Arthur and his knights form the realm of Logres and perform many great deeds and battle “evildoers.” One New Year’s Day, Arthur holds a feast in Camelot. Before the meal, a man enters—entirely green from head to toe—and asks to test the knights’ bravery. The Green Knight proposes a game to exchange strokes of the axe: Whatever the knight does to him, he will do to them at his Green Chapel in one year. Arthur answers the challenge, but Gawain takes his place, wanting to make up for his shameful quest. Gawain cuts the Green Knight’s head clean off, yet the man stands, retrieves his head, and reconfirms Gawain’s promise. The year passes, and Arthur holds a feast in Caerleon before Gawain departs on his quest.

Gawain travels through Wales to the Forest of Wirral, fighting “wicked” men and the elements along the way. No one knows the Green Chapel, so Gawain wanders lost until he comes to a castle. Sir Bernlak and his lady welcome Gawain and invite him to join their Christmastime celebrations. Gawain makes to leave after three days, but Bernlak begs him to stay, knowing the Green Chapel is nearby. Bernlak proposes a game over the next three days: He will give Gawain the spoils of his hunts, and Gawain will give him whatever he receives in the castle.