Sir Gawain and the Green KnightThe poet begins his work by reminding us that the history of Britain is both ancient and glorious; Aeneas, whose exploits in the Trojan War are legendary, whose military exploits are recounted in Virgil's Aeneid, and who is legendary for founding the city of Rome after the Trojan War, was the ancestor of a man named Felix Brutus who founded Great Britain (“Great Britain” comes from “Brutus”). The noblest of the kings who followed Brutus was Arthur; the poet says he intends to tell one of Arthur's wonderful stories. One Christmas in Camelot, the king, his queen Guinevere and the court gather for a fortnight of celebration. The best and noblest people and activities are there: brave and famous men participating in military games, beautiful and graceful ladies playing kissing games with men. There are the most wonderful entertainments: dancing, feasting, singing. On New Year's Day, there is a big party where everyone gathers. Arthur, young and impulsive, however has a festive tradition that must be observed before the meal. He would not eat on such an occasion until he had observed something marvelous: the telling of an astonishing story, the unfolding of a glorious battle, etc. Arthur presides over the feast at the high table with Guinevere, Gawain and other famous knights while music plays and food is brought out - so many delicacies and elaborate dishes that the poet says it would be impossible to describe them all . In the midst of preparations for the feast, and while Arthur is waiting for a marvel to happen so he can eat, a huge and terrible man bursts into the room - a giant man, his chest and limbs massive even though his proportions are show fit and attractive. The most shocking thing about him was that he was completely green. The poet spends most of the next three stanzas describing the Green Knight in detail; first, we learn of his clothes, trimmed with fur and embroidery, all green and gold. We then learn that the horse he is riding, the saddle and the stirrups are all green. The man's long hair matches that of the horse and he wears a large, thick beard, also green...