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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

By: Simon Armitage - translator
Narrated by: Simon Armitage
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About this listen

When the mysterious Green Knight arrives unbidden at the Round Table one Christmas, only Gawain is brave enough to take up his challenge . . .

This story, first told in the 1400s, is one of the most enthralling, dramatic and beloved poems in the English tradition. Now, in Simon Armitage, the poem has found its perfect modern translator. Armitage's retelling of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight captures all of the magic and wonderful storytelling of the original while also revitalising it with his own popular, funny and contemporary voice.

©2007 Simon Armitage (P)2008 Faber Audio Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Classics European Literary History & Criticism Poetry World Literature Funny England Christmas

Critic Reviews

"Armitage makes it utterly, even compulsively readable, and as fresh as it must have been in 1400." (Sunday Herald)

"Terrific." (Independent on Sunday)
All stars
Most relevant
Jarring, insightful and witty. Unforgettable, transports the reader back historically and culturally to Arthur and his Knights all the time peppered in whimsical wording, that creates a frivilous melody to the building drama and suspense.

Amazing, descriptive, breathtaking and clever.

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Whilst I appreciate that Simon Armitage has translated this classic old English poem into a contemporary voice and I enjoyed his playful alliterations and poetic reading, I found part 3 - by far the longest section at 51 minutes - so tiresome, repetitive and predictable that it counter balanced any other charm to the point where finishing the poem was as much a trial as Gawain’s own quest.

I question whether it has any value for me beyond a museum curiosity.

I’m glad I read and listened to it but I’m more thankful that it’s now over!

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