I recently read the book Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Although the ideas and specific details were very unique, and in some places strange, the book is of the common literary archetype Joseph Campbell calls a "hero's adventure" or "journey quest." The following paragraphs contain several elements that distinguish this type of story from others.
In the very beginning of the story, a call to adventure comes. A green knight comes galloping into Camelot, just as the knights and ladies are ready to begin feasting. He issues a challenge, saying that any knight may swing an axe at his neck, if in return he gets his swing. The adventure begins as the knights sit deciding what to do.
At first, the knights refuse the call to adventure. None of them are sure just what the catch might be. The call is accepted though. King Arthur steps up to accept the Green Knight's offer, but as the King stands, Sir Gawain jumps up first. Trying to protect his King, Sir Gawain accepts the challenge. He decapitates, but does not kill the Green Knight. The Green Knight retrieves his head, and speaks to Sir Gawain, telling him to come to the Green Chapel by New Year's day to receive his blow, or be a coward forever. The Green Knight rides off, trusting Sir Gawain to come by New Year's Day. .
While on his quest for the Green Chapel, Sir Gawain receives supernatural aid. He becomes hopelessly lost. Almost a year has passed since he took his swing at the knight. It is winter, and he is nearing his deadline. He prays to Mary, asking her to guide him. No sooner has he crossed himself, then he sees a castle just ahead. He rides on, hoping that the inhabitants know of the Green Chapel.
During his stay at the castle, Sir Gawain meets a beautiful woman. A woman, who is not the kind hostess she pretends to be, but a woman as a temptress. She tries to tempt Sir Gawain. Trying to make him break his promises, and break his code of honor.
