HERO S JOURNEY. Junior Summer Preparation: A foreword by Mr. Apolinario THE. A Guide to Understanding Literature and Life

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1 Junior Summer Preparation: A foreword by Mr. Apolinario Well, here you are getting ready to take on the challenge of my British Literature class in order to graduate. You ve probably heard rumors about the workload and the demands I place upon my students. Believe them or don t believe them it is entirely up to you. What you need to understand is that you only get out what you put into this class. So, I have prepared this short reading handout and a few worksheets for you to prepare for what will be a most exciting class. My actual plan is to have you travel through time and space to join other human beings in the quest for a hero. The literature that we will read is filled with powerful, mystical, magical, intelligent people who perform extraordinary tasks. Some of the literature is more fiction than nonfiction, but the intent is the same: all of the authors more or less seek to define what it means to be a heroic individual. It is possible to write pages and pages in order to define the word hero. In fact, we will be spending the entire semester formulating a definition of hero by examining literature written before 1600 CE (AD). But to give you a starting point, here is the core definition as I see it: A hero is a person who displays traits necessary for a culture to thrive. Let me elaborate a bit on some of the components of this definition. THE HERO S JOURNEY A Guide to Understanding Literature and Life as presented in Joseph Campbell s Monomyth of a hero 2 Hero Journey - Apolinario A hero is a person. Well, heroes are usually not just an average person. The hero is often a god-like human, such as Aragorn from Lord of the Rings; a god-human blend, such as Herakles from Greek mythology or Jesus from Christianity; a human-like god, like Vishnu from Hindu religion or even more rarely a god-animal blend like in Egyptian mythology; or human-animal blend, Enkidu in the Epic of Gilgamesh. As we move through the literature, you will see the heroes become less and less like gods and animals and more and more like humans. A hero displays traits. To elaborate, these traits could be listed as strengths, powers, or virtues, but some of the traits can also be weaknesses, disabilities, or even vices. Generally, heroes display positive traits, but to say that is true in every case is an oversimplification. A hero is cultural. By linking the definition of hero to its culture, this definition highlights the fact that heroes are a product of time and place. In one sense, heroes transcend time and space because we can compare heroes from precolumbian America to heroes from contemporary India and find similarities. In another sense, each hero is also anchored very specifically to a culture, which can be defined as a complicated interweaving of ethnic group(s), religion(s), history/ ies, landscape(s), ritual(s), economy/ies, language(s), political system(s).

2 A hero saves others. Stories about heroes often highlight some brave act that saves people from the brink of disaster, such as slaying a dragon that is threatening to destroy the local village. However, these acts of salvation from extraordinary events or creatures are really just dramatized versions of what a culture must do to survive everyday threats: death, disease, draught, conquest by warring neighbors, or even more metaphysical harm such as damnation. The most basic drive humans have is the quest for survival. Stories we tell each other about heroes dramatize the need to conquer the forces that threaten the survival of human beings and their culture. In other words, if villagers in a 13th century Anglo-Saxon village listened to stories about St. George killing a dragon in order to save a princess, these villagers had more faith in their ability to dowse the fires that started when lightening struck their wheat fields. (Note: The legend of St. George is also a Christian allegory for saving the Christian church from Satan, but acts of metaphysical salvation are always connected to saving people from physical destruction as well.) Summer Reading Novel for Honors English Nordic Gods and Heroes Padraic Colum Dover ISBN-13: A hero helps cultures to thrive, not just survive. People not only have the need to survive death, illness and destruction; they have the need to thrive or to continually strive for self-improvement. The hero can save people from physical death, but he or she can also help individuals and cultures move from the most basic level of need to the highest level of need. Let me summarize Campbell s theory in a succinct (but oversimplified way): The human psyche strives to make a literal or figurative journey. That journey primarily involves traveling into darkness (death, choas, evil, hell) in order to bring back an object that will save the hero and/or society. Campbell posits the notion that all people in all times and all cultures possess the same psychological belief, the same monomyth (meaning the principal story that creates meaning for life). He believes that the same story, the journey of the hero, is told again and again in various manifestations, hence his book s title. Honors Summer Reading 3

3 TAKING THE HERO S JOURNEY: An Introduction Everyone takes the Hero s Journey to some degree. Most of the time we aren t aware of it. On the following pages, you will be asked to consciously move through the stages of the Hero s Journey by examining each of the stages. Throughout this section, while describing each particular stage, I will try to enhance the experience with example quotes and scene descriptions from popular stories. Most of the examples may stem from the film medium, since it is a popular, easily accessible, medium and often lends itself to quick analysis. Recent blockbuster films drawn from popular books such as Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Harry Potter, and the Hunger games series have shown that Americans are requesting a demand for the classic hero story. Even Bruce Wayne, Tony Stark and the current Man of Steel display the classic adventure that all protagonists must traverse - otherwise known as the Hero Journey. If you go looking for Adventure, you usually find as much of it as you can manage. And it often happens that when you think it is ahead, it comes on you unexpectedly from behind. - J.R.R. Tolkien How does this Hero s Journey work for my class? This thematic curriculum, which we will use to the pattern of the heroic journey, is a foundation for studying and understanding all the literature you read, the films you watch, and the experiences you encounter. Our focus will be an emphasis on writing and collaborative learning through character analysis, short story writing, group presentations and a reflective essay. The Hero s Journey is the pattern of human experience. It underlies virtually all literature and film, making it an ideal framework for learning British Literature. If you begin to understand the archetype and learn to see literature and film as modern myths, stories which both reflect and direct human experience, then with this Hero s Journey guide, I hope that you will find new meaning in literature and in life. I have a strong feeling about interesting people in space exploration...and the only way its going to happen is to have some kid fantasize about getting his ray gun, jumping into his spaceship, and flying into outer space. George Lucas CREATOR OF STAR WARS 4 Hero Journey - Apolinario

4 So? Whom are we getting all this from? Perhaps the best-known comparative mythologist of this age, Joseph Campbell was born March 26, 1904, in New York, to a middle class, Roman Catholic family. As a child he saw, and was enchanted with, Buffalo Bill s Wild West Show; subsequently he developed, while still a youth, a keen interest in Native American cultures and mythologies. As he grew up and as his education continued, this early fascination with culture and myth expanded to include the myths of many cultures worldwide it could well be said of him that he followed his bliss, something he would ultimately exhort his readers and students to do. His education he studied at Dartmouth, Columbia, and the Universities of Paris and Munich was extensive, including linguistic, anthropological and literary studies. He was well-traveled, and had an open and inquisitive mind. In the course of his studies, he came to feel that there was a strong commonality linking the various myths and legends of disparate lands and cultures. Campbell believed that myth was universal, because it sprang from the common imagination of the collective unconscious. He went so far as to enumerate the particular themes and features that different myths shared, theorizing, in the case of these heroic myths, the standard storyline which he called the monomyth. In his seminal book The Hero With a Thousand Faces, he mapped the universal Hero s Journey in detail, using as example myths from many cultures and traditions. However, since Campbell uses some specialized technical terms that require going back to his examples in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces to find out what he s talking about, I ve taken the liberty of amending his outline. After all every story-teller bends the myth to his own purpose. A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. Joseph Campbell George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, claims that Campbell s monomyth was the inspiration for his groundbreaking films. Lucas also believes that Star Wars is such a popular saga because it taps into a timeless story-structure which has existed for thousands of years. The Hero s Journey is a great technique for analyzing all kinds of stories--whether they be myths, legends, films, novels, short stories, plays, or even comic books. Educating students about the Hero s Journey encourages them to think about plot structure, character motivation, and theme. It also leads them to consider what qualities they associate with heroes. Are heroes born or are they made? Are there heroes in real-life or must they be larger-than-life? Who are the heroes in our society. Honors Summer Reading 5

5 The Monomyth of the Hero In the course of analyzing the myths and lore of various world cultures, mythologist Joseph Campbell saw an underlying similarity throughout the stories, and in fact perceived and articulated a storyline-structure he believed to be universal for hero-myths. This storyline he called the monomyth. Here is an outline of the basic structure of the universal hero s monomyth, as Campbell discussed it in his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces: Not only does the monomythic structure apply to classical Hero mythology, it can often be applied to modern stories, also. The hero symbolizes a man s unconscious self, and this manifests itself empirically as the sum total of all archetypes and therefore includes the archetype of the father and of the wise old man. To that extent the hero is his own father and his own begetter. C. G. Jung I. Departure - The Call to Adventure - Refusal of the Call - Supernatural Aid - The Crossing of the First Threshold - The Belly of the Whale II. Initiation - The Road of Trials - The Meeting with the Goddess - Woman as the Temptress - Atonement with the Father - Apotheosis - The Ultimate Boon III. Return - Refusal of the Return - The Magic Flight - Rescue from Without - The Crossing of the Return Threshold - Master of the Two Worlds - Freedom to Live 6 Hero Journey - Apolinario

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7 The Hero s Journey Life s Great Adventure The Pattern of Human Experience Most of us were introduced to the Heroic Journey through mythology. Mythological heroes take great journeys: to slay Medusa, to kill the minotaur, to find the golden fleece. But The Hero s Journey isn t just a pattern from myth. It s the pattern of life, growth and experience -- for all of us. We see it reflected everywhere, from a television comedy to the great works of literature to the experiences in our own lives. (Note: We use the term Hero to refer to both male and female. The traditional feminine form, Heroine, is just a diminutive form of Hero which we feel is demeaning and inappropriate.) A Mirror of the Rite of Passage The Hero s Journey duplicates the stages of the Rite of Passage. First the initiate faces separation from his own, familiar world. Once separated, he undergoes initiation and transformation, where the old ways of thinking and acting are altered or destroyed, opening the way to a new level of awareness, skill and freedom. After successfully meeting the challenges of the initiation, the initiate takes the journey s final step, the return to his world. When he does, he will find that he is more confident, perceptive, and capable, and he will discover that his community now treats him as an adult, with all of the respect, rights and privileges which that status implies. A Map to Experience Why study The Hero s Journey? Why learn a pattern that dates from before recorded history? The answer is simple: we should study it because it s the pattern of human experience, of our experience, and we will live it for the rest of our lives. to a new job, school or city: every situation which confronts us with something new or which forces us to re-evaluate our thinking, behavior or perspective. The journey is a process of self-discovery and self-integration, of maintaining balance and harmony in our lives. As with any process of growth and change, a journey can be confusing and painful, but it brings opportunities to develop confidence, perspective and understanding. Understanding the Journey pattern can help us understand the literature us read, the movies us see, and the experiences which shape your life. By recognizing the Journey s stages and how they function, we will develop a sense of the flow of our own experience and be better able to make decisions and solve problems. More importantly, we will begin to recognize our own points of passage and respect the significance they have for us. A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. Christopher Reeve In a sense, every challenge or change we face in life is a Journey: every love found, every love lost, every birth or death, every move 8 Hero Journey - Apolinario

8 THE ORDINARY WORLD Heroes exist in a world is considered ordinary or uneventful by those who live there. Often the heroes are considered odd by those in the ordinary world and possess some ability or characteristic that makes them feel out-of-place. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Dorothy in Kansas The Hobbit: Bilbo Baggins in Hobbiton Star Wars: Luke Skywalker on Tatooine The Lion King: Simba at Pride Rock THE CALL TO ADVENTURE For heroes to begin their journeys, they must be called away from the ordinary world. Fantastic quests don t happen in everyday life. Heroes must be removed from their typical environment. Most heroes show a reluctance to leave their home, their friends, and their life to journey on a quest. But in the end they accept their destiny. Usually there is a discovery, some event, or some danger that starts them on the heroic path. Heroes find a mystic object or discover their world is in danger. In some cases, heroes happen upon their quest by accident. Campbell puts it like this, A blunder the merest chance reveals an unsuspected world. The new world the hero is forced into is much different than the old one. Campbell describes this new world as a fateful region of both treasure and danger a distant land, a forest, a kingdom underground, beneath the waves, or above the sky, a secret island, lofty mountaintop, or profound dream state a place of strangely fluid and polymorphous beings, unimaginable torments, superhuman deeds, and impossible delight. This description may seem pretty vague, but think of all the various fantasy realms characters have entered throughout the years: Middle- Earth, Oz, Narnia, Wonderland. It could even be outer space, a haunted house, or the Matrix. Regardless of the details, the new world is sure to be filled with adventure. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The tornado The Hobbit: Gandalf the wizard arrives Star Wars: R2D2 s cryptic message REFUSAL OF THE QUEST During the Call to Adventure heroes are given a task or quest which only they can complete. They are faced with a choice: accept the quest or deny it. Their choice might seem like a no-brainer. If they don t accept the quest, there won t be much of a story or will there? Actually there are stories where heroes don t accept their destinies. When this happens, the stage is set for disaster. There s a reason why the powers-that-be have chosen a particular hero. A refusal of the quest only brings trouble. King Minos, the monarch of Crete who antagonizes the Greek hero Theseus, does not do what the gods ask of him. Poseidon, Lord of the Seas, sends him a beautiful white bull. The god s only order is that Minos must sacrifice the creature back to him. After seeing the magnificent beast, Minos decides he just can t bring himself to do what the god asks and keeps the bull as a personal trophy. Enraged, Poseidon vows revenge and causes Minos wife to burn with lust for her husband s prized beast. The rest of this story is strictly NC-17. It results in the birth of the Minotaur, a creature half-bull, half-human, a curse to his father King Minos. Honors Summer Reading 9

9 Campbell notes that heroes who refuse their quest often become characters in need of rescuing or in Minos case, the villain of another hero s journey. Star Wars: Luke refuses the quest until he learns his aunt and uncle are dead The Lion King: Simba refuses to return to Pride Rock and accept his destiny Groundhog Day: Example of the negative cycle caused by refusing the call ACCEPTING THE CALL: Once the adventure is accepted, the heroes advance into the next stage of their journey. ENTERING THE UNKNOWN As they embark on their journey, the heroes enter a world they have never experienced before. Very often it is filled with supernatural creatures, breathtaking sights, and the constant threat of death. Unlike the heroes home, this outside world has its own rules, and they quickly learns to respect these rules as their endurance, strength, and mettle are tested time and time again. After all, it is not the end of the journey which teaches, but the journey itself. The Wizard of Oz: Dorothy must learn the rules of Oz The Matrix: Neo must come to grips with the realities and unrealities of the Matrix Star Wars: Luke enters Mos Eisley and the cantina & learns about bigotry towards droids SUPERNATURAL AID Supernatural doesn t have to mean magical. There are plenty of hero stories that don t have wizards or witches per say. Supernatural simply means above the laws of nature. Heroes are almost always started on their journey by a character who has mastered the laws of the outside world and come back to bestow this wisdom upon them. This supernatural character often gives them the means to complete the quest. Some of the time the gift is simply wisdom. Other times it is an object with magical powers. In every instance it is something the hero needs to succeed. As Campbell says, One has only to know and trust, and the ageless guardians will appear. The job of the supernatural assistor is to give the heroes what they need to finish the quest not finish it for them. The Hobbit: Gandalf Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi Cinderella: Fairy Godmother TALISMAN: A Special (and often magical) items that assist the heroes on their quest. The Wizard of Oz: Ruby Slippers The Hobbit: The Ring Star Wars: Lightsaber ALLIES/HELPERS Every hero needs a helper, much like every superhero needs a sidekick. Without the assistance of their companions and helpers along the way, most heroes would fail miserably. For example, in the Greek hero story of Theseus, Minos daughter Ariadne, after falling hopelessly in love, helps Theseus navigate the Labyrinth. She does 10 Hero Journey - Apolinario

10 this by holding one end of a golden thread while Theseus works his way inward to slay the Minotaur. Without her help, Theseus would never have fulfilled his quest or found his way out of the maze once he did so. Lord of the Rings: Samwise Gamgee The Wizard of Oz: The Tin Woodsman, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion TESTS & THE SUPREME ORDEAL The heroes progress through a series of tests, a set of obstacles that make them stronger, preparing them for their final showdown. At long last they reach the Supreme Ordeal, the obstacle they have journeyed so far to overcome. Once past the Threshold, we begin the journey into the unknown. The voyage can be outward into a physical unknown or inward to a psychological unknown. Whichever direction the voyage takes, our adventure puts us more and more at risk, emotionally and physically. On our quest, we faces a series of challenges or temptations. The early challenges are relatively easy. By meeting them successfully, we build maturity, skill and confidence. As our journey progresses, the challenges become more and more difficult, testing us to the utmost, forcing us to change and grow. One of our greatest tests on the journey is to differentiate real helpers from tempters. Tempters try to pull us away from our path. They use fear, doubt or distraction. They may pretend to be a friend or counselor in an effort to divert our energy to their own needs, uses or beliefs. We must rely on our sense of purpose and judgment and the advise of our mentor to help us recognize true helpers. Whatever the challenges we face, they always seem to strike our greatest weakness: our poorest skill, our shakiest knowledge, our most vulnerable emotions. Furthermore, the challenges always reflect needs and fears, for it is only by directly facing these weaknesses that we can acknowledge and and incorporate them, turn them from demons to gods. If we can t do this, the adventure ends and we must turn back. Star Wars: All the running from the Empire Lord of the Rings: The path to Mt Doom Into the Abyss When we reach the Abyss, we face the greatest challenge of the journey. The challenge is so great at this point that we must surrender ourselves completely to the adventure and become one with it. In the Abyss he must face our greatest fear, and we must face alone. Here is where he must slay the dragon, which often takes the shape of something we dread, or have repressed or need to resolve. There is always the possibility that, because we are unprepared or have a flaw in our character, the challenge beats us. Or perhaps we can t surrender ourselves to it and must retreat. In any case, unless we set off to try again, our life becomes a bitter shadow of what it could have been. Star Wars: Blowing up the Death Star Lord of the Rings: Mount Doom The Wizard of Oz: Defeating the Wicked Witch Transformation and Revelaton As we conquer the Abyss and overcome our fears, our transformation becomes complete. The final step in the process is a moment of death and rebirth: a part of us dies so that a new part can be born. Fear Honors Summer Reading 11

11 must die to make way for courage. Ignorance must die for the birth of enlightenment. Dependency and irresponsibility must die so that independence and power can grow. Part of the Transformation process is a Revelation, a sudden, dramatic change in the way we think or view life. This change in thinking is crucial because it makes us truly a different person. (The Revelation usually occurs during or after the Abyss, but sometimes it may actually lead us into the Abyss.) The Atonement After we have been transformed, we go on to achieve Atonement, that is we are at-one with our new self. We have incorporated the changes caused by the Journey and we are fully reborn. In a spiritual sense, the Transformation has brought us into harmony with life and the world. The imbalance which sent us on the journey has been corrected -- until the next call. The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies Lord of the Rings: Return to Hobbiton MASTER OF TWO WORLDS/ RESTORING THE WORLD Success on the heroes quest is life-changing, for them and often for many others. By achieving victory, they have changed or preserved their original world. Often they return with the exilir, an object or personal ability that allows them to save their world. The heroes have also grown in spirit and strength. They have proved themselves worthy for marriage, kingship, or queenship. Their mastery of the outside world qualifies them to be giants in their own. Lord of the Rings: Frodo saves the Shire The Wizard of Oz: Dorothy rids Oz of the Wicked Witch REWARD AND THE JOURNEY HOME Typically, there is a reward given to heroes for passing the Supreme Ordeal. It could be a kingdom. It could be the hand of a beautiful princess. It could be the Holy Grail. Whatever it is, it is a reward for the heroes endurance and strength. After the heroes complete the Supreme Ordeal and have the reward firmly in hand, all that is left is for them to return home. Just because the majority of the adventure has passed doesn t mean that the return journey will be smooth sailing. There are still lesser homebound obstacles to overcome. 12 Hero Journey - Apolinario

12 THE MONOMYTH: NOT JUST FOR MYTHOLOGY While Joseph Campbell s monomyth works best with the traditional form of the quest folk and fairy tales, myths, legends, and other fantasies it can be applied to many different genres or types of stories. A quest does not have to include swords and monsters. It can just as easily occur in the real world. The monomyth, ageless and universal, exists anywhere and everywhere. A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder; fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won; the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man. Joseph Campbell ARCHETYPES APPEARING IN THE HERO S JOURNEY Joseph Campbell was heavily influenced by the Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Jung whose theory of the collective unconscious involved archetypes recurring images, patterns, and ideas from dreams and myths across various cultures. Below are several archetypes often found in myths. HEROES: Central figures in stories. Everyone is the hero of his or her own myth. SHADOWS: Villains, enemies, or perhaps the enemy within. This could be the repressed possibilities of the hero, his or her potential for evil. MENTORS: The hero s guide or guiding principles. HERALD: The one who brings the Call to Adventure. This could be a person or an event. THRESHOLD GUARDIANS: The forces that stand in the way at important turning points, including jealous enemies, professional gatekeepers, or even the hero s own fears and doubts. SHAPESHIFTERS: In stories, creatures like vampires or werewolves who change shape. In life, the shapeshifter represents change. TRICKSTERS: Clowns and mischief-makers. ALLIES: Characters who help the hero throughout the quest. WOMAN AS TEMPTRESS: Sometimes a female character offers danger to the hero (a femme fatale) Honors Summer Reading 13

13 Eight-step transformation We usually divide the Journey into eight steps, but you must remember that the journey is a single process and an individual adventure towards growth and transformation. As such, the sequence of elements and the duration of the experiences will vary from one person to another. Separation (from the known) The Call / Refusal of the call The Unknown/ Threshold (with guardians, helpers, and mentor) Initiation and Transformation The Challenges / Test The Abyss / Supreme Ordeal The Transformation The Revelation The Atonement The Return (to the known world) The Return (with a Gift) / Master of two worlds Remember that the journey is a process of separation, transformation, and return. Each stage must be completed successfully if we are to become Heroic. To turn back is to reject our innate need to grow, and unless we set out again, we severely hinder our development and hamper our need to mature. 14 Hero Journey - Apolinario

14 Why Study Myth? Myths offer us a metaphorical map of human experience. The heroic quest belongs to each of us, just as it belongs to Taliesin, Inanna, Merlin, Gilgamesh. Our lives are a process, a journey consisting of challenges to be faced, trials to be endured, and adventures to be had. The study of mythology provides many varied benefits to each of you. As my student you will come in contact with a variety of world cultures while comparing those cultures to your own. Mythology also teaches history by examining ancient times and their effect on the modern world. The study of Greco-Roman and Norse mythology also strengthens your understanding of language & culture since many English words are derived from characters and events found within. It can also increase students appreciation for Literature and art by understanding the many mythological allusions. By studying ancient mythologies, you will also start thinking analytically about modern culture, analyzing the traces of ancient mythology has left behind and the legends that have been created in your own day. You see? Mythology combines all these different facets of learning into one object of study. And the best part is: Mythological stories are often fun! Because of its multifaceted nature, our study of English Literature is hard to categorize into one single subject area. We will not simply study the literature of the British Isles, but we will also study the events and people who impacted the cretion of such profound and diverse literature. What s the good of a man Unless there s the glimpse of a god in him? And what s the good of a woman Unless she s a glimpse of a goddess of some sort? - D. H. Lawrence Honors Summer Reading 15

15 The Monomyth: A comparison Campbell Star Wars The Matrix I: Departure The call to adventure Princess Leia s message Follow the white rabbit Refusal of the call Must help with the harvest Neo won t climb out window Supernatural aid Obi-wan rescues Luke from sandpeople Trinity extracts the bug from Neo Crossing the first threshold Escaping Tatooine Agents capture Neo The belly of the whale Trash compactor Torture room II: Initiation The road of trials Lightsaber practice Sparring with Morpheus The meeting with the goddess Princess Leia Trinity Temptation away from the true path 1 16 Hero Journey - Apolinario Luke is tempted by the Dark Side Cypher (the failed messiah) is tempted by the world of comfortable illusions Atonement with the Father Darth and Luke reconcile Neo rescues and comes to agree (that he s The One) with his father-figure, Morpheus Apotheosis (becoming godlike) Luke becomes a Jedi Neo becomes The One The ultimate boon Death Star destroyed Humanity s salvation now within reach III: Return Refusal of the return Luke, come on! Luke wants to stay to avenge Obi-Wan Neo fights agent instead of running The magic flight Millennium Falcon Jacking in Rescue from without Han saves Luke from Darth Trinity saves Neo from agents Crossing the return threshold Millennium Falcon destroys Neo fights agent Smith pursuing TIE fighters Master of the two worlds Victory ceremony Neo s declares victory over machines in final phone call Freedom to live Rebellion is victorious over Empire Humans are victorious over machines Common Mythic Elements Two Worlds (mundane and Planetside vs. The Death Star Reality vs. The Matrix special) The Mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi Morpheus The Oracle Yoda The Oracle The Prophecy Luke will overthrow the Emperor Morpheus will find (and Trinity will fall for) The One Failed Hero Biggs In an early version of the script, Morpheus once believed that Cypher was The One Wearing Luke and Han wear Neo jumps into agent s skin Enemy s Skin stormtrooper outfits Shapeshifter (the Hero Han Solo Cypher isn t sure if he can trust this character) Animal familiar R2-D2, Chewbacca N/A Chasing a lone animal into the enchanted wood (and the animal gets away) The Millennium Falcon follows a lone TIE fighter into range of the Death Star Neo follows the white rabbit to the nightclub where he meets Trinity FOR OVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS, science fiction stories and films have stimulated the imaginations of many scientists in the forefront of discovery, encouraged young people to choose the sciences as a career, and shaped our visions and expectations of future space travel. Among all of these science fiction tales, the Star Wars trilogy has proven to be a very special inspiration. STAR WARS IS ESPECIALLY MEMORABLE because its story of spacefaring pilots and their daring escapades is based on an ancient form of mythology--the hero s journey.

16 Katniss Everdeen Hero s Journey The Mundane World Katniss Everdeen was a girl who lived in the Seam of District 12, hunted in the woods, and traded in the Hob. Her life was a series of days repeating those three things in order to keep her family alive. She shared her life with her mother, sister, and hunting friend, Gale. The Call To Adventure Katniss sister, Prim, was randomly chosen to represent District 12 in the Hunger Games. The games are a yearly penance for an ancient rebellion by the Districts against the Capitol of Panem. One boy and one girl from each District are placed into an arena and forced to kill each other until one winner remains. Rather than seeing her innocent sister die, Katniss volunteers to take her place. Crossing the Threshold Along with Peeta, the male competitor from District 12, Katniss travels to the Capitol where she is lavished with comfortable clothes and accommodations, as well as delicious food. The Path of Trials The path begins for Katniss with training. She is mentored by Haymitch, the only previous District 12 winner of the Hunger Games. Initially appearing useless, Haymitch turns out to be a valuable ally for Katniss when she enters the arena. After scoring an 11 out of 12 in the training exhibition, Katniss enters the arena with a large target on her back. Some of the competitors had been training all their lives for this event and were thus efficient killers. Katniss knows her best bet was to run as fast and far as possible. As competitors start to die, Katniss finds herself in a strong position. She destroys the supply centre of the strongest competitors, finds an ally in Rue from the 11th District, and eventually partners with (and falls in love with) Peeta. The Master of Both Worlds When every competitor is dead except for Peeta and Katniss, they are encouraged to kill each other. Katniss refuses, instead offering a suicide pact to Peeta. He accepts, but they are stopped by the organizers of the game, and crowned co-winners. Katniss goes back to District 12 having discovered love for Peeta as well as increasing her sense of mistrust for the Capitol and her sense of independence. Honors Summer Reading 17

17 Simba Hero s Journey The Mundane World Simba s hero s journey begins in exile from the Pride Lands of Africa where he lives with Timon and Pumbaa. Together the three of them live a carefree life with the spirit of Hakuna Matata, meaning no worries. Master of Two Worlds With his return home, Simba is both the friend and king. This symbolizes his role as master of two worlds one world he shares with Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa, and another world he shares with all of the animals of the Pride Lands as their king. The Call To Adventure One day Simba s best friend from his childhood, Nala, finds him in his new life. She tells him that his uncle, Scar, has become king and allowed the hyenas to rule over his homeland. She asks him to come back to take back his rightful role as king. Simba initially says no. Crossing The Threshold Rafiki the shaman takes Simba to a magical pool where he sees his father. He accepts his responsibility and agrees to return to the Pride Lands. The Path of Trials Once back Simba confronts Scar and with the help of his friends and mentor (Rafiki) he is able to expel Scar and return his lands to their former glory. He is declared king in front of everyone and the circle of life is restored. 18 Hero Journey - Apolinario

18 Indiana Jones Hero s Journey The Path of Trials Indiana s first stop is Nepal where he finds Marion, his first ally on the journey. Sallah appears soon afterwards. Without these allies, Indy would not be able to complete his journey. Belloq and the Nazis take on the roles of enemies. Indy s path of trials is mostly physical as he goes from one ordeal to the next in quick succession, often becoming bloody and battered for his troubles. That is not to discount his mental abilities his knowledge and wits are vital to the success of his journey. Master of Two Worlds The Mundane World Indiana Jones begins as an archaeology teacher in a college with an oddly high percentage of female students. He is also known as a part-time adventurer. Indy finishes his journey back with the men from army intelligence. He has gained knowledge of the power of the Ark and seems much more interested in having a drink with Marion. He has changed and has made the world a better place safe from a Nazi army with the Ark as its weapon. Indiana even returns to his Mundane World clothes exchanging his fedora, leather jacket and whip. The Call To Adventure Army intelligence men come to Indy with information about the Ark of the Covenant. The possibility of finding the Ark is more than enough to get Indy leaving his world and heading off on the journey. Crossing The Threshold Marcus Brody warns Indy of the unknown dangers of the ark. He tells him it s like nothing else he s gone after before. Indy then travels away from home on a plane. Honors Summer Reading 19

19 Bruce Wayne Hero s Journey The Mundane World Bruce Wayne began life in Gotham City in a rich and loving family. He was exposed to education, comfort, and affection. The Call To Adventure be the villain, Ra s al Ghul. Wayne foiled a large plan by Ra s al Ghul involving poisoning the water supply of Gotham City. Master of Two Worlds Throughout all of the learning in his path of trials, Wayne realized his goal of becoming the hero Gotham City needed. He performed his duty without any expectation of reward simply wanting Gotham City to be a safe place for children and their parents One night, after a theatre visit, Wayne s parents were killed by Joe Chill. His life was obviously drastically changed. Crossing The Threshold After attending university and then failing to kill Joe Chill, Bruce Wayne left America to travel the world. This travel gave him time to consider who he was. He trained under a man named Ducard in the League of Shadows. His final test in the training involves executing a criminal, which he refused. This act showed his suitability for heroism. The Path of Trials Returning to Gotham City, Wayne took on the role of Batman in order to reduce crime in his home town. Aided by his Butler, Alfred, and friend of his father, Lucius Fox, Wayne took on the organized crime world led by Carmine Falcone. He also worked with Rachel Dawes and Jim Gordon, though neither knew his secret identity. His efforts were combated by a Dr. Crane who had an hallucinogenic spray and eventually by his old mentor, Ducard, who was revealed to 20 Hero Journey - Apolinario

20 Digging Up A Hero Many of the works that we will read this coming semester are what we call English Literature, which means literature from the lands that speak English most of which will come from the British Isles. Many of you, I hope, have had some experience with the great classics of literature, but even if you have never read any of these works, there is a good chance that you would find them familiar, as the themes, symbols, and narrative patterns of British Literature have become a part of our culture (assuming that you grew up in America or Western Europe) evident everywhere. You may never have read Beowulf or read Shakespeare s greatest tragedies, but if you have ever seen Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Da Vinci Code, Batman or Wolverine, you have seen the hero journey formula at work. Here, let s dig up two heroic references that I hope many of you are familiar with: Superman: An American Hero The character of Superman would probably be considered the hero of 20th century American culture. Superman isn t exactly a literary character--or, at least, there is no definitive Book of Superman that we can refer to. Rather, there are thousand of fragmented and contradictory texts, including comic books, comic strips, movies, TV series, Saturday morning cartoons. Hundreds of different writers have added their own adventures to the Superman story, but the basic elements are always the same: there is always a Krypton, always Kryptonite, always a Lois Lane, and always a Jimmy Olsen. yet, within these constricts, there are thousands of different--often contradictory stories. On the surface, Superman is the great American hero because he represents the values that American s would like to be perceived as having: truth, justice, honesty, integrity. He is strong yet moral. He helps those in need. And he always wins--just like America, or so many Americans would like to think. But Superman also represents America on a deeper level. Consider the following facts: Superman is not actually an American. He is an immigrant from the planet Krypton. Yet he still manages to exemplify the American experience and adopt American values 100%. The only thing that can hurt Superman is a piece of his home world, in the form of Kryptonite. Read symbolically, the Superman myth can be seen as the personification of an important part of The American Dream : the melting pot, or the belief that immigrants can come to America from all over, adopt American values, and strengthen America with their unique talents and abilities--as long as they don t have too much contact with their own cultures in the process. Imagine if, thousands of years in the future, a scholar of America found six Superman comic books, a cartoon, a novelization of the movie Superman Returns and a DVD containing three episodes of Smallville. After years of careful and painstaking reconstruction, the scholar managed to piece together all of these various texts into a single narrative, which he called The Epic of Superman. This narrative would be something very comparable to our first reading for the class: The Epic of Beowulf. Beowulf was kind of like the Superman of the Anglo Saxon people--there were hundreds of stories and songs about him doing all sorts of things, and, at several different points in time, scholars have taken a few of these stories from widely diverse sources and attempted to construct a single Epic, one that gives a pretty good introduction to this ancient hero but does not attempt to give an inclusive account of all of his adventures. Now, imagine if, in the very near future, one of the most talented writers Honors Summer Reading 21

21 in the world read every single Superman comic book and watched every episode of every TV series and then set down to write the definitive novel of the Superman experience. This would be something not unlike what Homer did with The Odyssey. Odysseus was a very famous Greek hero who, like Gilgamesh, was the subject of thousands of stories and songs during the Mycean Age of Ancient Greece. Homer did not invent the story of the Odyssey, but he, as one of the greatest writers of all time, correlated the many original source materials of his culture into a single narrative, which has now become one of the great standards of Western--and World-- Literature. Star Wars, and the Hero Quest In the 1970 s. a young film director named George Lucas became fascinated with Campbell s research and set out to recreate the hero journey as a science-fiction movie. The result was the movie Star Wars, which may very well be the most popular movie of all time. To a mythologist like Campbell, the popularity of Star Wars (and its sequels) owes less to its spectacular special effects than to its use of mythic symbols and archetypes that are hundreds of thousands of years old and are part of every human being s psychological makeup. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope follows the hero quest pattern quite closely. Consider the following chronology: 1. A young hero (Luke Skywalker) receives a call to adventure when, in cleaning a newly purchased droid (R2-D2) he discovers a distress call from a beautiful princess. 2. The hero encounters an older, wiser man (Obi-Wan Kenobi) to serve as his mentor/teacher as he prepares to cross into a world of adventure. 22 Hero Journey - Apolinario

22 3. The hero and the mentor go to a holding place (Mos Eisley) in which they encounter all kinds of strange and wonderful creatures and make the final preparations for the adventure. 4. The hero travels to a land associated with death (the Death Star) and crosses into a world of adventure. Though the mentor accompanies him part of the way, they become separated and the hero must finish the journey alone. 5. While in the land of death, the hero rescues the Princess and, in the process, retrieves the sacred plans to the Death Star (the elixir) that will help his people with their mission (to destroy the battle station). 6. The hero returns with the elixir, but is pursued by the forces of evil. 7. When the hero finally returns to the culture, the elixir that he has brought with him (the secret plans) allow the people to destroy the Death Star (symbolically speaking, to overcome death). In a very real sense, then, the movie Star Wars is the narrative grandchild of The Epic of Gilgamesh. Joseph Campbell studied Beowulf, and thousands of other myths, and came up with a certain pattern for the hero quest. George Lucas read the works of Joseph Campbell and created the movie Star Wars. When you read Beowulf in the fall, and other British Literary works, this semester, just see if you don t recognize certain patterns, themes, and symbols that you recognize from the movies. OK? Now what? You ve seen the world cup, you ve watched the summer movies over and over and now you are bored. You folks should really watch the following movies, prior to reading the next section. Superman I with Christopher Reeve Harry Potter and the Sorcerer s Stone Star Wars episode IV - A new Hope Honors Summer Reading 23

23 SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT translated by JESSIE L. WESTON After the siege and the assault of Troy, when that burg was destroyed and burnt to ashes, and the traitor tried for his treason, the noble Æneas and his kin sailed forth to become princes and patrons of well-nigh all the Western Isles. Thus Romulus built Rome (and gave to the city his own name, which it bears even to this day); and Ticius turned him to Tuscany; and Langobard raised him up dwellings in Lombardy; and Felix Brutus sailed far over the French flood, and founded the kingdom of Britain, wherein have been war and waste and wonder, and bliss and bale, ofttimes since. And in that kingdom of Britain have been wrought more gallant deeds than in any other; but of all British kings Arthur was the most valiant, as I have heard tell, therefore will I set forth a wondrous adventure that fell out in his time. And if ye will listen to me, but for a little while, I will tell it even as it stands in story stiff and strong, fixed in the letter, as it hath long been known in the land. 24 Hero Journey - Apolinario ***** King Arthur lay at Camelot upon a Christmas-tide, with many a gallant lord and lovely lady, and all the noble brotherhood of the Round Table. There they held rich revels with gay talk and jest; one while they would ride forth to joust and tourney, and again back to the court to make carols; 2 for there was the feast holden fifteen days with all the mirth that men could devise, song and glee, glorious to hear, in the daytime, and dancing at night. Halls and chambers were crowded with noble guests, the bravest of knights and the loveliest of ladies, and Arthur himself was the comeliest king that ever held a court. For all this fair folk were in their youth, the fairest and most fortunate under heaven, and the king himself of such fame that it were hard now to name so valiant a hero. Now the New Year had but newly come in, and on that day a double portion was served on the high table to all the noble guests, and thither came the king with all his knights, when the service in the chapel had been sung to an end. And they greeted each other for the New Year, and gave rich gifts, the one to the other (and they that received them were not wroth, that may ye well believe!), and the maidens laughed and made mirth till it was time to get them to meat. Then they washed and sat them down to the feast in fitting rank and order, and Guinevere the queen, gaily clad, sat on the high daïs. Silken was her seat, with a fair canopy over her head, of rich tapestries of Tars, embroidered, and studded with costly gems; fair she was to look upon, with her shining grey eyes, a fairer woman might no man boast himself of having seen. But Arthur would not eat till all were served, so full of joy and gladness was he, even as a child; he liked not either to lie long, or to sit long at meat, so worked upon him his young blood and his wild brain. And another custom he had also, that came of his nobility, that he would never eat upon an high day till he had been advised of some knightly deed, or some strange and marvellous tale, of his ancestors, or of arms, or of other ventures. Or till some stranger knight should seek of him leave to joust with one of the Round Table, that they might set their lives in jeopardy, one against another, as fortune might favour them. Such was the king s custom when he sat in hall at each high feast with his noble knights, therefore on that New Year tide, he abode, fair of face, on the throne, and made much mirth withal. Thus the king sat before the high tables, and spake of many things; and there good Sir Gawain was seated by Guinevere the queen, and on her other side sat Agravain, à la dure main; 3 both were the king s sister s sons and full gallant knights. And at the end of the table was Bishop Bawdewyn, and Ywain, King Urien s son, sat at the other side alone. These were worthily served on the daïs, and at the lower tables sat many valiant knights. Then they bare the first course with the blast of trumpets and waving of banners, with the sound of drums and pipes, of song and lute, that many a heart was uplifted at the melody. Many were the dainties, and rare the meats, so great was the plenty they might scarce find room on the board to set on the dishes. Each helped himself as he liked best, and to each two were twelve dishes, with great plenty of beer and wine.

24 Now I will say no more of the service, but that ye may know there was no lack, for there drew near a venture that the folk might well have left their labour to gaze upon. As the sound of the music ceased, and the first course had been fitly served, there came in at the hall door one terrible to behold, of stature greater than any on earth; from neck to loin so strong and thickly made, and with limbs so long and so great that he seemed even as a giant. And yet he was but a man, only the mightiest that might mount a steed; broad of chest and shoulders and slender of waist, and all his features of like fashion; but men marvelled much at his colour, for he rode even as a knight, yet was green all over. For he was clad all in green, with a straight coat, and a mantle above; all decked and lined with fur was the cloth and the hood that was thrown back from his locks and lay on his shoulders. Hose had he of the same green, and spurs of bright gold with silken fastenings richly worked; and all his vesture was verily green. Around his waist and his saddle were bands with fair stones set upon silken work, twere too long to tell of all the trifles that were embroidered thereon--birds and insects in gay gauds of green and gold. All the trappings of his steed were of metal of like enamel, even the stirrups that he stood in stained of the same, and stirrups and saddle-bow alike gleamed and shone with green stones. Even the steed on which he rode was of the same hue, a green horse, great and strong, and hard to hold, with broidered bridle, meet for the rider. The knight was thus gaily dressed in green, his hair falling around his shoulders; on his breast hung a beard, as thick and green as a bush, and the beard and the hair of his head were clipped all round above his elbows. The lower part of his sleeves were fastened with clasps in the same wise as a king s mantle. The horse s mane was crisp and plaited with many a knot folded in with gold thread about the fair green, here a twist of the hair, here another of gold. The tail was twined in like manner, and both were bound about with a band of bright green set with many a precious stone; then they were tied aloft in a cunning knot, whereon rang many bells of burnished gold. Such a steed might no other ride, nor had such ever been looked upon in that hall ere that time; and all who saw that knight spake and said that a man might scarce abide his stroke. The knight bore no helm nor hauberk, neither gorget nor breast-plate, neither shaft nor buckler to smite nor to shield, but in one hand he had a holly-bough, that is greenest when the groves are bare, and in his other an axe, huge and uncomely, a cruel weapon in fashion, if one would picture it. The head was an ell-yard long, the metal all of green steel and gold, the blade burnished bright, with a broad edge, as well shapen to shear as a sharp razor. The steel was set into a strong staff, all bound round with iron, even to the end, and engraved with green in cunning work. A lace was twined about it, that looped at the head, and all adown the handle it was clasped with tassels on buttons of bright green richly broidered. The knight rideth through the entrance of the hall, driving straight to the high daïs, and greeted no man, but looked ever upwards; and the first words he spake were, Where is the ruler of this folk? I would gladly look upon that hero, and have speech with him. He cast his eyes on the knights, and mustered them up and down, striving ever to see who of them was of most renown. Then was there great gazing to behold that chief, for each man marvelled what it might mean that a knight and his steed should have even such a hue as the green grass; and that seemed even greener than green enamel on bright gold. All looked on him as he stood, and drew near unto him wondering greatly what he might be; for many marvels had they seen, but none such as this, and phantasm and faërie did the folk deem it. Therefore were the gallant knights slow to answer, and gazed astounded, and sat stone still in a deep silence through that goodly hall, as if a slumber were fallen upon them. I deem it was not all for doubt, but some for courtesy that they might give ear unto his errand. Then Arthur beheld this adventurer before his high daïs, and knightly he Honors Summer Reading 25

25 greeted him, for fearful was he never. Sir, he said, thou art welcome to this place--lord of this hall am I, and men call me Arthur. Light thee down, and tarry awhile, and what thy will is, that shall we learn after. Nay, quoth the stranger, so help me He that sitteth on high, twas not mine errand to tarry any while in this dwelling; but the praise of this thy folk and thy city is lifted up on high, and thy warriors are holden for the best and the most valiant of those who ride mail-clad to the fight. The wisest and the worthiest of this world are they, and well proven in all knightly sports. And here, as I have heard tell, is fairest courtesy, therefore have I come hither as at this time. Ye may be sure by the branch that I bear here that I come in peace, seeking no strife. For had I willed to journey in warlike guise I have at home both hauberk and helm, shield and shining spear, and other weapons to mine hand, but since I seek no war my raiment is that of peace. But if thou be as bold as all men tell thou wilt freely grant me the boon I ask. And Arthur answered, Sir Knight, if thou cravest battle here thou shalt not fail for lack of a foe. And the knight answered, Nay, I ask no fight, in faith here on the benches are but beardless children, were I clad in armour on my steed there is no man here might match me. Therefore I ask in this court but a Christmas jest, for that it is Yule-tide, and New Year, and there are here many fain for sport. If any one in this hall holds himself so hardy, 4 so bold both of blood and brain, as to dare strike me one stroke for another, I will give him as a gift this axe, which is heavy enough, in sooth, to handle as he may list, and I will abide the first blow, unarmed as I sit. If any knight be so bold as to prove my words let him come swiftly to me here, and take this weapon, I quit claim to it, he may keep it as his own, and I will abide his stroke, firm on the floor. Then shalt thou give me the right to deal him another, the respite of a year and a day shall he have. Now haste, and let see whether any here dare say aught. Now if the knights had been astounded at the first, yet stiller were they all, high and low, when they had heard his words. The knight on his steed straightened himself in the saddle, and rolled his eyes fiercely round the hall, red they gleamed under his green and bushy brows. He frowned and twisted his beard, waiting to see who should rise, and when none answered 26 Hero Journey - Apolinario he cried aloud in mockery, What, is this Arthur s hall, and these the knights whose renown hath run through many realms? Where are now your pride and your conquests, your wrath, and anger, and mighty words? Now are the praise and the renown of the Round Table overthrown by one man s speech, since all keep silence for dread ere ever they have seen a blow! With that he laughed so loudly that the blood rushed to the king s fair face for very shame; he waxed wroth, as did all his knights, and sprang to his feet, and drew near to the stranger and said, Now by heaven foolish is thy asking, and thy folly shall find its fitting answer. I know no man aghast at thy great words. Give me here thine axe and I shall grant thee the boon thou hast asked. Lightly he sprang to him and caught at his hand, and the knight, fierce of aspect, lighted down from his charger. Then Arthur took the axe and gripped the haft, and swung it round, ready to strike. And the knight stood before him, taller by the head than any in the hall; he stood, and stroked his beard, and drew down his coat, no more dismayed for the king s threats than if one had brought him a drink of wine. Then Gawain, who sat by the queen, leaned forward to the king and spake, I beseech ye, my lord, let this venture be mine. Would ye but bid me rise from this seat, and stand by your side, so that my liege lady thought it not ill, then would I come to your counsel before this goodly court. For I think it not seemly when such challenges be made in your hall that ye yourself should undertake it, while there are many bold knights who sit beside ye, none are there, methinks, of readier will under heaven, or more valiant in open field. I am the weakest, I wot, and the feeblest of wit, and it will be the less loss of my life if ye seek sooth. For save that ye are mine uncle naught is there in me to praise, no virtue is there in my body save your blood, and since this challenge is such folly that it beseems ye not to take it, and I have asked it from ye first, let it fall to me, and if I bear myself ungallantly then let all this court blame me. Then they all spake with one voice that the king should leave this venture and grant it to Gawain. Then Arthur commanded the knight to rise, and he rose up quickly and knelt down before the king, and caught hold of the weapon; and the king loosed his hold of it, and lifted up his hand, and gave him his blessing,

26 and bade him be strong both of heart and hand. Keep thee well, nephew, quoth Arthur, that thou give him but the one blow, and if thou redest him rightly I trow thou shalt well abide the stroke he may give thee after. Gawain stepped to the stranger, axe in hand, and he, never fearing, awaited his coming. Then the Green Knight spake to Sir Gawain, Make we our covenant ere we go further. First, I ask thee, knight, what is thy name? Tell me truly, that I may know thee. In faith, quoth the good knight, Gawain am I, who give thee this buffet, let what may come of it; and at this time twelvemonth will I take another at thine hand with whatsoever weapon thou wilt, and none other. Then the other answered again, Sir Gawain, so may I thrive as I am fain to take this buffet at thine hand, and he quoth further, Sir Gawain, it liketh me well that I shall take at thy fist that which I have asked here, and thou hast readily and truly rehearsed all the covenant that I asked of the king, save that thou shalt swear me, by thy troth, to seek me thyself wherever thou hopest that I may be found, and win thee such reward as thou dealest me to-day, before this folk. Where shall I seek thee? quoth Gawain. Where is thy place? By Him that made me, I wot never where thou dwellest, nor know I thee, knight, thy court, nor thy name. But teach me truly all that pertaineth thereto, and tell me thy name, and I shall use all my wit to win my way thither, and that I swear thee for sooth, and by my sure troth. That is enough in the New Year, it needs no more, quoth the Green Knight to the gallant Gawain, if I tell thee truly when I have taken the blow, and thou hast smitten me; then will I teach thee of my house and home, and mine own name, then mayest thou ask thy road and keep covenant. And if I waste no words then farest thou the better, for thou canst dwell in thy land, and seek no further. But take now thy toll, and let see how thy strikest. Gladly will I, quoth Gawain, handling his axe. Then the Green Knight swiftly made him ready, he bowed down his head, and laid his long locks on the crown that his bare neck might be seen. Gawain gripped his axe and raised it on high, the left foot he set forward on the floor, and let the blow fall lightly on the bare neck. The sharp edge of the blade sundered the bones, smote through the neck, and clave it in two, so that the edge of the steel bit on the ground, and the fair head fell to the earth that many struck it with their feet as it rolled forth. The blood spurted forth, and glistened on the green raiment, but the knight neither faltered nor fell; he started forward with out-stretched hand, and caught the head, and lifted it up; then he turned to his steed, and took hold of the bride, set his foot in the stirrup, and mounted. His head he held by the hair, in his hand. Then he seated himself in his saddle as if naught ailed him, and he were not headless. He turned his steed about, the grim corpse bleeding freely the while, and they who looked upon him doubted them much for the covenant. For he held up the head in his hand, and turned the face towards them that sat on the high daïs, and it lifted up the eyelids and looked upon them and spake as ye shall hear. Look, Gawain, that thou art ready to go as thou hast promised, and seek leally till thou find me, even as thou hast sworn in this hall in the hearing of these knights. Come thou, I charge thee, to the Green Chapel, such a stroke as thou hast dealt thou hast deserved, and it shall be promptly paid thee on New Year s morn. Many men know me as the knight of the Green Chapel, and if thou askest, thou shalt not fail to find Honors Summer Reading 27

27 me. Therefore it behoves thee to come, or to yield thee as recreant. With that he turned his bridle, and galloped out at the hall door, his head in his hands, so that the sparks flew from beneath his horse s hoofs. Whither he went none knew, no more than they wist whence he had come; and the king and Gawain they gazed and laughed, for in sooth this had proved a greater marvel than any they had known aforetime. Though Arthur the king was astonished at his heart, yet he let no sign of it be seen, but spake in courteous wise to the fair queen: Dear lady, be not dismayed, such craft is well suited to Christmas-tide when we seek jesting, laughter and song, and fair carols of knights and ladies. But now I may well get me to meat, for I have seen a marvel I may not forget. Then he looked on Sir Gawain, and said gaily, Now, fair nephew, hang up thine axe, since it has hewn enough, and they hung it on the dossal above the daïs, where all men might look on it for a marvel, and by its true token tell of the wonder. Then the twain sat them down together, the king and the good knight, and men served them with a double portion, as was the share of the noblest, with all manner of meat and of minstrelsy. And they spent that day in gladness, but Sir Gawain must well bethink him of the heavy venture to which he had set his hand. 28 Hero Journey - Apolinario ***** This beginning of adventures had Arthur at the New Year; for he yearned to hear gallant tales, though his words were few when he sat at the feast. But now had they stern work on hand. Gawain was glad to begin the jest in the hall, but ye need have no marvel if the end be heavy. For though a man be merry in mind when he has well drunk, yet a year runs full swiftly, and the beginning but rarely matches the end. For Yule was now over-past5, and the year after, each season in its turn following the other. For after Christmas comes crabbed Lent, that will have fish for flesh and simpler cheer. But then the weather of the world chides with winter; the cold withdraws itself, the clouds uplift, and the rain falls in warm showers on the fair plains. Then the flowers come forth, meadows and grove are clad in green, the birds make ready to build, and sing sweetly for solace of the soft summer that follows thereafter. The blossoms bud and blow in the hedgerows rich and rank, and noble notes enough are heard in the fair woods. After the season of summer, with the soft winds, when zephyr breathes lightly on seeds and herbs, joyous indeed is the growth that waxes thereout when the dew drips from the leaves beneath the blissful glance of the bright sun. But then comes harvest and hardens the grain, warning it to wax ripe ere the winter. The drought drives the dust on high, flying over the face of the land; the angry wind of the welkin wrestles with the sun; the leaves fall from the trees and light upon the ground, and all brown are the groves that but now were green, and ripe is the fruit that once was flower. So the year passes into many yesterdays, and winter comes again, as it needs no sage to tell us. When the Michaelmas moon was come in with warnings of winter, Sir Gawain bethought him full oft of his perilous journey. Yet till All Hallows Day he lingered with Arthur, and on that day they made a great feast for the hero s sake, with much revel and richness of the Round Table. Courteous knights and comely ladies, all were in sorrow for the love of that knight, and though they spake no word of it, many were joyless for his sake. And after meat, sadly Sir Gawain turned to his uncle, and spake of his journey, and said, Liege lord of my life, leave from you I crave. Ye know well how the matter stands without more words, to-morrow am I bound to set forth in search of the Green Knight. Then came together all the noblest knights, Ywain and Erec, and many another. Sir Dodinel le Sauvage, the Duke of Clarence, Launcelot and Lionel, and Lucan the Good, Sir Bors and Sir Bedivere, valiant knights both, and many another hero, with Sir Mador de la Porte, and they all drew near, heavy at heart, to take counsel with Sir Gawain. Much sorrow and weeping was there in the hall to think that so worthy a knight as Gawain should wend his way to seek a deadly blow, and should no more wield his sword in fight. But the knight made ever good cheer, and said, Nay, wherefore should I shrink? What may a man do but prove his fate? He dwelt there all that day, and on the morn he arose and asked betimes for his armour; and they brought it unto him on this wise: first, a rich carpet was stretched on the floor6 (and brightly did the gold gear glitter upon it), then the knight stepped on to it, and handled the steel; clad he was in a

28 doublet of silk, with a close hood, lined fairly throughout. Then they set the steel shoes upon his feet, and wrapped his legs with greaves, with polished knee-caps, fastened with knots of gold. Then they cased his thighs in cuisses closed with thongs, and brought him the byrny of bright steel rings sewn upon a fair stuff. Well burnished braces they set on each arm with good elbow-pieces, and gloves of mail, and all the goodly gear that should shield him in his need. And they cast over all a rich surcoat, and set the golden spurs on his heels, and girt him with a trusty sword fastened with a silken bawdrick. When he was thus clad his harness was costly, for the least loop or latchet gleamed with gold. So armed as he was he hearkened Mass and made his offering at the high altar. Then he came to the king, and the knights of his court, and courteously took leave of lords and ladies, and they kissed him, and commended him to Christ. With that was Gringalet ready, girt with a saddle that gleamed gaily with many golden fringes, enriched and decked anew for the venture. The bridle was all barred about with bright gold buttons, and all the covertures and trappings of the steed, the crupper and the rich skirts, accorded with the saddle; spread fair with the rich red gold that glittered and gleamed in the rays of the sun. Then the knight called for his helmet, which was well lined throughout, and set it high on his head, and hasped it behind. He wore a light kerchief over the vintail, that was broidered and studded with fair gems on a broad silken ribbon, with birds of gay colour, and many a turtle and true-lover s knot interlaced thickly, even as many a maiden had wrought diligently for seven winter long. But the circlet which crowned his helmet was yet more precious, being adorned with a device in diamonds. Then they brought him his shield, which was of bright red, with the pentangle painted thereon in gleaming gold.7 And why that noble prince bare the pentangle I am minded to tell you, though my tale tarry thereby. It is a sign that Solomon set erewhile, as betokening truth; for it is a figure with five points and each line overlaps the other, and nowhere hath it beginning or end, so that in English it is called the endless knot. And therefore was it well suiting to this knight and to his arms, since Gawain was faithful in five and five-fold, for pure was he as gold, void of all villainy and endowed with all virtues. Therefore he bare the pentangle on shield and surcoat as truest of heroes and gentlest of knights. For first he was faultless in his five senses; and his five fingers never failed him; and all his trust upon earth was in the five wounds that Christ bare on the cross, as the Creed tells. And wherever this knight found himself in stress of battle he deemed well that he drew his strength from the five joys which the Queen of Heaven had of her Child. And for this cause did he bear an image of Our Lady on the one half of his shield, that whenever he looked upon it he might not lack for aid. And the fifth five that the hero used were frankness and fellowship above all, purity and courtesy that never failed him, and compassion that surpasses all; and in these five virtues was that hero wrapped and clothed. And all these, five-fold, were linked one in the other, so that they had no end, and were fixed on five points that never failed, neither at any side were they joined or sundered, nor could ye find beginning or end. And therefore on his shield was the knot shapen, red-gold upon red, which is the pure pentangle. Now was Sir Gawain ready, and he took his lance in hand, and bade them all Farewell, he deemed it had been for ever. Then he smote the steed with his spurs, and sprang on his way, so that sparks flew from the stones after him. All that saw him were grieved at heart, and said one to the other, By Christ, tis great pity that one of such noble life should be lost! I faith, twere not easy to find his equal upon earth. The king had done better to have wrought more warily. Yonder knight should have been made a duke; a gallant leader of men is he, and such a fate had beseemed him better than to be hewn in pieces at the will of an elfish man, for mere pride. Who ever knew a king to take such counsel as to risk his knights on a Christmas jest? Many were the tears that flowed from their eyes when that goodly knight rode from the hall. He made no delaying, but went his way swiftly, and rode many a wild road, as I heard say in the book. So rode Sir Gawain through the realm of Logres, on an errand that he held for no jest. Often he lay companionless at night, and must lack the fare that he liked. No comrade had he save his steed, and none save God with whom to take counsel. At length he drew nigh to North Wales, and left the isles of Anglesey on his left hand, crossing over the fords by the foreland over at Holyhead, till he came into the wilderness of Wirral8, where but few Honors Summer Reading 29

29 dwell who love God and man of true heart. And ever he asked, as he fared, of all whom he met, if they had heard any tidings of a Green Knight in the country thereabout, or of a Green Chapel? And all answered him, Nay, never in their lives had they seen any man of such a hue. And the knight wended his way by many a strange road and many a rugged path, and the fashion of his countenance changed full often ere he saw the Green Chapel. Many a cliff did he climb in that unknown land, where afar from his friends he rode as a stranger. Never did he come to a stream or a ford but he found a foe before him, and that one so marvellous, so foul and fell, that it behoved him to fight. So many wonders did that knight behold, that it were too long to tell the tenth part of them. Sometimes he fought with dragons and wolves; sometimes with wild men that dwelt in the rocks; another while with bulls, and bears, and wild boars, or with giants of the high moorland that drew near to him. Had he not been a doughty knight, enduring, and of well-proved valour, and a servant of God, doubtless he had been slain, for he was oft in danger of death. Yet he cared not so much for the strife, what he deemed worse was when the cold clear water was shed from the clouds, and froze ere it fell on the fallow ground. More nights than enough he slept in his harness on the bare rocks, near slain with the sleet, while the stream leapt bubbling from the crest of the hills, and hung in hard icicles over his head. Thus in peril and pain, and many a hardship, the knight rode alone till Christmas Eve, and in that tide he made his prayer to the Blessed Virgin 30 Hero Journey - Apolinario that she would guide his steps and lead him to some dwelling. On that morning he rode by a hill, and came into a thick forest, wild and drear; on each side were high hills, and thick woods below them of great hoar oaks, a hundred together, of hazel and hawthorn with their trailing boughs intertwined, and rough ragged moss spreading everywhere. On the bare twigs the birds chirped piteously, for pain of the cold. The knight upon Gringalet rode lonely beneath them, through marsh and mire, much troubled at heart lest he should fail to see the service of the Lord, who on that self-same night was born of a maiden for the cure of our grief; and therefore he said, sighing, I beseech Thee, Lord, and Mary Thy gentle Mother, for some shelter where I may hear Mass, and Thy mattins at morn. This I ask meekly, and thereto I pray my Paternoster, Ave, and Credo. Thus he rode praying, and lamenting his misdeeds, and he crossed himself, and said, May the Cross of Christ speed me. Now that knight had crossed himself but thrice ere he was aware in the wood of a dwelling within a moat, above a lawn, on a mound surrounded by many mighty trees that stood round the moat. Twas the fairest castle that ever a knight owned9; built in a meadow with a park all about it, and a spiked palisade, closely driven, that enclosed the trees for more than two miles. The knight was ware of the hold from the side, as it shone through the oaks. Then he lifted off his helmet, and thanked Christ and S. Julian that they had courteously granted his prayer, and hearkened to his cry. Now, quoth the knight, I beseech ye, grant me fair hostel. Then he pricked Gringalet with his golden spurs, and rode gaily towards the great gate, and came swiftly to the bridge end. The bridge was drawn up and the gates close shut; the walls were strong and thick, so that they might fear no tempest. The knight on his charger abode on the bank of the deep double ditch that surrounded the castle. The walls were set deep in the water, and rose aloft to a wondrous height; they were of hard hewn stone up to the corbels, which were adorned beneath the battlements with fair carvings, and turrets set in between with many a loophole; a better barbican Sir Gawain had never looked upon. And within he beheld the high hall, with its tower and many windows with carven cornices, and chalk-white chimneys on the turreted roofs that shone fair in the sun. And everywhere, thickly scattered on the castle battlements, were

30 pinnacles, so many that it seemed as if it were all wrought out of paper, so white was it. The knight on his steed deemed it fair enough, if he might come to be sheltered within it to lodge there while that the Holy-day lasted. He called aloud, and soon there came a porter of kindly countenance, who stood on the wall and greeted this knight and asked his errand. Good sir, quoth Gawain, wilt thou go mine errand to the high lord of the castle, and crave for me lodging? Yea, by S. Peter, quoth the porter. In sooth I trow that ye be welcome to dwell here so long as it may like ye. Then he went, and came again swiftly, and many folk with him to receive the knight. They let down the great drawbridge, and came forth and knelt on their knees on the cold earth to give him worthy welcome. They held wide open the great gates, and courteously he bid them rise, and rode over the bridge. Then men came to him and held his stirrup while he dismounted, and took and stabled his steed. There came down knights and squires to bring the guest with joy to the hall. When he raised his helmet there were many to take it from his hand, fain to serve him, and they took from him sword and shield. Sir Gawain gave good greeting to the noble and the mighty men who came to do him honour. Clad in his shining armour they led him to the hall, where a great fire burnt brightly on the floor; and the lord of the household came forth from his chamber to meet the hero fitly. He spake to the knight, and said: Ye are welcome to do here as it likes ye. All that is here is your own to have at your will and disposal. Gramercy! quote Gawain, may Christ requite ye. As friends that were fain each embraced the other; and Gawain looked on the knight who greeted him so kindly, and thought twas a bold warrior that owned that burg. Of mighty stature he was, and of high age; broad and flowing was his beard, and of a bright hue. He was stalwart of limb, and strong in his stride, his face fiery red, and his speech free: in sooth he seemed one well fitted to be a leader of valiant men. Then the lord led Sir Gawain to a chamber, and commanded folk to wait upon him, and at his bidding there came men enough who brought the guest to a fair bower. The bedding was noble, with curtains of pure silk wrought with gold, and wondrous coverings of fair cloth all embroidered. The curtains ran on ropes with rings of red gold, and the walls were hung with carpets of Orient, and the same spread on the floor. There with mirthful speeches they took from the guest his byrny and all his shining armour, and brought him rich robes of the choicest in its stead. They were long and flowing, and became him well, and when he was clad in them all who looked on the hero thought that surely God had never made a fairer knight: he seemed as if he might be a prince without peer in the field where men strive in battle. Then before the hearth-place, whereon the fire burned, they made ready a chair for Gawain, hung about with cloth and fair cushions; and there they cast around him a mantle of brown samite, richly embroidered and furred within with costly skins of ermine, with a hood of the same, and he seated himself in that rich seat, and warmed himself at the fire, and was cheered at heart. And while he sat thus the serving men set up a table on trestles, and covered it with a fair white cloth, and set thereon salt-cellar, and napkin, and silver spoons; and the knight washed at his will, and set him down to meat. The folk served him courteously with many dishes seasoned of the best, Honors Summer Reading 31

31 a double portion. All kinds of fish were there, some baked in bread, some broiled on the embers, some sodden, some stewed and savoured with spices, with all sorts of cunning devices to his taste. And often he called it a feast, when they spake gaily to him all together, and said, Now take ye this penance, and it shall be for your amendment. Much mirth thereof did Sir Gawain make. Then they questioned that prince courteously of whence he came; and he told them that he was of the court of Arthur, who is the rich royal King of the Round Table, and that it was Gawain himself who was within their walls, and would keep Christmas with them, as the chance had fallen out. And when the lord of the castle heard those tidings he laughed aloud for gladness, and all men in that keep were joyful that they should be in the company of him to whom belonged all fame, and valour, and courtesy, and whose honour was praised above that of all men on earth. Each said 32 Hero Journey - Apolinario softly to his fellow, Now shall we see courteous bearing, and the manner of speech befitting courts. What charm lieth in gentle speech shall we learn without asking, since here we have welcomed the fine father of courtesy. God has surely shewn us His grace since He sends us such a guest as Gawain! When men shall sit and sing, blithe for Christ s birth, this knight shall bring us to the knowledge of fair manners, and it may be that hearing him we may learn the cunning speech of love. By the time the knight had risen from dinner it was near nightfall. Then chaplains took their way to the chapel, and rang loudly, even as they should, for the solemn evensong of the high feast. Thither went the lord, and the lady also, and entered with her maidens into a comely closet, and thither also went Gawain. Then the lord took him by the sleeve and led him to a seat, and called him by his name, and told him he was of all men in the world the most welcome. And Sir Gawain thanked him truly, and each kissed the other, and they sat gravely together throughout the service. Then was the lady fain to look upon that knight; and she came forth from her closet with many fair maidens. The fairest of ladies was she in face, and figure, and colouring, fairer even than Guinevere, so the knight thought. She came through the chancel to greet the hero, another lady held her by the left hand, older than she, and seemingly of high estate, with many nobles about her. But unlike to look upon were those ladies, for if the younger were fair, the elder was yellow. Rich red were the cheeks of the one, rough and wrinkled those of the other; the kerchiefs of the one were broidered with many glistening pearls, her throat and neck bare, and whiter than the snow that lies on the hills; the neck of the other was swathed in a gorget, with a white wimple over her black chin. Her forehead was wrapped in silk with many folds, worked with knots, so that naught of her was seen save her black brows, her eyes, her nose and her lips, and those were bleared, and ill to look upon. A worshipful lady in sooth one might call her! In figure was she short and broad, and thickly made--far fairer to behold was she whom she led by the hand. When Gawain beheld that fair lady, who looked at him graciously, with leave of the lord he went towards them, and, bowing low, he greeted the elder, but the younger and fairer he took lightly in his arms, and kissed her courteously, and greeted her in knightly wise. Then she hailed him as

32 friend, and he quickly prayed to be counted as her servant, if she so willed. Then they took him between them, and talking, led him to the chamber, to the hearth, and bade them bring spices, and they brought them in plenty with the good wine that was wont to be drunk at such seasons. Then the lord sprang to his feet and bade them make merry, and took off his hood, and hung it on a spear, and bade him win the worship thereof who should make most mirth that Christmas-tide. And I shall try, by my faith, to fool it with the best, by the help of my friends, ere I lose my raiment. Thus with gay words the lord made trial to gladden Gawain with jests that night, till it was time to bid them light the tapers, and Sir Gawain took leave of them and gat him to rest. In the morn when all men call to mind how Christ our Lord was born on earth to die for us, there is joy, for His sake, in all dwellings of the world; and so was there here on that day. For high feast was held, with many dainties and cunningly cooked messes. On the daïs sat gallant men, clad in their best. The ancient dame sat on the high seat, with the lord of the castle beside her. Gawain and the fair lady sat together, even in the midst of the board, when the feast was served; and so throughout all the hall each sat in his degree, and was served in order. There was meat, there was mirth, there was much joy, so that to tell thereof would take me too long, though peradventure I might strive to declare it. But Gawain and that fair lady had much joy of each other s company through her sweet words and courteous converse. And there was music made before each prince, trumpets and drums, and merry piping; each man hearkened his minstrel, and they too hearkened theirs. So they held high feast that day and the next, and the third day thereafter, and the joy on S. John s Day was fair to hearken, for twas the last of the feast and the guests would depart in the grey of the morning. Therefore they awoke early, and drank wine, and danced fair carols, and at last, when it was late, each man took his leave to wend early on his way. Gawain would bid his host farewell, but the lord took him by the hand, and led him to his own chamber beside the hearth, and there he thanked him for the favour he had shown him in honouring his dwelling at that high season, and gladdening his castle with his fair countenance. I wis, sir, that while I live I shall be held the worthier that Gawain has been my guest at God s own feast. Gramercy, sir, quoth Gawain, in good faith, all the honour is yours, may the High King give it you, and I am but at your will to work your behest, inasmuch as I am beholden to you in great and small by rights. Then the lord did his best to persuade the knight to tarry with him, but Gawain answered that he might in no wise do so. Then the host asked him courteously what stern behest had driven him at the holy season from the king s court, to fare all alone, ere yet the feast was ended? Forsooth, quoth the knight, ye say but the truth: tis a high quest and a pressing that hath brought me afield, for I am summoned myself to a certain place, and I know not whither in the world I may wend to find it; so help me Christ, I would give all the kingdom of Logres an I might find it by New Year s morn. Therefore, sir, I make request of you that ye tell me truly if ye ever heard word of the Green Chapel, where it may be found, and the Green Knight that keeps it. For I am pledged by solemn compact sworn between us to meet that knight at the New Year if so I were on life; and of that same New Year it wants but little--i faith, I would look on that hero more joyfully than on any other fair sight! Therefore, by your will, it behoves me to leave you, for I have but barely three days, and I would as fain fall dead as fail of mine errand. Honors Summer Reading 33

33 Then the lord quoth, laughing, Now must ye needs stay, for I will show you your goal, the Green Chapel, ere your term be at an end, have ye no fear! But ye can take your ease, friend, in your bed, till the fourth day, and go forth on the first of the year and come to that place at mid-morn to do as ye will. Dwell here till New Year s Day, and then rise and set forth, and ye shall be set in the way; tis not two miles hence. Then was Gawain glad, and he laughed gaily. Now I thank you for this above all else. Now my quest is achieved I will dwell here at your will, and otherwise do as ye shall ask. Then the lord took him, and set him beside him, and bade the ladies be fetched for their greater pleasure, tho between themselves they had solace. The lord, for gladness, made merry jest, even as one who wist not what to do for joy; and he cried aloud to the knight, Ye have promised to do the thing I bid ye: will ye hold to this behest, here, at once? Yea, forsooth, said that true knight, while I abide in your burg I am bound by your behest. Ye have travelled from far, said the host, and since then ye have waked with me, ye are not well refreshed by rest and sleep, as I know. Ye shall therefore abide in your chamber, and lie at your ease tomorrow at Mass-tide, and go to meat when ye will with my wife, who shall sit with you, and comfort you with her company till I return; and I shall rise early and go forth to the chase. And Gawain agreed to all this courteously. Sir knight, quoth the host, we shall make a covenant. Whatsoever I win in the wood shall be yours, and whatever may fall to your share, that shall ye exchange for it. Let us swear, friend, to make this exchange, however our hap may be, for worse or for better. 34 Hero Journey - Apolinario I grant ye your will, quoth Gawain the good; if ye list so to do, it liketh me well. Bring hither the wine-cup, the bargain is made, so said the lord of that castle. They laughed each one, and drank of the wine, and made merry, these lords and ladies, as it pleased them. Then with gay talk and merry jest they arose, and stood, and spoke softly, and kissed courteously, and took leave of each other. With burning torches, and many a serving-man, was each led to his couch; yet ere they gat them to bed the old lord oft repeated their covenant, for he knew well how to make sport. ***** Full early, ere daylight, the folk rose up; the guests who would depart called their grooms, and they made them ready, and saddled the steeds, tightened up the girths, and trussed up their mails. The knights, all arrayed for riding, leapt up lightly, and took their bridles, and each rode his way as pleased him best. The lord of the land was not the last. Ready for the chase, with many of his men, he ate a sop hastily when he had heard Mass, and then with blast of the bugle fared forth to the field.10 He and his nobles were to horse ere daylight glimmered upon the earth. Then the huntsmen coupled their hounds, unclosed the kennel door, and called them out. They blew three blasts gaily on the bugles, the hounds bayed fiercely, and they that would go a-hunting checked and chastised them. A hundred hunters there were of the best, so I have heard tell. Then the trackers gat them to the trysting-place and uncoupled the hounds, and forest rang again with their gay blasts. At the first sound of the hunt the game quaked for fear, and fled,

34 trembling, along the vale. They betook them to the heights, but the liers in wait turned them back with loud cries; the harts they let pass them, and the stags with their spreading antlers, for the lord had forbidden that they should be slain, but the hinds and the does they turned back, and drave down into the valleys. Then might ye see much shooting of arrows. As the deer fled under the boughs a broad whistling shaft smote and wounded each sorely, so that, wounded and bleeding, they fell dying on the banks. The hounds followed swiftly on their tracks, and hunters, blowing the horn, sped after them with ringing shouts as if the cliffs burst asunder. What game escaped those that shot was run down at the outer ring. Thus were they driven on the hills, and harassed at the waters, so well did the men know their work, and the greyhounds were so great and swift that they ran them down as fast as the hunters could slay them. Thus the lord passed the day in mirth and joyfulness, even to nightfall. So the lord roamed the woods, and Gawain, that good night, lay ever a-bed, curtained about, under the costly coverlet, while the daylight gleamed on the walls. And as he lay half slumbering, he heard a little sound at the door, and he raised his head, and caught back a corner of the curtain, and waited to see what it might be. It was the lovely lady, the lord s wife; she shut the door softly behind her, and turned towards the bed; and Gawain was shamed, laid him down softly and made as if he slept. And she came lightly to the bedside, within the curtain, and sat herself down beside him, to wait till he wakened. The knight lay there awhile, and marvelled within himself what her coming might betoken; and he said to himself, Twere more seemly if I asked her what hath brought her hither. Then he made feint to waken, and turned towards her, and opened his eyes as one astonished, and crossed himself; and she looked on him laughing, with her cheeks red and white, lovely to behold, and small smiling lips. Good morrow, Sir Gawain, said that fair lady; ye are but a careless sleeper, since one can enter thus. Now are ye taken unawares, and lest ye escape me I shall bind you in your bed; of that be ye assured! Laughing, she spake these words. Good morrow, fair lady, quoth Gawain blithely. I will do your will, as it likes me well. For I yield me readily, and pray your grace, and that is best, by my faith, since I needs must do so. Thus he jested again, laughing. But an ye would, fair lady, grant me this grace that ye pray your prisoner to rise. I would get me from bed, and array me better, then could I talk with ye in more comfort. Nay, forsooth, fair sir, quoth the lady, ye shall not rise, I will rede ye better. I shall keep ye here, since ye can do no other, and talk with my knight whom I have captured. For I know well that ye are Sir Gawain, whom all the world worships, wheresoever ye may ride. Your honour and your courtesy are praised by lords and ladies, by all who live. Now ye are here and we are alone, my lord and his men are afield; the serving men in their beds, and my maidens also, and the door shut upon us. And since in this hour I have him that all men love, I shall use my time well with speech, while it lasts. Ye are welcome to my company, for it behoves me in sooth to be your servant. In good faith, quoth Gawain, I think me that I am not him of whom ye speak, for unworthy am I of such service as ye here proffer. In sooth, I were glad if I might set myself by word or service to your pleasure; a pure joy would it be to me! In good faith, Sir Gawain, quoth the gay lady, the praise and the prowess that pleases all ladies I lack them not, nor hold them light; yet are there ladies enough who would liever now have the knight in their hold, as I have ye here, to dally with your courteous words, to bring them comfort and to ease their cares, than much of the treasure and the gold that are theirs. And now, through the grace of Him who upholds the heavens, I have wholly in my power that which they all desire! Thus the lady, fair to look upon, made him great cheer, and Sir Gawain, with modest words, answered her again: Madam, he quoth, may Mary requite ye, for in good faith I have found in ye a noble frankness. Much courtesy have other folk shown me, but the honour they have done me is naught to the worship of yourself, who knoweth but good. By Mary, quoth the lady, I think otherwise; for were I worth all the women alive, and had I the wealth of the world in my hand, and might choose me a lord to my liking, then, for all that I have seen in ye, Sir Knight, of beauty and courtesy and blithe semblance, and for all that I have hearkened and hold for true, there should be no knight on earth to be chosen before ye! Honors Summer Reading 35

35 Well I wot, quoth Sir Gawain, that ye have chosen a better; but I am proud that ye should so prize me, and as your servant do I hold ye my sovereign, and your knight am I, and may Christ reward ye. So they talked of many matters till mid-morn was past, and ever the lady made as though she loved him, and the knight turned her speech aside. For though she were the brightest of maidens, yet had he forborne to shew her love for the danger that awaited him, and the blow that must be given without delay. Then the lady prayed her leave from him, and he granted it readily. And she gave [the text reads have ] him goodday, with laughing glance, but he must needs marvel at her words: Now He that speeds fair speech reward ye this disport; but that ye be Gawain my mind misdoubts me greatly. Wherefore? quoth the knight quickly, fearing lest he had lacked in some courtesy. And the lady spake: So true a knight as Gawain is holden, and one so perfect in courtesy, would never have tarried so long with a lady but he would of his courtesy have craved a kiss at parting. Then quoth Gawain, I wot I will do even as it may please ye, and kiss at your commandment, as a true knight should who forbears to ask for fear of displeasure. At that she came near and bent down and kissed the knight, and each commended the other to Christ, and she went forth from the chamber softly. Then Sir Gawain arose and called his chamberlain and chose his garments, and when he was ready he gat him forth to Mass, and then went to meat, and made merry all day till the rising of the moon, and never had a knight fairer lodging than had he with those two noble ladies, the elder and the younger. And even the lord of the land chased the hinds through holt and heath till eventide, and then with much blowing of bugles and baying of hounds 36 Hero Journey - Apolinario they bore the game homeward; and by the time daylight was done all the folk had returned to that fair castle. And when the lord and Sir Gawain met together, then were they both well pleased. The lord commanded them all to assemble in the great hall, and the ladies to descend with their maidens, and there, before them all, he bade the men fetch in the spoil of the day s hunting, and he called unto Gawain, and counted the tale of the beasts, and showed them unto him, and said, What think ye of this game, Sir Knight? Have I deserved of ye thanks for my woodcraft? Yea, I wis, quoth the other, here is the fairest spoil I have seen this seven year in the winter season. And all this do I give ye, Gawain, quoth the host, for by accord of covenant ye may claim it as your own. That is sooth, quoth the other, I grant you that same; and I have fairly won this within walls, and with as good will do I yield it to ye. With that he clasped his hands round the lord s neck and kissed him as courteously as he might. Take ye here my spoils, no more have I won; ye should have it freely, though it were greater than this. Tis good, said the host, gramercy thereof. Yet were I fain to know where ye won this same favour, and if it were by your own wit? Nay, answered Gawain, that was not in the bond. Ask me no more: ye have taken what was yours by right, be content with that. They laughed and jested together, and sat them down to supper, where they were served with many dainties; and after supper they sat by the hearth, and wine was served out to them; and oft in their jesting they promised to observe on the morrow the same covenant that they had made before, and whatever chance might betide to exchange their spoil, be it much or little, when they met at night. Thus they renewed their bargain before the whole court, and then the night-drink was served, and each courteously took leave of the other and gat him to bed. By the time the cock had crowed thrice the lord of the castle had left his

36 bed; Mass was sung and meat fitly served. The folk were forth to the wood ere the day broke, with hound and horn they rode over the plain, and uncoupled their dogs among the thorns. Soon they struck on the scent, and the hunt cheered on the hounds who were first to seize it, urging them with shouts. The others hastened to the cry, forty at once, and there rose such a clamour from the pack that the rocks rang again. The huntsmen spurred them on with shouting and blasts of the horn; and the hounds drew together to a thicket betwixt the water and a high crag in the cliff beneath the hillside. There where the rough rock fell ruggedly they, the huntsmen, fared to the finding, and cast about round the hill and the thicket behind them. The knights wist well what beast was within, and would drive him forth with the bloodhounds. And as they beat the bushes, suddenly over the beaters there rushed forth a wondrous great and fierce boar, long since had he left the herd to roam by himself. Grunting, he cast many to the ground, and fled forth at his best speed, without more mischief. The men hallooed loudly and cried, Hay! Hay! and blew the horns to urge on the hounds, and rode swiftly after the boar. Many a time did he turn to bay and tare the hounds, and they yelped, and howled shrilly. Then the men made ready their arrows and shot at him, but the points were turned on his thick hide, and the barbs would not bite upon him, for the shafts shivered in pieces, and the head but leapt again wherever it hit. But when the boar felt the stroke of the arrows he waxed mad with rage, and turned on the hunters and tare many, so that, affrightened, they fled before him. But the lord on a swift steed pursued him, blowing his bugle; as a gallant knight he rode through the woodland chasing the boar till the sun grew low. So did the hunters this day, while Sir Gawain lay in his bed lapped in rich gear; and the lady forgat not to salute him, for early was she at his side, to cheer his mood. She came to the bedside and looked on the knight, and Gawain gave her fit greeting, and she greeted him again with ready words, and sat her by his side and laughed, and with a sweet look she spoke to him: Sir, if ye be Gawain, I think it a wonder that ye be so stern and cold, and care not for the courtesies of friendship, but if one teach ye to know them ye cast the lesson out of your mind. Ye have soon forgotten what I taught ye yesterday, by all the truest tokens that I knew! What is that? quoth the knight. I trow I know not. If it be sooth that ye say, then is the blame mine own. But I taught ye of kissing, quoth the fair lady. Wherever a fair countenance is shown him, it behoves a courteous knight quickly to claim a kiss. Nay, my dear, said Sir Gawain, cease that speech; that durst I not do lest I were denied, for if I were forbidden I wot I were wrong did I further entreat. I faith, quoth the lady merrily, ye may not be forbid, ye are strong enough to constrain by strength an ye will, were any so discourteous as to give ye denial. Yea, by Heaven, said Gawain, ye speak well; but threats profit little in the land where I dwell, and so with a gift that is given not of good will! I am at your commandment to kiss when ye like, to take or to leave as ye list. Then the lady bent her down and kissed him courteously. And as they spake together she said, I would learn somewhat from ye, an ye would not be wroth, for young ye bare and fair, and so courteous and knightly as ye are known to be, the head of all chivalry, and versed in all wisdom of love and war-- tis ever told of true knights how they adventured their lives for their true love, and endured hardships for her favours, and avenged her with valour, and eased her sorrows, and brought joy to her bower; and ye are the fairest knight of your time, and your fame and your honour are everywhere, yet I have sat by ye here twice, and never a word have I heard of love! Ye who are so courteous and skilled in such love ought surely to teach one so young and unskilled some little craft of true love! Why are ye so unlearned who art otherwise so famous? Or is it that ye deemed me unworthy to hearken to your teaching? For shame, Sir Knight! I come hither alone and sit at your side to learn of ye some skill; teach me of your wit, while my lord is from home. In good faith, quoth Gawain, great is my joy and my profit that so fair a lady as ye are should deign to come hither, and trouble ye with so poor a man, and make sport with your knight with kindly countenance, it pleaseth me much. But that I, in my turn, should take it upon me to tell of love and such like matters to ye who know more by half, or a hundred fold, of such Honors Summer Reading 37

37 craft than I do, or ever shall in all my lifetime, by my troth twere folly indeed! I will work your will to the best of my might as I am bounden, and evermore will I be your servant, so help me Christ! Then often with guile she questioned that knight that she might win him to woo her, but he defended himself so fairly that none might in any wise blame him, and naught but bliss and harmless jesting was there between them. They laughed and talked together till at last she kissed him, and craved her leave of him, and went her way. Then the knight arose and went forth to Mass, and afterward dinner was served and he sat and spake with the ladies all day. But the lord of the castle rode ever over the land chasing the wild boar, that fled through the thickets, slaying the best of his hounds and breaking their backs in sunder; till at last he was so weary he might run no longer, but made for a hole in a mound by a rock. He got the mound at his back and faced the hounds, whetting his white tusks and foaming at the mouth. The huntsmen stood aloof, fearing to draw nigh him; so many of them had been already wounded that they were loth to be torn with his tusks, so fierce he was and mad with rage. At length the lord himself came up, and saw the beast at bay, and the men standing aloof. Then quickly he sprang to the ground and drew out a bright blade, and waded through the stream to the boar. When the beast was aware of the knight with weapon in hand, he set up his bristles and snorted loudly, and many feared for their lord lest he should be slain. Then the boar leapt upon the knight so that beast and man were one atop of the other in the water; but the boar had the worst of it, for the man had marked, even as he sprang, and set the point of his brand to the beast s chest, and drove it up to the hilt, so that the heart was split in twain, and the boar fell snarling, and was swept down by the water to where a hundred hounds seized on him, and the men drew him to shore for the dogs to slay. Then was there loud blowing of horns and baying of hounds, the huntsmen smote off the boar s head, and hung the carcase by the four feet to a stout pole, and so went on their way homewards. The head they bore before the lord himself, who had slain the beast at the ford by force of his strong hand. It seemed him o er long ere he saw Sir Gawain in the hall, and he called, 38 Hero Journey - Apolinario and the guest came to take that which fell to his share. And when he saw Gawain the lord laughed aloud, and bade them call the ladies and the household together, and he showed them the game, and told them the tale, how they hunted the wild boar through the woods, and of his length and breadth and height; and Sir Gawain commended his deeds and praised him for his valour, well proven, for so mighty a beast had he never seen before. Then they handled the huge head, and the lord said aloud, Now, Gawain, this game is your own by sure covenant, as ye right well know. Tis sooth, quoth the knight, and as truly will I give ye all I have gained. He took the host round the neck, and kissed him courteously twice. Now are we quits, he said, this eventide, of all the covenants that we made since I came hither. And the lord answered, By S. Giles, ye are the best I know; ye will be rich in a short space if ye drive such bargains! Then they set up the tables on trestles, and covered them with fair cloths, and lit waxen tapers on the walls. The knights sat and were served in the hall, and much game and glee was there round the hearth, with many songs, both at supper and after; song of Christmas, and new carols, with all the mirth one may think of. And ever that lovely lady sat by the knight, and with still stolen looks made such feint of pleasing him, that Gawain marvelled much, and was wroth with himself, but he could not for his courtesy return her fair glances, but dealt with her cunningly, however she might strive to wrest the thing. When they had tarried in the hall so long as it seemed them good, they turned to the inner chamber and the wide hearthplace, and there they drank wine, and the host proffered to renew the covenant for New Year s

38 Eve; but the knight craved leave to depart on the morrow, for it was nigh to the term when he must fulfil his pledge. But the lord would withhold him from so doing, and prayed him to tarry, and said, As I am a true knight I swear my troth that ye shall come to the Green Chapel to achieve your task on New Year s morn, long before prime. Therefore abide ye in your bed, and I will hunt in this wood, and hold ye to the covenant to exchange with me against all the spoil I may bring hither. For twice have I tried ye, and found ye true, and the morrow shall be the third time and the best. Make we merry now while we may, and think on joy, for misfortune may take a man whensoever it wills. Then Gawain granted his request, and they brought them drink, and they gat them with lights to bed. Sir Gawain lay and slept softly, but the lord, who was keen on woodcraft, was afoot early. After Mass he and his men ate a morsel, and he asked for his steed; all the knights who should ride with him were already mounted before the hall gates. Twas a fair frosty morning, for the sun rose red in ruddy vapour, and the welkin was clear of clouds. The hunters scattered them by a forest side, and the rocks rang again with the blast of their horns. Some came on the scent of a fox, and a hound gave tongue; the huntsmen shouted, and the pack followed in a crowd on the trail. The fox ran before them, and when they saw him they pursued him with noise and much shouting, and he wound and turned through many a thick grove, often cowering and hearkening in a hedge. At last by a little ditch he leapt out of a spinney, stole away slily by a copse path, and so out of the wood and away from the hounds. But he went, ere he wist, to a chosen tryst, and three started forth on him at once, so he must needs double back, and betake him to the wood again. Then was it joyful to hearken to the hounds; when all the pack had met together and had sight of their game they made as loud a din as if all the lofty cliffs had fallen clattering together. The huntsmen shouted and threatened, and followed close upon him so that he might scarce escape, but Reynard was wily, and he turned and doubled upon them, and led the lord and his men over the hills, now on the slopes, now in the vales, while the knight at home slept through the cold morning beneath his costly curtains. But the fair lady of the castle rose betimes, and clad herself in a rich mantle that reached even to the ground, left her throat and her fair neck bare, and was bordered and lined with costly furs. On her head she wore no golden circlet, but a network of precious stones, that gleamed and shone through her tresses in clusters of twenty together. Thus she came into the chamber, closed the door after her, and set open a window, and called to him gaily, Sir Knight, how may ye sleep? The morning is so fair. Sir Gawain was deep in slumber, and in his dream he vexed him much for the destiny that should befall him on the morrow, when he should meet the knight at the Green Chapel, and abide his blow; but when the lady spake he heard her, and came to himself, and roused from his dream and answered swiftly. The lady came laughing, and kissed him courteously, and he welcomed her fittingly with a cheerful countenance. He saw her so glorious and gaily dressed, so faultless of features and complexion, that it warmed his heart to look upon her. They spake to each other smiling, and all was bliss and good cheer between them. They exchanged fair words, and much happiness was therein, yet was there a gulf between them, and she might win no more of her knight, for that gallant prince watched well his words--he would neither take her love, nor frankly refuse it. He cared for his courtesy, lest he be deemed churlish, and yet more for his honour lest he be traitor to his host. God forbid, quoth he to himself, that it should so befall. Thus with courteous words did he set aside all the special speeches that came from her lips. Then spake the lady to the knight, Ye deserve blame if ye hold not that lady who sits beside ye above all else in the world, if ye have not already a love whom ye hold dearer, and like better, and have sworn such firm faith to that lady that ye care not to loose it--and that am I now fain to believe. And now I pray ye straitly that ye tell me that in truth, and hide it not. And the knight answered, By S. John (and he smiled as he spake) no such love have I, nor do I think to have yet awhile. That is the worst word I may hear, quoth the lady, but in sooth I have mine answer; kiss me now courteously, and I will go hence; I can but mourn as a maiden that loves much. Sighing, she stooped down and kissed him, and then she rose up and spake as she stood, Now, dear, at our parting do me this grace: give me Honors Summer Reading 39

39 some gift, if it were but thy glove, that I may bethink me of my knight, and lessen my mourning. Now, I wis, quoth the knight, I would that I had here the most precious thing that I possess on earth that I might leave ye as love-token, great or small, for ye have deserved forsooth more reward than I might give ye. But it is not to your honour to have at this time a glove for reward as gift from Gawain, and I am here on a strange errand, and have no man with me, nor mails with goodly things--that mislikes me much, lady, at this time; but each man must fare as he is taken, if for sorrow and ill. Nay, knight highly honoured, quoth that lovesome lady, though I have naught of yours, yet shall ye have somewhat of mine. With that she reached him a ring of red gold with a sparkling stone therein, that shone even as the sun (wit ye well, it was worth many marks); but the knight refused it, and spake readily, I will take no gift, lady, at this time. I have none to give, and none will I take. She prayed him to take it, but he refused her prayer, and sware in sooth that he would not have it. The lady was sorely vexed, and said, If ye refuse my ring as too costly, that ye will not be so highly beholden to me, I will give you my girdle 11 as a lesser gift. With that she loosened a lace that was fastened at her side, knit upon her kirtle under her mantle. It was wrought of green silk, and gold, only braided by the fingers, and that she offered to the knight, and besought him though it were of little worth that he would take it, and he said nay, he would touch neither gold nor gear ere God give him grace to achieve the adventure for which he had come hither. And therefore, I pray ye, 40 Hero Journey - Apolinario displease ye not, and ask me no longer, for I may not grant it. I am dearly beholden to ye for the favour ye have shown me, and ever, in heat and cold, will I be your true servant. Now, said the lady, ye refuse this silk, for it is simple in itself, and so it seems, indeed; lo, it is small to look upon and less in cost, but whoso knew the virtue that is knit therein he would, peradventure, value it more highly. For whatever knight is girded with this green lace, while he bears it knotted about him there is no man under heaven can overcome him, for he may not be slain for any magic on earth. Then Gawain bethought him, and it came into his heart that this were a jewel for the jeopardy that awaited him when he came to the Green Chapel to seek the return blow--could he so order it that he should escape unslain, twere a craft worth trying. Then he bare with her chiding, and let her say her say, and she pressed the girdle on him and prayed him to take it, and he granted her prayer, and she gave it him with good will, and besought him for her sake never to reveal it but to hide it loyally from her lord; and the knight agreed that never should any man know it, save they two alone. He thanked her often and heartily, and she kissed him for the third time. Then she took her leave of him, and when she was gone Sir Gawain arose, and clad him in rich attire, and took the girdle, and knotted it round him, and hid it beneath his robes. Then he took his way to the chapel, and sought out a priest privily and prayed him to teach him better how his soul might be saved when he should go hence; and there he shrived him, and showed his misdeeds, both great and small, and besought mercy and craved absolution; and the priest assoiled him, and set him as clean as if Doomsday had been on the morrow. And afterwards Sir Gawain made him merry with the ladies, with carols, and all kinds of joy, as never he did but that one day, even to nightfall; and all the men marvelled at him, and said that never since he came thither had he been so merry. Meanwhile the lord of the castle was abroad chasing the fox; awhile he lost him, and as he rode through a spinny he heard the hounds near at hand, and Reynard came creeping through a thick grove, with all the pack at his heels. Then the lord drew out his shining brand, and cast it at the beast, and the fox swerved aside for the sharp edge, and would have doubled back, but a hound was on him ere he might turn, and right before the horse s feet they

40 all fell on him, and worried him fiercely, snarling the while. Then the lord leapt from his saddle, and caught the fox from the jaws, and held it aloft over his head, and hallooed loudly, and many brave hounds bayed as they beheld it; and the hunters hied them thither, blowing their horns; all that bare bugles blew them at once, and all the others shouted. Twas the merriest meeting that ever men heard, the clamour that was raised at the death of the fox. They rewarded the hounds, stroking them and rubbing their heads, and took Reynard and stripped him of his coat; then blowing their horns, they turned them homewards, for it was nigh nightfall. The lord was gladsome at his return, and found a bright fire on the hearth, and the knight beside it, the good Sir Gawain, who was in joyous mood for the pleasure he had had with the ladies. He wore a robe of blue, that reached even to the ground, and a surcoat richly furred, that became him well. A hood like to the surcoat fell on his shoulders, and all alike were done about with fur. He met the host in the midst of the floor, and jesting, he greeted him, and said, Now shall I be first to fulfil our covenant which we made together when there was no lack of wine. Then he embraced the knight, and kissed him thrice, as solemnly as he might. Of a sooth, quoth the other, ye have good luck in the matter of this covenant, if ye made a good exchange! Yea, it matters naught of the exchange, quoth Gawain, since what I owe is swiftly paid. Marry, said the other, mine is behind, for I have hunted all this day, and naught have I got but this foul fox-skin, and that is but poor payment for three such kisses as ye have here given me. Enough, quoth Sir Gawain, I thank ye, by the Rood. Then the lord told them of his hunting, and how the fox had been slain. With mirth and minstrelsy, and dainties at their will, they made them as merry as a folk well might till twas time for them to sever, for at last they must needs betake them to their beds. Then the knight took his leave of the lord, and thanked him fairly. For the fair sojourn that I have had here at this high feast may the High King give ye honour. I give ye myself, as one of your servants, if ye so like; for I must needs, as you know, go hence with the morn, and ye will give me, as ye promised, a guide to show me the way to the Green Chapel, an God will suffer me on New Year s Day to deal the doom of my weird. By my faith, quoth the host, all that ever I promised, that shall I keep with good will. Then he gave him a servant to set him in the way, and lead him by the downs, that he should have no need to ford the stream, and should fare by the shortest road through the groves; and Gawain thanked the lord for the honour done him. Then he would take leave of the ladies, and courteously he kissed them, and spake, praying them to receive his thanks, and they made like reply; then with many sighs they commended him to Christ, and he departed courteously from that folk. Each man that he met he thanked him for his service and his solace, and the pains he had been at to do his will; and each found it as hard to part from the knight as if he had ever dwelt with him. Then they led him with torches to his chamber, and brought him to his bed to rest. That he slept soundly I may not say, for the morrow gave him much to think on. Let him rest awhile, for he was near that which he sought, and if ye will but listen to me I will tell ye how it fared with him thereafter. ***** Now the New Year drew nigh, and the night passed, and the day chased the darkness, as is God s will; but wild weather wakened therewith. The clouds cast the cold to the earth, with enough of the north to slay them that lacked clothing. The snow drave smartly, and the whistling wind blew from the heights, and made great drifts in the valleys. The knight, lying in his bed, listened, for though his eyes were shut, he might sleep but little, and hearkened every cock that crew. He arose ere the day broke, by the light of a lamp that burned in his chamber, and called to his chamberlain, bidding him bring his armour and saddle his steed. The other gat him up, and fetched his garments, and robed Sir Gawain. First he clad him in his clothes to keep off the cold, and then in his harness, which was well and fairly kept. Both hauberk and plates were well burnished, the rings of the rich byrny freed from rust, and all as fresh as at first, so that the knight was fain to thank them. Then he did on each piece, Honors Summer Reading 41

41 and bade them bring his steed, while he put the fairest raiment on himself; his coat with its fair cognizance, adorned with precious stones upon velvet, with broidered seams, and all furred within with costly skins. And he left not the lace, the lady s gift, that Gawain forgot not, for his own good. When he had girded on his sword he wrapped the gift twice about him, swathed around his waist. The girdle of green silk set gaily and well upon the royal red cloth, rich to behold, but the knight ware it not for pride of the pendants, polished though they were with fair gold that gleamed brightly on the ends, but to save himself from sword and knife, when it behoved him to abide his hurt without question. With that the hero went forth, and thanked that kindly folk full often. Then was Gringalet ready, that was great and strong, and had been well cared for and tended in every wise; in fair condition was that proud steed, and fit for a journey. Then Gawain went to him, and looked on his coat, and said by his sooth, There is a folk in this place that thinketh on honour; much joy may they have, and the lord who maintains them, and may all good betide that lovely lady all her life long. Since they for charity cherish a guest, and hold honour in their hands, may He who holds the heaven on high requite them, and also ye all. And if I might live anywhere on earth, I would give ye full reward, readily, if so I might. Then he set foot in the stirrup and bestrode his steed, and his squire gave him his shield, which he laid on his shoulder. Then he smote Gringalet with his golden spurs, and the steed pranced on the stones and would stand no longer. By that his man was mounted, who bare his spear and lance, and Gawain quoth, I commend this castle to Christ, may He give it ever good fortune. Then the drawbridge was let down, and the broad gates unbarred and opened on both sides; the knight crossed himself, and passed through the gateway, and praised the porter, who knelt before the prince, and gave him good-day, and commended him to God. Thus the knight went on his way with the one man who should guide him to that dread place where he should receive rueful payment. The two went by hedges where the boughs were bare, and climbed the cliffs where the cold clings. Naught fell from the heavens, but twas ill beneath them; mist brooded over the moor and hung on the mountains; each hill had a cap, a great cloak, of mist. The streams foamed and bubbled 42 Hero Journey - Apolinario between their banks, dashing sparkling on the shores where they shelved downwards. Rugged and dangerous was the way through the woods, till it was time for the sun-rising. Then were they on a high hill; the snow lay white beside them, and the man who rode with Gawain drew rein by his master. Sir, he said, I have brought ye hither, and now ye are not far from the place that ye have sought so specially. But I will tell ye for sooth, since I know ye well, and ye are such a knight as I well love, would ye follow my counsel ye would fare the better. The place whither ye go is accounted full perilous, for he who liveth in that waste is the worst on earth, for he is strong and fierce, and loveth to deal mighty blows; taller is he than any man on earth, and greater of frame than any four in Arthur s court, or in any other. And this is his custom at the Green Chapel; there may no man pass by that place, however proud his arms, but he does him to death by force of his hand, for he is a discourteous knight, and shews no mercy. Be he churl or chaplain who rides by that chapel, monk or mass priest, or any man else, he thinks it as pleasant to slay them as to pass alive himself. Therefore, I tell ye, as sooth as ye sit in saddle, if ye come there and that knight know it, ye shall be slain, though ye had twenty lives; trow me that truly! He has dwelt here full long and seen many a combat; ye may not defend ye against his blows. Therefore, good Sir Gawain, let the man be, and get ye away some other road; for God s sake seek ye another land, and there may Christ speed ye! And I will hie me home again, and I promise ye further that I will swear by God and the saints, or any other oath ye please, that I will keep counsel faithfully, and never let any wit the tale that ye fled for fear of any man. Gramercy, quoth Gawain, but ill-pleased. Good fortune be his who wishes me good, and that thou wouldst keep faith with me I will believe; but didst thou keep it never so truly, an I passed here and fled for fear as thou sayest, then were I a coward knight, and might not be held guiltless. So I will to the chapel let chance what may, and talk with that man, even as I may list, whether for weal or for woe as fate may have it. Fierce though he may be in fight, yet God knoweth well how to save His servants. Well, quoth the other, now that ye have said so much that ye will take your own harm on yourself, and ye be pleased to lose your life, I will neither let nor keep ye. Have here your helm and the spear in your hand, and ride

42 down this same road beside the rock till ye come to the bottom of the valley, and there look a little to the left hand, and ye shall see in that vale the chapel, and the grim man who keeps it. Now fare ye well, noble Gawain; for all the gold on earth I would not go with ye nor bear ye fellowship one step further. With that the man turned his bridle into the wood, smote the horse with his spurs as hard as he could, and galloped off, leaving the knight alone. Quoth Gawain, I will neither greet nor groan, but commend myself to God, and yield me to His will. Then the knight spurred Gringalet, and rode adown the path close in by a bank beside a grove. So he rode through the rough thicket, right into the dale, and there he halted, for it seemed him wild enough. No sign of a chapel could he see, but high and burnt banks on either side and rough rugged crags with great stones above. An ill-looking place he thought it. Then he drew in his horse and looked around to seek the chapel, but he saw none and thought it strange. Then he saw as it were a mound on a level space of land by a bank beside the stream where it ran swiftly, the water bubbled within as if boiling. The knight turned his steed to the mound, and lighted down and tied the rein to the branch of a linden; and he turned to the mound and walked round it, questioning with himself what it might be. It had a hole at the end and at either side, and was overgrown with clumps of grass, and it was hollow within as an old cave or the crevice of a crag; he knew not what it might be. Ah, quoth Gawain, can this be the Green Chapel? Here might the devil say his mattins at midnight! Now I wis there is wizardry here. Tis an ugly oratory, all overgrown with grass, and twould well beseem that fellow in green to say his devotions on devil s wise. Now feel I in five wits, tis the foul fiend himself who hath set me this tryst, to destroy me here! This is a chapel of mischance: ill-luck betide it, tis the cursedest kirk that ever I came in! Helmet on head and lance in hand, he came up to the rough dwelling, when he heard over the high hill beyond the brook, as it were in a bank, a wondrous fierce noise, that rang in the cliff as if it would cleave asunder. Twas as if one ground a scythe on a grindstone, it whirred and whetted like water on a mill-wheel and rushed and rang, terrible to hear. By God, quoth Gawain, I trow that gear is preparing for the knight who will meet me here. Alas! naught may help me, yet should my life be forfeit, I fear not a jot! With that he called aloud. Who waiteth in this place to give me tryst? Now is Gawain come hither: if any man will aught of him let him hasten hither now or never. Stay, quoth one on the bank above his head, and ye shall speedily have that which I promised ye. Yet for a while the noise of whetting went on ere he appeared, and then he came forth from a cave in the crag with a fell weapon, a Danish axe newly dight, wherewith to deal the blow. An evil head it had, four feet large, no less, sharply ground, and bound to the handle by the lace that gleamed brightly. And the knight himself was all green as before, face and foot, locks and beard, but now he was afoot. When he came to the water he would not wade it, but sprang over with the pole of his axe, and strode boldly over the brent that was white with snow. Sir Gawain went to meet him, but he made no low bow. The other said, Now, fair sir, one may trust thee to keep tryst. Thou art welcome, Gawain, to my place. Thou hast timed thy coming as befits a true man. Thou knowest the covenant set between us: at this time twelve months agone thou didst take that which fell to thee, and I at this New Year will readily requite thee. We are in this valley, verily alone, here are no knights to sever us, do what we will. Have off thy helm from thine head, and have here thy pay; make me no more talking than I did then when thou didst strike off my head with one blow. Nay, quoth Gawain, by God that gave me life, I shall make no moan whatever befall me, but make thou ready for the blow and I shall stand still and say never a word to thee, do as thou wilt. With that he bent his head and shewed his neck all bare, and made as if he had no fear, for he would not be thought a-dread. Then the Green Knight made him ready, and grasped his grim weapon to smite Gawain. With all his force he bore it aloft with a mighty feint of slaying him: had it fallen as straight as he aimed he who was ever doughty of deed had been slain by the blow. But Gawain swerved aside as the axe came gliding down to slay him as he stood, and shrank a little with the shoulders, for the sharp iron. The other heaved up the blade and rebuked the prince with many proud words: Thou art not Gawain, he said, who is held so valiant, that never feared Honors Summer Reading 43

43 he man by hill or vale, but thou shrinkest for fear ere thou feelest hurt. Such cowardice did I never hear of Gawain! Neither did I flinch from thy blow, or make strife in King Arthur s hall. My head fell to my feet, and yet I fled not; but thou didst wax faint of heart ere any harm befell. Wherefore must I be deemed the braver knight. Quoth Gawain, I shrank once, but so will I no more, though an my head fall on the stones I cannot replace it. But haste, Sir Knight, by thy faith, and bring me to the point, deal me my destiny, and do it out of hand, for I will stand thee a stroke and move no more till thine axe have hit me--my troth on it. Have at thee, then, quoth the other, and heaved aloft the axe with fierce mien, as if he were mad. He struck at him fiercely but wounded him not, withholding his hand ere it might strike him. Gawain abode the stroke, and flinched in no limb, but stood still as a stone or the stump of a tree that is fast rooted in the rocky ground with a hundred roots. Then spake gaily the man in green, So now thou hast thine heart whole it behoves me to smite. Hold aside thy hood that Arthur gave thee, and keep thy neck thus bent lest it cover it again. Then Gawain said angrily, Why talk on thus? Thou dost threaten too long. I hope thy heart misgives thee. For sooth, quoth the other, so fiercely thou speakest I will no longer let thine errand wait its reward. Then he braced himself to strike, frowning with lips and brow, twas no marvel that it pleased but ill him who hoped for no rescue. He lifted the axe lightly and let it fall with the edge of the blade on the bare neck. Though he struck swiftly it hurt him no more than on the one side where it severed the skin. The sharp blade cut into the flesh so that the blood ran over his shoulder to the ground. And when the knight saw the blood staining the snow, he sprang forth, swift-foot, more than a spear s length, seized his helmet and set it on his head, cast his shield over his shoulder, drew out his bright sword, and spake boldly (never since he was born was he half so blithe), Stop, Sir Knight, bid me no more blows. I have stood a stroke here without flinching, and if thou give me another, I shall requite thee, and give thee as good again. By the covenant made betwixt us in Arthur s hall but one blow falls to me here. Halt, therefore. Then the Green Knight drew off from him and leaned on his axe, setting the shaft on the ground, and looked on Gawain as he stood all armed and faced him fearlessly--at heart it pleased him well. Then he spake merrily in a loud voice, and said to the knight, Bold sir, be not so fierce, no man here hath done thee wrong, nor will do, save by covenant, as we made at Arthur s court. I promised thee a blow and thou hast it--hold thyself well paid! I release thee of all other claims. If I had been so minded I might perchance have given thee a rougher buffet. First I menaced thee with a feigned one, and hurt thee not for the covenant that we made in the first night, and which thou didst hold truly. All the gain didst thou give me as a true man should. The other feint I proffered thee for the morrow: my fair wife kissed thee, and thou didst give me her kisses--for both those days I gave thee two blows without scathe--true man, true return. But the third time thou didst fail, and therefore hadst thou that blow. For tis my weed thou wearest, that same woven girdle, my own wife wrought it, that do I wot for sooth. Now know I well thy kisses, and thy conversation, and the wooing of my wife, for twas mine own doing. I sent her to try thee, and in sooth I think thou art the most faultless knight that ever trode earth. As a pearl among white peas is of more worth than they, so is Gawain, i faith, by other knights. But thou didst lack a little, Sir Knight, and wast wanting in loyalty, yet that was for no evil work, nor for wooing neither, but because thou lovedst thy life-- 44 Hero Journey - Apolinario

44 therefore I blame thee the less. Then the other stood a great while, still sorely angered and vexed within himself; all the blood flew to his face, and he shrank for shame as the Green Knight spake; and the first words he said were, Cursed be ye, cowardice and covetousness, for in ye is the destruction of virtue. Then he loosed the girdle, and gave it to the knight. Lo, take there the falsity, may foul befall it! For fear of thy blow cowardice bade me make friends with covetousness and forsake the customs of largess and loyalty, which befit all knights. Now am I faulty and false and have been afeared: from treachery and untruth come sorrow and care. I avow to thee, Sir Knight, that I have ill done; do then thy will. I shall be more wary hereafter. Then the other laughed and said gaily, I wot I am whole of the hurt I had, and thou hast made such free confession of thy misdeeds, and hast so borne the penance of mine axe edge, that I hold thee absolved from that sin, and purged as clean as if thou hadst never sinned since thou wast born. And this girdle that is wrought with gold and green, like my raiment, do I give thee, Sir Gawain, that thou mayest think upon this chance when thou goest forth among princes of renown, and keep this for a token of the adventure of the Green Chapel, as it chanced between chivalrous knights. And thou shalt come again with me to my dwelling and pass the rest of this feast in gladness. Then the lord laid hold of him, and said, I wot we shall soon make peace with my wife, who was thy bitter enemy. Nay, forsooth, said Sir Gawain, and seized his helmet and took it off swiftly, and thanked the knight: I have fared ill, may bliss betide thee, and may He who rules all things reward thee swiftly. Commend me to that courteous lady, thy fair wife, and to the other my honoured ladies, who have beguiled their knight with skilful craft. But tis no marvel if one be made a fool and brought to sorrow by women s wiles, for so was Adam beguiled by one, and Solomon by many, and Samson all too soon, for Delilah dealt him his doom; and David thereafter was wedded with Bathsheba, which brought him much sorrow--if one might love a woman and believe her not, twere great gain! And since all they were beguiled by women, methinks tis the less blame to me that I was misled! But as for thy girdle, that will I take with good will, not for gain of the gold, nor for samite, nor silk, nor the costly pendants, neither for weal nor for worship, but in sign of my frailty. I shall look upon it when I ride in renown and remind myself of the fault and faintness of the flesh; and so when pride uplifts me for prowess of arms, the sight of this lace shall humble my heart. But one thing would I pray, if it displease thee not: since thou art lord of yonder land wherein I have dwelt, tell me what thy rightful name may be, and I will ask no more. That will I truly, quoth the other. Bernlak de Hautdesert am I called in this land. Morgain le Fay dwelleth in mine house 12, and through knowledge of clerkly craft hath she taken many. For long time was she the mistress of Merlin, who knew well all you knights of the court. Morgain the goddess is she called therefore, and there is none so haughty but she can bring him low. She sent me in this guise to yon fair hall to test the truth of the renown that is spread abroad of the valour of the Round Table. She taught me this marvel to betray your wits, to vex Guinevere and fright her to death by the man who spake with his head in his hand at the high table. That is she who is at home, that ancient lady, she is even thine aunt, Arthur s half-sister, the daughter of the Duchess of Tintagel, who afterward married King Uther. Therefore I bid thee, knight, come to thine aunt, and make merry in thine house; my folk love thee, and I wish thee as well as any man on earth, by my faith, for thy true dealing. But Sir Gawain said nay, he would in no wise do so; so they embraced and kissed, and commended each other to the Prince of Paradise, and parted right there, on the cold ground. Gawain on his steed rode swiftly to the king s hall, and the Green Knight got him whithersoever he would. Sir Gawain who had thus won grace of his life, rode through wild ways on Gringalet; oft he lodged in a house, and oft without, and many adventures did he have and came off victor full often, as at this time I cannot relate in tale. The hurt that he had in his neck was healed, he bare the shining girdle as a baldric bound by his side, and made fast with a knot neath his left arm, in token that he was taken in a fault--and thus he came in safety again to the court. Then joy awakened in that dwelling when the king knew that the good Sir Gawain was come, for he deemed it gain. King Arthur kissed the knight, and the queen also, and many valiant knights sought to embrace him. They asked him how he had fared, and he told them all that had chanced to him- -the adventure of the chapel, the fashion of the knight, the love of the lady-- Honors Summer Reading 45

45 at last of the lace. He showed them the wound in the neck which he won for his disloyalty at the hand of the knight, the blood flew to his face for shame as he told the tale. Lo, lady, he quoth, and handled the lace, this is the bond of the blame that I bear in my neck, this is the harm and the loss I have suffered, the cowardice and covetousness in which I was caught, the token of my covenant in which I was taken. And I must needs wear it so long as I live, for none may hide his harm, but undone it may not be, for if it hath clung to thee once, it may never be severed. Then the king comforted the knight, and the court laughed loudly at the tale, and all made accord that the lords and the ladies who belonged to the Round Table, each hero among them, should wear bound about him a baldric of bright green for the sake of Sir Gawain.13 And to this was agreed all the honour of the Round Table, and he who ware it was honoured the more thereafter, as it is testified in the best book of romance. That in Arthur s days this adventure befell, the book of Brutus bears witness. For since that bold knight came hither first, and the siege and the assault were ceased at Troy, I wis Many a venture herebefore Hath fallen such as this: May He that bare the crown of thorn Bring us unto His bliss. Amen. NOTES for Sir Gawain 1. The Legend of Sir Gawain, Grimm Library, Vol. VII. (Chapter IX. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight). 2. Dance accompanied by song. Often mentioned in old romances. 3. Agravain, à la dure main. This characterisation of Gawain s brother seems to indicate that there was a French source at the root of this story. The author distinctly tells us more than once that the tale, as he tells it, was written in a book, M. Gaston Paris thinks that the direct source was an Anglo-Norman poem, now lost. 4. If any in this hall holds himself so hardy. This, the main incident of the tale, is apparently of very early date. The oldest version we possess is that found in the Irish tale of the Fled Bricrend (Bricriu s feast) [edited and translated by the Rev. G. Henderson, M.A., Irish Texts Society, vol. ii.], where the hero of the tale is the Irish champion, Cuchulinn. Two mediæval romances, the Mule sans Frein (French) and Diu Krône (German), again attribute it to Gawain; while the continuator of Chrétien de Troye s Conte del Graal gives as hero a certain Carados, whom he represents as Arthur s nephew; and the prose Perceval has Lancelot. So far as the mediæval versions are concerned, the original hero is undoubtedly Gawain; and our poem gives the fullest and most complete form of the story we possess. In the Irish version the magician is a giant, and the abnormal size and stature of the Green Knight is, in all probability, the survival of a primitive feature. His curious colour is a trait found nowhere else. In Diu Krône we are told that the challenger changes shapes in a terrifying manner, but no details are given. 5. For Yule was over-past. This passage, descriptive of the flight of the year, should be especially noticed. Combined with the other passages--the description of Gawain s journey, the early morning hunts, the dawning of New Year s Day, and the ride to the Green Chapel--they indicate a knowledge of Nature, and an observant eye for her moods, uncommon among mediæval poets. It is usual enough to find graceful and charming descriptions of spring and early summer--an appreciation of May in especial, when the summer courts were held, is part of the stock-in-trade of mediæval romancers--but a sympathy with the year in all its changes is far rarer, and certainly deserves to be specially reckoned to the credit of this 46 Hero Journey - Apolinario

46 nameless writer. 6. First a rich carpet was stretched on the floor. The description of the arming of Gawain is rather more detailed in the original, but some of the minor points are not easy to understand, the identification of sundry of the pieces of armour being doubtful. 7. The pentangle painted thereupon in gleaming gold. I do not remember that the pentangle is elsewhere attributed to Gawain. He often bears a red shield; but the blazon varies. Indeed, the heraldic devices borne by Arthur s knights are distractingly chaotic--their legends are older than the science of heraldry, and no one has done for them the good office that the compiler of the Thidrek Saga has rendered to his Teutonic heroes. 8. The Wilderness of Wirral. This is in Cheshire. Sir F. Madden suggests that the forest which forms the final stage of Gawain s journey is that of Inglewood, in Cumberland. The geography here is far clearer than is often the case in such descriptions. 9. Twas the fairest castle that ever a knight owned. Here, again, I have omitted some of the details of the original, the architectural terms lacking identification. 10. With blast of the bugle fared forth to the field. The account of each day s hunting contains a number of obsolete terms and details of woodcraft, not given in full. The meaning of some has been lost, and the minute descriptions of skinning and dismembering the game would be distinctly repulsive to the general reader. They are valuable for a student of the history of the English sport, but interfere with the progress of the story. The fact that the author devotes so much space to them seems to indicate that he lived in the country and was keenly interested in field sports. (Gottfried von Strassbourg s Tristan contains a similar and almost more detailed description.) 11. I will give [you] my girdle. This magic girdle, which confers invulnerability on its owner, is a noticeable feature of our story. It is found nowhere else in this connection, yet in other romances we find that Gawain possesses a girdle with similar powers (cf., my Legend of Sir Gawain, Chap. IX.). Such a talisman was also owned by Cuchulinn, the Irish hero, who has many points of contact with Gawain. It seems not improbable that this was also an old feature of the story. I have commented, in the Introduction, on the lady s persistent wooing of Gawain, and need not repeat the remarks here. The Celtic Lay of the Great Fool (Amadan Mor) presents some curious points of contact with our story, which may, however, well be noted here. In the Lay the hero is mysteriously deprived of his legs, through the draught from a cup proffered by a Gruagach or magician. He comes to a castle, the lord of which goes out hunting, leaving his wife in the care of the Great Fool, who is to allow no man to enter. He falls asleep, and a young knight arrives and kisses the host s wife. The Great Fool, awaking, refuses to allow the intruder to depart; and, in spite of threats and blandishments, insists on detaining him till the husband returns. Finally, the stranger reveals himself as the host in another shape; he is also the Gruagach, who deprived the hero of his limbs, and the Great Fool s brother. He has only intended to test the Amadon Mor s fidelity. A curious point in connection with this story is that it possesses a prose opening which shows a marked affinity with the Perceval enfances. That the Perceval and Gawain stories early became connected is certain, but what is the precise connection between them and the Celtic Lay is not clear. In its present form the latter is certainly posterior to the Grail romances, but it is quite possible that the matter with which it deals represents a tradition older than the Arthurian story. 12. Morgain le Fay, who dwelleth in my house. The enmity between Morgain le Fay and Guinevere, which is here stated to have been the motif of the enchantment, is no invention of the author, but is found in the Merlin, probably the earliest of the Arthurian prose romances. In a later version of our story, a poem, written in ballad form, and contained in the Percy MS., Morgain does not appear; her place is taken by an old witch, mother to the lady, but the enchantment is still due to her spells. In this later form the knight bears the curious name of Sir Bredbeddle. That given in our romance, Bernlak de Hautdesert,, seems to point to the original French source of the story. (It is curious that Morgain should here be represented as extremely old, while Arthur is still in his first youth. There is evidently a discrepancy or misunderstanding of the source here.) 13. A baldric of bright green, for sake of Sir Gawain. The later version connects this lace with that worn by the knights of the Bath; but this latter was white, not green. The knights wore it on the left shoulder till they had done some gallant deed, or till some noble lady took it off for them. Honors Summer Reading 47

47 Worksheets 48 Hero Journey - Apolinario

48 Sir Gawain Assignment Your task is to trace the hero journey of Sir Gawain on the following chart. You are to also respond to the following questions. 1. Pay attention to the introduction of the knight Gawain. How does he distinguish himself in the opening scenes? How is he different from the other knights? Does he fulfill a chivalric duty that the other knights neglect? 2. What is the significance of the Pentangle? Can the Pentangle be seen as a symbol of the chivalric virtues? The pentangle is displayed on only one side of Gawain s shield; who is depicted on the other? 3. What promises are made by Gawain? Which does he keep? What lesson(s) does Gawain learn from his ordeal? 4. Who is the Green Knight? Is he a Pagan god? If so, why does he come to Arthur s court? Is he the devil in disguise, tempting Arthur, as Satan tempted Christ & his apostles? Is he simply the spirit of Nature? Explain your conclusions. Honors Summer Reading 49

49 50 Hero Journey - Apolinario

50 Worksheet 1: The Hero in You 1. Describe a time when you were heroic. 5. Were your affections involved? If so, toward whom? 2. Was this a spontaneous act or something that you thought about for some time? 6. What do you think were those qualities in you that helped you to act so heroically? 3. What were the obstacles to your success? Were there any foes? 7. If you were to compare yourself to any other hero, who would it be? 4. Was there someone older, wiser, or more experienced who was able to help you? Honors Summer Reading 51

51 Worksheet 2: Independent Film Viewing MOVIE NAME: View one or more films depicting a quest. Answer the following questions: 1. a. What qualities does the hero possess that make him heroic? 4. a. Describe the role of the outside intervention (e.g., the supernatural, a wise elder, witch) in allowing the hero to be successful in his quest. b. In what respect does he deviate from the classical definition of a hero? b. Would the hero have been successful on his own? 2. Map the hero s journey, using Worksheet 3: The Heroic Journey as a guide. 5. It has been said that a hero and his quest personify the dreams and desires of the society that spawned this hero. Given that premise, what values seem to be important to the society reflected in your film? 3. Describe the villains or monsters that the hero must vanquish. 52 Hero Journey - Apolinario

52 Worksheet 3: SUPERMAN by Five for Fighting I can t stand to fly I m not that naive I m just out to find The better part of me I m more than a bird I m more than a plane More than some pretty face beside a train It s not easy to be me Wish that I could cry Fall upon my knees Find a way to lie About a home I ll never see It may sound absurd But don t be naive Even heroes have the right to bleed I may be disturbed But won t you concede Even heroes have the right to dream It s not easy to be me Up, up and away, away from me It s all right You can all sleep sound tonight I m not crazy or anything. I can t stand to fly I m not that naive Men weren t meant to ride With clouds between their knees I m only a man in a silly red sheet Digging for kryptonite on this one way street Only a man in a funny red sheet Looking for special things inside of me I m only a man In a funny red sheet. I m only a man Looking for a dream I m only a man In a funny red sheet And it s not easy. It s not easy to be me Respond to the following: 1. Who is the speaker in this song? 2. What does this song have to say about being a hero? 3. Does the speaker sound resentful? 4. Does being a hero sometimes make a hero isolated? 5. Why does this particular hero feel isolated? 6. What is the mood of this song? This fan-created music video, uses the song Superman by Five for Fighting and scenes from Superman Returns to create a moving rendition of the song. (Appropriate for classroom use.) Honors Summer Reading 53

53 Worksheet 4: This worksheet gives an overview of the various types of heroes: mythic heroes, anti-heroes, tragic heroes, Byronic, heroes, etc. It also analyzes famous anti-heroes from pop culture and literature. TYPES OF HEROES Hero In mythology a mighty warrior who is often the son of a god or king and goes on an epic quest Hero (2) Main character of a story who often displays admirable qualities Anti-hero Main character of a story who is flawed in some way and often does not display admirable qualities THE ANTI-HERO Below are some examples of anti-heroes from comics, film, television, and literature. Batman (D.C. Comics) Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean) Conan the Barbarian (Conan the Barbarian novels and film) Holden Caulfield (The Catcher in the Rye) Homer Simpson (The Simpsons) Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby) Scarlett O Hara (Gone with the Wind) Vito and Michael Corleone (The Godfather) Wolverine (Marvel Comics) 2. What do all of these anti-heroes have in common? Tragic hero Main character of a tragedy whose tragic flaw leads to his or her destruction Byronic hero Rebellious main character who has a troubled past and indulges in self-destructive behaviors that threaten to doom him or her 3. Why are flawed main characters sometimes more likable than ones who are not? Respond to the Following 1. Who are some examples of each of these different types of heroes from literature, television, or film? 4. Over the years the number of anti-heroes in popular culture has risen. Why do you think this is? Have the concepts of the hero changed over time? 54 Hero Journey - Apolinario

54 Worksheet 5: HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO by Bonnie Tyler Where have all the good men gone And where are all the gods? Where s the street-wise Hercules To fight the rising odds? Isn t there a white knight upon a fiery steed? Late at night I toss and turn and dream of what I need [Chorus] I need a hero I m holding out for a hero til the end of the night He s gotta be strong And he s gotta be fast And he s gotta be fresh from the fight I need a hero I m holding out for a hero til the morning light He s gotta be sure And it s gotta be soon And he s gotta be larger than life Somewhere after midnight In my wildest fantasy Somewhere just beyond my reach There s someone reaching back for me Racing on the thunder end rising with the heat It s gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feet [Chorus] Up where the mountains meet the heavens above Out where the lightning splits the sea I would swear that there s someone somewhere Watching me Through the wind and the chill and the rain And the storm and the flood I can feel his approach Like the fire in my blood Respond to the Following 1. According to the song, what are the qualities of a hero? 2. According to the song, what are the duties of a hero? 3. What areas would you agree/ disagree? - be specific 4. Is Bonnie Tyler reflecting a societal view of a hero or a female view? Explain. This fan-created music video uses the song "Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler and images from popular superhero movies, as well as Saturday morning cartoons. (Appropriate for classroom use.) Honors Summer Reading 55

55 Worksheet 6: This article recounts the accomplishments of actor Christopher Reeve, including his heroic struggle with paralysis. Using this article as a springboard, students can compare Superman, the character embodied by Reeve, and the actor s real-life heroic struggle. CHRISTOPHER REEVE DEAD AT 52 SUPERMAN ACTOR BECAME CHAMPION FOR PARALYSIS RESEARCH OCT. 11, 2004, ABC NEWS Christopher Reeve, the Superman actor who showed the world Herculean bravery after a near-fatal spinal cord injury, died Sunday of heart failure. He was 52. With his family at his side, Reeve fell into a coma Saturday after going into cardiac arrest at his New York home, said his publicist, Wesley Combs. On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank Northern Westchester Hospital for the excellent care they provided to my husband, his wife, Dana Reeve, said in a statement. I also want to thank his personal staff of nurses and aides, as well as the millions of fans from around the world who have supported and loved my husband over the years. This Can t Be My Life With an S emblazoned across his chiseled chest, Reeve became the most famous movie actor to take on the role of the comic book hero from planet Krypton, who could bend steel, repel bullets and fly through the air to save damsels in distress, occasionally taking them back to his crystal lair. In the 1978 blockbuster and a series of sequels, Reeve epitomized the Ivory-soap goodness of a superhero. Then, in an equestrian competition in 1995, he was paralyzed from the neck down after he was thrown from his horse. When Reeve realized he could not breathe without a respirator, he contemplated pulling the plug, he admitted in an exclusive interview with ABC News Barbara Walters just months after the tragedy. You look out the window, and you can t believe where you are, he said. And the thought that keeps going through your mind is, This can t be my life. There s been a mistake. But despair turned into determination, and Reeve s will to live prevailed. With the support of his wife, he became America s leading 56 Hero Journey - Apolinario