Blog #2

Justin Enriquez

British Lit. P.6

October 3, 2013

Campbell Applied to Sir Gawain

In applying Campbell to Sir Gawain there are an abundance of topics that can be mentioned. However, one of the most important of these topics is how Sir Gawain is included in Campbell's guidelines of a heroic epic. For example, one of the most obvious ways Sir Gawain can fall into Campbell's guidelines of a heroic epic is the very broad fact that Sir Gawain journeyed throughout the narrative. By reading this you will not only draw comparisons between Campbell and Sir Gawain but will be able to draw specific comparisons that will show insight on both Campbell and Sir Gawain. Therefore, I will explain how Sir Gawain falls into Campbell's guidelines of a heroic epic.

One way Sir Gawain falls into Campbell's heroic epic is by being introduced in the ordinary world. In the beginning of the narrative, a mysterious Green Knight approaches King Arthur and his crew in which Sir Gawain is present. This is considered the ordinary world because the event takes place during a New Year’s Eve feast at King Arthur’s court. Even though I am considering it ordinary it will soon be proved to be extraordinary in my second point.

The second way Sir Gawain falls into Campbell's heroic epic is by being called or challenged in which an adventure can be applied. For instance, Green Knight says that he will allow whomever accepts the challenge to strike him with his own axe, on the condition that the challenger find him in exactly one year to receive a blow in return. King Arthur is whom the challenge is originally pointed to but Sir Gawain steps up and chops the Green Knight's head off. As mentioned before, this is where the ordinary and extraordinary world collides due to the fact that the Green Knight is still able to talk even after he is beheaded. Therefore, Sir Gawain is challenged and being called upon to chop at Green Knight's head which along the way is going to have to venture on a journey in order to meet the Green Knight in a year.

        The third way Sir Gawain falls into Campbell's heroic epic is by being in possession of a reward they have earned along their adventure. In the case of Sir Gawain one of the most significant rewards he is given is a girdle in which contains magical powers that will be of benefit to him when he meets the Green Knight. This girdle helps him survive the otherwise lethal blows the Green Knight provides him with which is why I suggest that it is one of the most significant rewards.