QUEST OF THE WHITE HART

 

Gawain and his horse return to the court carrying evidence of his misdeeds.

In the Quest of the White Hart, Gawain was assigned the task of capturing the hart, while his comrades went in search of the brachet and its mistress.



Following the bay of the hounds, Gawain's quest led him to a castle. Three of the hounds chased the hart into the hall where they set upon the animal and killed it. Gawain came upon the scene just as the enraged rsident knight slew two of the hounds. Gawain's face flushed red with anger as he demanded to know why the knight had killed his dogs. "Because they have killed my heart which waas given to me by my beloved," he replied. A dreadful battle began between the two knights. Gawain, overcame his opponent who then cried for mercy. But the young Gawain, in his rage, unlaced the knights helm and made ready to strike off his head. The lady of the knight entered the hall and threw herself upon her love, pleading for his life. Gawain refused to spare him and in the confusion of the struggle mistakenly slew the woman. It was agrave and shameful deed; a knight without mercy is a knight without worhsip.



The griving Gawain was made to return to Arthur's court, bearing the woman's head about his neck and her body upon the mane of his horse. All were horrified at this shameful sight. Guenevere was greatly upset, and ordained that in future Gawain must fight on behalf of all laides, no matter what their standing, and that while he lived he must remain the merciful and very-courteous champion to all women.



Ferguson, Anna-Marie. Keeper of Words. 1995 Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, Minnesota. (193)

 

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