Two Plots of SGATGK

 The Beheading Contest: Rebirth and Renewal. The color green symbolizes nature’s ability to begin again every year in spring. Though his head is cut off, the Green Knight lives and is reborn again in a year The contest spans an entire year, finishing on New Year’s Day—a day of new beginning and renewal.

 Temptation of Sir Gawain the Good: Prevalence of Christian Beliefs The number 3 ties Sir Gawain to Christ  The 3 days resting with the Lord and Lady = the 3 days Jesus remained in the tomb  The Lady’s 3 temptations of Sir Gawain = Satan’s 3 temptations of Christ  Sir Gawain’s confession, the Green Knight’s forgiveness, and Sir Gawain’s penance = the 3 stages of the Catholic’s 3 phase Sacrament of Penance Also, 3 hunts and 3 strikes of the Green Knight