Medieval literature is known for the many symbols used throughout the stories. Some are very recognizable, but many are hidden beneath. Gawain’s pentangle that he wears throughout the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, is an obvious, but big symbol in itself. The five pointed star links within each point creating what’s known as “the endless knot”. “It is a symbol that Solomon designed long ago as an emblem of fidelity, and justly so… Therefore is suits the knight and his shining arms, for always faithful in his ways, and five times in each case, Gawain was reputed as virtuous.” (625-626, 631-633) The pentangle is a good representation of the five different virtues: generosity, courtesy, chastity, fellowship, and charity. With the five points of the star connecting, the virtues interrelate and help support one another.
Another symbol in the story is the green girdle. This belt-like object is given to Gawain from Lady Bertilak as a lovers token. When Lady Bertilak offers the girdle to Gawain, he denies it. Soon after, she informs him that the green girdle will protect him from death. Gawain then accepts the girdle and the story continues. The green girdle then represents Sir Gawain’s survival against the Green Knight. "God requite you for it! Not for the glorious gold shall I wear it, nor for the stuff nor the silk nor the swaying pendants, nor for it's worth, fin workmanship or wonderful honour; but as a sign of my sin I shall see it often." (Jakel 2007) When Gawain returns to the castle, he continues to wear the girdle as a symbol of his failure for not trading it in with his kisses every day to Bertilak. After everyone in Arthur’s court begins to wear a similar belt, it then represents honor in Sir Gawain’s name. The meaning of these symbols can sometimes change throughout the story based on the reader’s interpretation and the time in the story. These are just a few of these symbols.
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