Lady Bertilak facts for kids
Lady Bertilak is a key character in a famous old poem called Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. This poem was written in the 1300s. She is married to Sir Bertilak, who is also known as the mysterious Green Knight. Lady Bertilak plays an important part in testing the honesty and bravery of a knight named Sir Gawain.
Lady Bertilak's Role in the Story
In the poem, Lady Bertilak is asked by her husband to test Sir Gawain. She tries to trick him to see if he will keep his promises. She offers him gifts that she says will protect him.
The Test of Sir Gawain
Lady Bertilak tries to tempt Gawain with different items. She tells him these items have special powers. One important gift she offers is a valuable ring. Gawain refuses the ring because it is very expensive. He doesn't want to take something so valuable.
Then, Lady Bertilak offers him a green sash, also called a girdle. She tells him this girdle has special powers. It will keep him safe from harm. Gawain knows he will soon face the Green Knight in a dangerous fight. He decides to take the green girdle.
Gawain had made a promise with Lord Bertilak. He promised to give Lord Bertilak anything he received each day. But Gawain keeps the girdle a secret. He hopes it will protect him in his upcoming battle. This shows how Lady Bertilak's clever plan works to test Gawain's honesty.
Lady Bertilak in Popular Culture
- The character of Lady Bertilak was played by the Swedish actress Alicia Vikander in the 2021 movie The Green Knight. In the movie, her name is not mentioned. She is only known as the Lady.
