Ascend - The Great Books Podcast Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Fitt 1 with Dr. Justin Jackson
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we are discussing Fitt 1 of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight with Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Justin Jackson of Hillsdale College, Chivalry Guild, and Banished Kent.
Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule.
Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to Sir Gawain and the Greek Knight (posted soon!).
Episode Summary
The panel dives into the 14th-century Middle English masterpiece Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, exploring its mysterious single-manuscript survival, alliterative brilliance, and rich layers of meaning in Fit 1. From the Troy-to-Britain prologue to the shocking arrival of the Green Knight and the beheading game, the discussion uncovers dualities, temptations, and the clash between chivalric courtesy and Christian virtue that make this Christmas tale profoundly relevant.
Why Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Is Worth Reading
This poem stands as one of the greatest works of English literature because it masterfully blends adventure, humor, moral depth, and spiritual insight. As Dr. Jackson notes, it survived by miracle in a single tiny manuscript, yet offers the “greatest chivalric romance” alongside exquisite theological literacy. It probes timeless questions—how do pride, fear, courtesy, and faith collide in a fallen world?—without easy answers, forcing readers to wrestle with their own choices.
Tolkien saw it as a meditation on seductive worldly culture versus Christian ethos; the guests highlight its realistic portrayal of human imperfection amid high ideals. Beautifully crafted (alliteration, bob-and-wheel, vivid imagery), often funny, and profoundly Christian, it humanizes the heroic while elevating humility and grace—perfect for Christmas reflection on mortality, temptation, and redemption.
Key Discussion Points
- Manuscript & Poet: A unique survival with Pearl, Cleanness, and Patience; anonymous poet of astounding skill in alliterative revival.
- Historical Frame: Begins with Troy’s fall and Aeneas (traitor in medieval legend) leading to Brutus and Britain—history as “bliss and blunder.”
- Arthur’s Court: Young, vital Arthur is admirable yet “somewhat childish,” craving marvels or “life for life” combat.
- Guinevere’s Gray Eyes: Symbol of wisdom/clarity, yet ambiguous; benchmark of beauty later challenged.
- Green Knight’s Duality: Terrifying green giant vs. courtly noble—tempting fear/violence vs. courtesy/mercy.
- The Game: Explicitly “stroke for stroke,” not beheading; court’s violent interpretation reveals failures.
- Tolkien’s Lens: Tension between seductive chivalric/courtly culture and higher Christian virtue.
- Gawain’s Intervention: Praised as humble, loyal self-sacrifice to shield Arthur.
Notable Quotes
- Dr. Jackson: “The poem is giving you two readings throughout, and then it wants to see which one are you going to appropriate.”
- Deacon Garlick: “This text captures my imagination… knowledge is an antecedent to love.”
- George (via Tolkien): “Gawain… as a matter of duty and humility and self-sacrifice.”
Resources & Recommendations
- Tolkien’s translation and scholarly edition
- James Winny’s facing-page translation
- Dr. Jackson’s Hillsdale online course lecture (watch after finishing the poem to avoid spoilers)
Next episode: Fits 2–3 with Dr. Tiffany Schubert. Join the discussion on Patreon or X!