Surprisingly easy on the ear for modern audiences
★★★★☆ – CALSPIE: 8.50
Title: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Author: Simon Armitage (translator from Middle English)
Genre: Fiction / Poetry /Medieval Poetry
First Published: c1400
Edition: Audio and paperback, published by Faber & Faber in 2009
FROM THE BLURB: the poem narrates the strange tale of a green knight on a green horse, who rudely interrupts the Round Table festivities one Yuletide, casting a pall of unease over the company and challenging one of their number to a wager. The virtuous Gawain accepts, and decapitates the intruder with his own axe. Gushing blood, the knight reclaims his head, orders Gawain to seek him out a year hence, and departs. Next Yuletide Gawain dutifully sets forth… His quest for the Green Knight involves a winter journey, a seduction scene in a dream-like castle, a dire challenge answered – and a drama of enigmatic reward disguised as psychic undoing.
***
This was a very nice listen. It’s a very old narrative poem by an unknown author. It was translated by Simon Armitage from Middle English and it flowed quite nicely.
It was very easy to understand and follow along with. Far less dense than Beowulf for example. Listening to this was a great decision, as it was the way that most people heard these kind of stories back when it was written.
It’s a story of morals, I guess, but it was entertaining and enjoyable and definitely still worked for my modern ears. I am glad I finally got to this one.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Lola Et La Vie 
I agree that listening to this is an excellent way to experience it, however I’ve never thought of doing so myself! Must redress that. Thank you.