The Proposal

Picture of Sir Gawain, taken from http://csis.pace.edu/grendel/Proj2004A1/bwovsgawain.html


Story behind this incompleted short story: We were studying King Arthur in 6th Grade and we were read one of the stories about King Arthur meeting a horrible loathly lady, who threatened destruction upon his kingdom if he was unable to answer the following riddle: "What is it that women most desire?" I don't remember the details, but for some reason, one of his knights was also supposed to marry this horrible loathly lady to prevent whatever danger was to befall King Arthur's kingdom, and Sir Gawain bravely volunteered to make the venture.

Our teacher left the story at there for another time, and asked us to write about what we think would have happened when Sir Gawain met the loathly lady for the first time. This is what I wrote, however, there is no ending to it. This is where YOU come in to it. I would like to know how YOU would have wrapped this story up. Please write your ending in the comments section.

Enjoy!



The next morning King Arthur and his knights set out for the wood, with Sir Gawain at the front.

"I wonder what she looks like?" thought Sir Gawain. "How repulsive is she? Will she accept my proposasl? Does she really wear fine rings?"

These were teh words that squirmed about in Sir Gawain's mind. He was very anxious about meeting the loathly lady, his proposed bride.

Soon they came to the spot where King Arthur said they would meet the loathly lady. There she was, wearing a black cape this time, eyeing Sir Gawain with interest.

"So, this is the man that I'm to marry?" the lady asked.

"Yes," replied Arthur, "He'd been waiting for this moment."

Sir Gawain froze. His chin trembled. His eyes stared hard at the loathly lady, a cold and glassy-eyed stare.

Then something funny happened. Sir Gawain put his hands to his face and pulled off a mask, which revealed the face of a horrible loathly man!......