The Arthurian legends of old are infused with mythic elements and woven together with artful skill. The origin of Arthur and his knights developed in Britain, although their existence is uncertain and unconfirmed. Several authors have written their own versions of the efforts of Arthur and his knights, many of them bearing similarities to each other. However, when we look at these stories, there is a question hidden among them. Which is more important, the mythical elements or the narrative elements? Readers around the world have read these tales for many reasons and have taken away different points and ideals from them. What impacts them the most, the myths behind the tales? Or does the clever story itself hold this claim? Tales like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight contain both of these elements. However, we generally have more of an effect on the reader. By examining both the mythic elements and the structure of the story, as well as what has the greatest effect on the reader, it becomes clear which is more important. It is the story itself and the details it contains that hold the reader's attention. Myths, while significant, are not the most important element. Without the story elements, a poem like Sir Gawain would not attract people's attention and therefore would not be a good story. Sir Gawain contains many mythical elements, as well as elements of history. These myths are believed to originate from the Celtic world. Pieces of the poem have clear connections to some of the mythological stories from Celtic traditions. One of the first connections comes from the setting of the poem's introduction, when Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table celebrate the new year. In Celtic mythology, this New Year celebration could be considered Samhain, the time...... middle of paper...... for the reader. Readers can't connect with it if it isn't well written, well presented, or doesn't have an interesting and exciting plot. These mythical elements help to support the tale and make it better. But unfortunately they cannot bear the impact on readers that has lasted for years. The story itself managed to accomplish this.Works CitedSparkNotes Editors. "SparkNote on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2003. Internet. October 31, 2011. Nichols, Mike. “Samhain: October 31.” Michigan State University, September 28, 1988.Web. November 19, 2011. .Hanson, Gina. "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - Chaffey '04 Writing Competition." The Breeze. Chaffey College, April 24, 2004. Web. November 19. 2011. .