Lady Bertilak facts for kids

Temptation of Sir Gawain by Lady Bertilak (late 14th century illustration)

Lady Bertilak (also called Lady Hautdesert) is a character in the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (14th century). She is ordered by her husband, Sir Bertilak de Hautdesert, alias the Green Knight, to test Sir Gawain's purity.

Greed and temptation

In the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, greed and temptation are two characteristics that guide Lady Bertilak to trick Gawain. She continuously tempts Gawain to take her belongings by telling him they will protect him. One of the most significant offerings from Lady Bertilak was the ring. Gawain easily refuses this offer even though it is protective, because of its value of wealth. Lady Bertilak schemingly makes another offer to Gawain of less value: a green girdle that has protective powers. It is here that Gawain succumbs to her offer, because of the girdle's lesser value. Lady Bertilak is aware of Gawain's promise with the lord to hand him anything he receives each day. She plays upon this promise to tempt Gawain with her offerings, because she knows he will not report it to Lord Bertilak, as he will keep the girdle for his battle with the Green Knight.

In Popular Culture

• The character of Lady Bertilak is portrayed by the Swedish actress Alicia Vikander in the 2021 movie adaptation of The Green Knight, although her name is not given in the movie but only known as the Lady.