Greeks, 400 BC, at Athens; and under the banner of Rome, during the republic, and for Pompey, until he lost his way, and life; and even the Inca Kings of Peru, prior to Atahualpa.
It was the fifty century AD, although, when his name would preced him, as flesh and spirit, in the British Isles. At this time, King Arthur and his renowned Knights sparked an interest in his life, especially, Syr Gawayne; like he, Arthur and Gawayne, were marvels in battle.
Interlude
16
(Narrator)
Now my just reader, you must listen closely, and I will tell it as it was told to me, and it is fixed truth, linked to a scroll of a scribe and seer, long before Arthur, for he saw it all in the dark magical waters in his den (and then, it came to pass, unwritten until now.)


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17
The Dialogues
The Great Hall of Camelot The Dark Ages (AD 400-800)
The Dialogue of Florencia and the Green Knight 1
Twilight-time in the Great Hall of the mediaeval castle; Men-at arms stand idly here and there…
One of them holds up a cup of wine, his name is Gawain, as if to give it to a young lovely lady, her name is Florencia. She is about to walk away, she senses something, a being besides Gawain….!
Gawain: “I beg you, take this wine, it is good. “
Florencia: “t is good for sleep, and I am not yet ready!”
Then a green mist starts to show, unwittingly the blade of Gawain slowly comes of out his sheath:
Florencia: “Pardon my unbelief, Great Knight of the Round Table, go pour me a fresh drink, my thirst is great, For England’s dust lingers in my throat….”
GK: “‘T is well. Wine’s a decent craze!” said a voice lingering within the mist.” …to your sweet face, dear lady, and your warm heart I will let Gawain live for to draw a sword, or to nearly do is to knew the fight has started, it was wise to have him flee, I would cast him, as the shout of my voice raised into groans.!
Florencia: “Ah, pardon me! Forgive me mighty sire! For are you the Green Knight, the one whom only the bravest have see, the one and only Coeur de Lion?
GK: “I waist a Knights breath on one who insults me, I give you honesty, go braid your mouth, O slanderers lady!”
Florencia: “And this I swear by all my heart, Behold, a portion of me already belongs to you, long since upon my birth I have wanted the greatest of trees, not the twig! My birthday is today, I am nineteen, and it is not strange at all of me, once bereaved, for my father was the greatest of knights, and I can not wed a lower,”
Green Knight (with a murmur): “You put it utterly to the point, my fair lady! You are an eagle, and I accept your apology. If that indeed is what it is.”
Florencia: “I sense your blood is as green as your mist my lord, I know none such of your kind—cold as a church-bells iron, and warm as a heaths feast in winter-time! My soul now breaths like flowers’ tryst…!”
GK: “A curse is to the one that harms you, be it me, or any soul or demon who would allure you! “
Florencia: “You are admirable, but tell me more, about the lion and the fable behind you, he champion, has he not seen the wars, is there no peer, can I have consolation in his love, or must I fear. I hear I could never loose him on the battle field, ere; would it be sire and wife, or husband and wife? I am put a young pine that stands too close to grand parent tree…is this not ill for each? Have you a gentle heart?
GK: “And suppose I had…for I am filled sick of rootless wandering the world from age to age, I now look upon you. Begone! Or if you stay, it may be, I take you in haste with burning hands, love is here, long waited, so begone or if you stay as the troubadour sings, when he stops you will be mine.”
(And it was that the king’s minstrels started to sing and play their instruments thereafter.)
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The Dialogue of Florencia and the Sir Gawain 2
The Great Hall of Camelot Gawain Returns
Florencia moved by a grand-pillar of the Castle. Gawain, the Favorite Knight of legend and lore, Approaches her, walks to her,
face to face, tote to toe, with her cup of wine,
she is the youth of spring flowers; it is now the last of twilight.
The hue of the mist enfolded Florence’s arms around her breasts; she almost slept as if mixed in a bottle full of love position,
Gawain (in a stupor :) “I sorrow for thy lady—such a hue on your face, I have slain others for beguiling blossoms of my heart…who it is in this room you fancy, who stops thy timid heart: forget the darkness that covers twilit, and the silence of our moment, I am your refuge in this peopled hall.
Florencia (in a toxic mood.): “She lives, yes for another man, like a horizon, ready to be gathered, ready to rise, and perhaps perish, but in peace.”
Gawain: “You will have your peace in tomb’s blackness, which gives peacelessness to such a foolish flame inside a young woman’s heart, I shall quench the fire, let me know who the mighty gem is, and your secret will remain with me, and I will bring him death.
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The Dialogue of Florencia and the Sir Gawain 3
The mist reaper—a shape develops, slightly, Gawain, Pulls his sword, Florencia holds her breath As if to say, ‘What now!’
The blade touches the shoulder of the Green Knight Not quite fully visible yet, His sword Disincarnates into Fragments…
Gawain: “For all kings have yearned for such a knight that we be spirit and flesh, and hid in its mist—subdue me if you can, host of constrain!
GK: I have broken your strength, keep from my doom—lest your flesh vanish, like fire quenched.” (A long Silence.)
GK: “Come now Florencia, speedily, night falls over Camelot, like a black star. Thy price thou know’st lady, when the minstrel stops I shall go—speak now or speak nevermore of this. ‘Pain and love rules me of this moment—who dares to pay my price—not flesh, not any; yet if they could they would take my life,—but no knights or kings can conquer it. Only you can subdue me, life is either an exploration or naught.”
20
Florencia Most Honored
Florencia moves closer into the mist, as he now transform into a clearer picture of who he is in the flesh. Gawain turns and disappears into the crowd, he realizes he cannot blow out the torch inside Florencia’s heart, and the Green Knight has acted within the code of the Knights, he cannot take death, he is bound to his fate, his lot in life, and there, he does not take advantage of his superiority, as he has allowed Gawain, to stand firm with chivalry, But neither will he allow him or anyone to put his love for Florencia in jeopardy.
21
Florencia notices many lords and knights now at the long tables, bright banners are brought up to the tables where the feast is to take place, the music continues to play, meat and vegetables, breads and plates are now put onto the table, soups are being carried out…
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GK: “In this mysterious light, that reflects throughout the hall, thou art so strangely beautiful, you consume me! Temptation transcends me, as if I am put into a new world. Do not be surprised—loveliness, forsake this world, and come into mine—deny, abjure this life; for we shall see disastrous days but perish I shall not, and therefore, you do not have to worry: I am the price, and be it what it may.”
Florencia: “All men of flesh are mad, alas! What road is left for a woman of flesh, a pearl today I maybe, but when I am old, then what?”
GK: “We shall dim the winter lamp, when the time comes.”
Florencia: How then shall I win thy kiss…?
GK: “Thou soon shall see me fully in flesh, for you will see my age shall mock thy youth. Brig then our lips—like gems to mine.”
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Florencia: Thou does amuse me, my lord!” then looking into his configuration, and eyes, continued by saying: “You are wiser than most men I have known…wiser than those who have questioned you I would guess, and you have cheated years for days. And you see my eyes gleam for thee, lit with the light of some mysterious love.”
GK: “For what the god’s desire, I have thrown away, until now. And the gods are smile the power fools take to be looked upon as gods. You will be my citadel, I will be your storm, and duty, love and reason will guide us.”
24
The Green Knight Philosophizes
GK: “Perhaps the brave dead are braver than the brave living…for I have seen traitors spawn (what need be) for treasures, sacred or not, out of self-interest. I have fought and found the battles I fight for others are all in vain.
“In a moments time the music will stop, and you will touch my fleshly lips with your gems, burn for me in this last moment! I promise once in mine arms, thou shall receive the joy of ten-thousand years, and all the love I have saved.”
25
(The music stops. And in the Green Knights mind, he whispers ‘Betray me now, or go forward. Nay, I shall not try to win her twice.’
Gawain is in the distance, by the tables of food, staring over at Florencia, he is unsure of her fate. He keeps touching his sword, as if he is trying to talk himself into something.)
Continuation of: The Epic in Poetic Form
Guinevere’s Arrival
26
Yester eve had arrived, merriment was at hand, Queen Guinevere showed her presence at the party Of King Arthur’s niece; there was a levier lady than she, and she notice her, Florencia, and the uninvited guest, the Green knight was standing near a pillar, now clear as day, they had kissed, it pleased the Green Knight to become visible; ere, this lovely lady walked slowly towards the doors, her hand his.
The king looked at them both, she was of royalty, and her ancestors were like King Arthur, Roman decent. She was the daughter of Loth, the niece of King Arthur. 27
They walked, sensing the eyes of Gawain following them: as well as Guinevere’s eyes, and the Kings; Bishop Baldwin was present and fifty trumpets sounded, and the king sat at down at the head of the table, and Gawain left, disappeared into the darkness.
It was the noblest of feasts—yet Florencia would not turn back to join the Knights, and King, she was centered on the Green Knight, followed him proudly to the high arched doors of the castle.
(In the background there was much beer and amounts of food, but she would not eat, or drink with her kind, her stomach was in a romantic frenzy, her skin like goose skin, her heart pumping wildly.)
Florencia’s Youth
27
(Narrator :) Now of this feast I will say little to nothing more—for I am sure this is not to your liking, such details can be boring. But noise came, a voice, then Florencia drew near to it, and she could hear his heart breathing,
she could actually hear it over the music, the drums and pipes within the Great Hall. She could not leave him, thus
she allowed all to pass her (this youthful beauty of nineteen).
All the garments of the Green Knight were Green, a fine robe of green, that covered his shoulders; he, himself was finely trimmed, handsome, and with thick locks of hair. His horse was green, a stallion.
As many looked on towards these two figures, they knew who this noble knight was, his reputation
preceded him. Gladness filled the eyes of Florencia as grief filled the king’s.
28 Guinevere’s Monologue
Brave and bold he stood, the Green Knight, as young knights came to and fro, unsure of what to do as the now the Green Knight was completely visible in the flesh. All could see him escorting Florencia towards the doors. Sir Gawain moved slowly and Guinevere was most happy, said:
“The Green Knight is the finest soldier of us all, adored by many, throughout the ages, if indeed Florencia wished to leave with him—unless there be some good reason: lords, ladies, and knights.”
And the soldiers let him pass without a movement; the king was not as happy, nor as courteous as Guinevere did not contradict his wife.
So by the look of the king, and vice of the Queen, did all abide, and stood not in their way.
“Go your way in bliss, abode together and what ever life you find, may you enjoy it,” said Guinevere, and then sat down at the long table. But Gawain was not pleased.
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The Dialogues
Outside the Halls of Camelot
The Dialogue of Florencia, Gawain, and the Green Knight 4
The Sorrows
Gawain: “Thou shall come with me to the feast, for what remains of the night!”
(There is no music, and both the Green Knight and Florencia stand outside by the castle door now, and below them, the many steps, that lead into the front court yard. Gawain has met them there.)
GK: “Trouble thee not thy heart Florencia! Come closer to me, cast thy arms sound me, for I love thee.”
Gawain: “Surely you have said that to many—blind you are Florencia, sweet flow’rs of youth, do not give them to a ghost, he has sorcery to bind your heart!”
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(Then Gawain pulls out his sword and with a downward thrust, slices open the Green Knight like a watermelon, it is deep, the sword descends through him like butter, and through his back, and into mid section of Florencia, and into her internal organs. She will bleed to death soon, and she knows it. The Ghost of the Green Knight seals his would, within seconds, as if it were a scratch, and as fast as a whirlwind, he pulls his sword, towers over Gawain, and is ready to slice through him from head to toe, at which time, the dying Florencia speaks, “And on your tongue rests revenge and death, my love, slay not Gawain, no, it is not for him to die, and for you to hate and horror be place in your heart, let me die in your arms at peace, and spare my once protector…”))and so it was!))
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The Grieving of Gawain
Gawain lifts his body up to a straight posture out of a fighting stance—the Green Knight now kneels beside his Florencia, taking a last and final kiss, then she falls backwards in death.
Gawain: “I have slain my king’s niece, and soon will cast myself against my own sword—for I have cheated her out of life, and the world of her beauty, I will stand soon before the sightless dead.”
(The Green Knights body was warm, and so still was hers, and as she lay into his arms, the mist around him opened up her pours, and it seeped into her…)
GK: “O fool thou, has gained nothing from this, and from two kisses I have gained much. Thy sword shall not obtain thee peace by death. I shall return in a year, gather thy strength, for thou shall need it all! I will have a proposition for thee!”
(The Green knight Whispers: ‘No matter what, today has made beautiful my past, and I shall remember it until my last hour!’)
The green knight vanished among he great castle’s towers, and Gawain carries Florencia into the Great Hall of Camelot, and one can hear the echoes of a Great Knight moaning…!


The End


Notes on the writing of the story: “Sir Gawain, and the Ghost of the Green Knight.” It was written at Mini and Sophie’s house in Huancayo, Peru: the outline written out in the afternoons sitting on Sophie’s patio, in the sun, in the month of June, 2007. The overview, or chapter one thru eight, the whole story here, was written out that one afternoon, 6-30-2007. Chapter nine, “The Grieving of Gawain,” was written out 7-2-2007, along with three parts not put into this story, called, “The Boy Soldier,” which entailed the Green Knight meeting of a solider during the Crusades, and the boy (Flu) talks briefly on the love of a woman, and in the morning the boy is gone. In essence, youth has its wisdom, even though at times it seems clumsy. It was a sketch that was not needed, also written the second of July. This story has done quite well on the Internet a day after it was written completed. The poetic form and dialogue was done in a specific way, along with the narration.
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