Story Summary
Discover the legend of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnelle. When King Arthur faces a deadly riddle, Gawain's sacrifice reveals that sovereignty is a woman's desire.
King Arthur was hunting in Inglewood Forest when he met the formidable Sir Gromer Somer Joure, who threatened the King’s life. To escape, Arthur had to return in one year with the answer to the riddle: 'What is it that women desire most?' Arthur and his nephew, Sir Gawain, searched the kingdom for the answer but found only contradictions. Near the deadline, Arthur encountered Dame Ragnelle, a woman of hideous appearance. She promised the answer on one condition: she must marry the noble Sir Gawain. To save his King, Gawain selflessly agreed. Ragnelle revealed the secret: women most desire 'sovereignty'—the power to make their own choices. Armed with this truth, Arthur defeated Gromer’s challenge. At the wedding, Ragnelle’s manners were as repulsive as her looks, yet Gawain treated her with unwavering kindness. In their private chamber, she suddenly transformed into a stunning beauty. She gave Gawain a choice: she could be beautiful by day and ugly by night, or vice versa. Gawain, remembering the riddle's lesson, granted her the sovereignty to choose for herself. This selfless act broke her stepmother's curse forever, allowing her to remain beautiful at all times.
The Moral
True love and respect are found in granting others the freedom to choose their own destiny; sovereignty over one's own life is the greatest gift.
“To grant a woman her own will is the greatest kindness a man can show.”
Fun Fact
This 15th-century poem is one of the most famous examples of the 'Loathly Lady' motif in English literature, emphasizing Gawain's character as the most courteous of all knights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnelle?
The moral is that true respect involves allowing others to have agency over their own lives. It highlights that beauty is secondary to the freedom of choice and the virtue of loyalty.
What is the answer to the riddle in the story?
The answer is 'sovereignty,' meaning the ability for a woman to have her own will and make her own decisions. This answer saved King Arthur from being killed by the knight Sir Gromer.
Why did Sir Gawain marry Dame Ragnelle?
Gawain married Ragnelle out of intense loyalty to King Arthur. Arthur had promised her hand in exchange for the secret that would save his life, and Gawain sacrificed his own happiness to fulfill the King's word.
How was the curse on Dame Ragnelle broken?
The curse was broken when Gawain refused to choose for Ragnelle, instead giving her the power to decide her own form. By granting her sovereignty, he satisfied the requirement to break her stepmother's enchantment.
Is this story related to The Canterbury Tales?
Yes, this story is a variation of the 'Loathly Lady' archetype, most famously seen in 'The Wife of Bath's Tale' by Geoffrey Chaucer. Both stories explore the theme of gender power dynamics.
Who is the antagonist in this Arthurian legend?
The primary antagonist is Sir Gromer Somer Joure, who challenges Arthur to the riddle. However, Ragnelle's stepmother is the hidden antagonist who originally cast the curse on her.
