Treason in Arthurian legend the Green Knight before “Gawain can return to his proper place in Arthurian society”. Treason is committed by Gawain against the Lord and therefore he must be physically punished, as one would be during the Middle Ages for crimes of treason. In this case, however, Gawain's punishment is not death but simply a nick on his neck. This permits Gawain to be punished, but not killed, while still demonstrating the importance of honesty. Gawain's instinct is to act duplicitously but he is chastised for these instances. Treason in Arthurian legend The concept of treason can be dated back to the
Treason in Arthurian legend France authored “Lanval” in the 12th century. “Lanval” is the story of a knight, Lanval, who has a secret fairy lover and rebuffs Guinevere's advances. Guinevere tempts Lanval sexually and he immediately refuses. Her invitation is treason and Lanval's refusal demonstrates his fealty to Arthur. After Lanval refuses, Guinevere accuses Lanval of homosexuality, and homosexuality would have been understood by de France's audience as an act of treason. Sodomy, particularly in homosexual settings, was a charge that mandated burning at the stake in the late Middle Ages. Guinevere's adultery would have brought upon her exactly the same punishment. Sodomy, while