Gawain’s Shield
Gawain's shield, often bearing a pentangle or the Virgin Mary, symbolizes his courage, virtue, and chivalric ideals.
Introduction#
In Arthurian legend, a knight’s shield is far more than mere protection – it is a symbol of identity, virtue, and inspiration. For Sir Gawain, his shield serves as both a defensive tool and a reflection of his moral and chivalric character.
The Shield#
According to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawaine carried a shield adorned with the image of the Virgin Mary on its interior, offering spiritual inspiration and protection in battle. This detail may have been inspired by his royal uncle King Arthur’s shield, Pridwen, which famously bore sacred imagery.
Across different versions of the legend, the design of Gawaine’s shield varies. Most commonly, the front of the shield features a gold pentangle, or five-pointed star, symbolizing his truth, generosity, chastity, courtesy, and piety—the five virtues central to his character. The pentangle also emphasizes his moral perfection, reflecting a harmony between physical courage and spiritual integrity.
Gawaine’s family legacy is echoed through shields borne by his brothers—Agravain, Gaheris, Gareth, and Mordred—each often decorated with symbols representing personal qualities or familial ties. Similarly, Gawaine’s sons, Gingalain and Florence, carry shields that link them to their lineage while demonstrating their own knightly virtues. Shields in Arthurian legend thus serve both practical and symbolic purposes: they protect the wearer in combat while signaling their identity, values, and heritage.
Sources#
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight | Late 14th century
Perlesvaus | Early 13th century
