B is for Bercilak

   

"As well as the Green Chapel where he exists as the Green Knight, Bercilak the man lives in the castle of Hautdesert, hidden away in a tree lined hollow"

- The Camelot Oracle-

Interesting characters are found throughout the Arthurian Tradition, and Bercilak is no exception. Bercilak's character can be found in the tales of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. These tales can be a bit confusing, as there are by now many different versions. As confusing as this is, the general tale remains the same. For the sake of accuracy, I'm going to do my best to focus on what is the agreed upon view. With that said, I do believe the very nature of Bercilak's character is to invoke a sense of mystery. Hopefully, some of that mystery can be revealed by what I've learned so far.

Bercilak's character is first seen by King Arthur's court on Christmas, said to be holding holly in one hand and a battle axe in the other. He is the Green Knight, transformed by Morgaine le Fey, in order to challenge the court. To further the mystery, Bercilak engages in a battle agreement with King Arthur and his court. The agreement is a blow for blow exchange, and Gawain is the only member of the court to accept. With a single blow, Gawain decapitates the strange guest. Because of Morgaine's enchantment however, Bercilak simply picks up his head. Gawain is then asked to meet Bercilak the next year for the return blow. 

Sure enough, Gawain travels to the Green Chapel, and finds Bercilak's wife awaiting him. Though the Lady Bercilak appears always with an old woman, Gawain finds her company pleasant. It is then that the Lady Bercilak tempts Gawain, and earns three kisses in exchange for a green sash. This sash protects Gawain from the blows of the Green Knight. The first two blows are merely a stunt to test his courage, and the third blow leaves only a minor wound. After the third blow, Bercilak reveals himself. Gawain is informed by him of the true tests of his loyalty and bravery carried out by Morgaine le Fey, who had transformed herself into the old woman. The tale ends with Gawain's return back to court, and the men wearing green sashes in his honor.

These tales may seem to have nothing to do with modern craft today. With a little study though, we see not just one theme but many. I should mention that some people find Christian themes in these stories as well, however I'm not going to focus solely on those. The first theme is that of Morgaine le Fey. In these tales, she represents the Goddess. It is she who challenges the Knights at Camelot. While not always the case, in many tales she is also ever present during the tests that Gawain must go through. This may be symbolic of how the Goddess is ever present in our own lives. It is through the Goddess that all at Camelot come to know a bit of the ancient mysteries. 

The ancient mysteries could never be known without Bercilak's character. He is outright a symbol of the God. His green color also suggests a high symbolism to nature. There is always that hint of fear with his presence, and yet there is also an opportunity for courage. For Gawain, it is this opportunity alone that reveals the Goddess to him. In that, there is also the symbolism that one cannot know the Goddess without first knowing the God. In either case, all is revealed in its own way. Bercilak's wife is also an interesting character, as her behavior is opposite for its time. She in a way, represents the sexual side of the Goddess. Her character remembers that at one time sexual behavior was not thought of sinfully, but freely. 

The thing that I find to be the greatest thing about the character of Bercilak is his versatility. Tales are repeated many times, but never has one reached Pagans and Christians in such a unique way. The elements stand alone, and go noticed by both groups of people. This is what, I think, made Bercilak last through the ages. His character is still speaking to us, and revealing the mysteries of the God/dess. For my own path, his character speaks of what the culture of the Celts became. The unity of both Pagan and Christian views was central to the legends of King Arthur, and so too became the history of the people of Briton. A history that simply cannot be told without revealing the secrets of the God/dess.