Sir Gawain and the Green Knight cover art

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Penguin Classics

 Preview

Get 30 days of Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30-day free trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £7.99

Buy Now for £7.99

About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is narrated by Singer/Songwriter and folk-punk icon Frank Turner. Frank Turner has released eight solo studio albums, the most recent of which was No Man's Land, which contained songs celebrating some of the most important women throughout history. This definitive edition is translated by Bernard O'Donoghue.

Composed during the fourteenth century in the English Midlands, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight describes the events that follow when a mysterious green-coloured knight rides into King Arthur's Camelot in deep mid-winter. The mighty knight presents a challenge to the court: he will allow himself to be struck by one blow, on the condition that he will be allowed to return the strike on the following New Year's Eve. Sir Gawain takes up the challenge, decapitating the stranger - only to see the Green Knight seize up his own severed head and ride away, leaving Gawain to seek him out and honour their pact. Blending Celtic myth and Christian faith, Gawain is among the greatest Middle English poems: a tale of magic, chivalry and seduction.

© Bernard O'Donoghue 2006 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

 Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Epic European Poetry Themes & Styles World Literature Arthurian Royalty
All stars
Most relevant
This appealing translation of a medieval tale makes great listening. There’s almost a feeling of men celebrating in a rugby club as we learn about the heroic deeds of King Arthur’s knights and their courtly chivalry. The translation makes it possible to relate to Sir Gawain as if he lived in the modern world even though he clearly does not.

A great story well narrated

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.