Oh boy was this a long time coming. I absolutely adored this movie and for those of you that were disappointed I hope this video goes some way to fleshing out this film for you because I think there's a lot to love. Got the V/O for a few more videos done already so expect more stuff very soon. Oh and to the people who've supported me on Patreon thank you so much, it really means the world.
Thank god, I was hoping to find something like this. The red on the floor was from the knocked over wine but it doesn’t really matter where it came from it’s what it represents Watching this was as interesting and amazing as the actual movie. Thanks for taking the time to do it. I can see it was a labor of love and adoration for an incredible movie
@@Novum_YT dude your video was so good I watched it twice on the same day! You seriously deserve a million more subs. Looking forward to your next one!
@@sadlobster1 you’re right that there is such a thing as the ‘Seven knightly virtues’ or ‘seven virtues of chivalry’ but there’s also ‘the five knightly virtues’ and a fair few other renditions that are all riffs on the same idea, some with six I think. The Gawain story just happens to focus on the pentangle! It’s really just another example of how ideas evolve and transform between differing renditions.
You made a really good point about living in the now when Gawain asks, "Is this all there is?" It really paints how Gawain's living this life full of regretful actions up until this point with the idea that one day he'll magically wake up and be an honorable man. He thinks he has plenty of time and these things just happen on their own. He seems unaware that through his actions he's building the foundations for who he is as a person. He was living his life like a game that he didn't yet have to take seriously. His realization that the present is all we're ever going to have and that our actions are what define us as individuals is the ultimate wake up call. The removal of the sash is his honorable act as he sees that it's time to start being the hero NOW. I think the juxtaposition of Gawain physically beheading the knight without a second thought with brute strength and the knight beheading Gawain on a conceptual level over a looong period of time, ultimately replacing his head from that of a boy to that of a man, is rather poetic. It's like saying that these things like honor can't be cheated or shortcutted.. they must be earned. And they're earned through actions taken in the present because that's where we always are. I'm always drawn back to these videos of yours, Novum. They're so well done. I appreciate them so much. I still haven't seen this movie yet because I forget about stuff so easy but now I wanna watch it badly!
It is pretty clear that even in this version Gawain lives. "Off with your head" was said like "Leave with your head intact" and I think that's pretty clear, and if I recall, he survives in the original text too. The thing I find most funny is people asking the question if he lives or dies or even caring. They're missing the point. Live fully without the constant fear of death. Don't dwell on it like how many do with the final scene. The correct answer to the question of his life or death at the end is: It doesn't matter.
At the end, right before the Green Knight says “Off with your head”, he runs a finger across Gawain’s neck. I don’t think he literally chopped off his head.
Yep, this was honestly the impression I got too. I think ultimately it's definitely supposed to be ambigious - even that finger across the neck could be construed as threatening OR comforting OR playful, but yeah I very much got the impression that it sided more with playful/comforting!
He did chop his head off, which is a good thing, this story has very deep meanings, and it is not meant to be digested literally, even the director David Lauri said in one of his interviews, that “it was intended that the head of the hero be chopped off in the end, which is a good thing”
@@Novum_YT This take is also supported with the fact that there's a post-credits scene with what is assumed to be Gawain's child running around near the crown.
Although it can be interpreted both ways, personally I prefer to think it conceptually fulfilled both a very flawed hero's manipulation through a journey, and a cautionary tale involving what you coud ultimately lose even if you regain your honor somehow, even if the finger brush was comforting or threatening his head has aligned with a moral heart that could earn a decent living instead of just desire outsiders intervention or something more than ethics and honour.
In the original tale, the Green Knight does exactly that and doesn't chop of Gawain's head after. Because that was never the intention of the knight. The point was that Gawain showed up and faced the consequences of his actions, an aspect of the story that seems really magnified here. Then again, the original story also states that the knight was a fae sent in by Morgan Le Fey and that his original plan, on her orders, was to get his head chopped off to hopefully make Guinevere die of a heart attack, so make of that what you will.
My strongest interpretation of the ending is that the Green Knight beheads Gawain, but then revives him/reattaches his head afterwards. The movie constantly refers to decapitations, but it also constantly refers to rebirth as you pointed out, and even specifically to reattaching heads (the Green Knight's revived state, Garwain restoring Winifred's head) and Gawain's revival from skeletal remains in the forest (and/or from death in the spring). This also means the Green Knight is really giving an "equal blow" because Garwain cut off the Knight's head, but didn't actually kill him.
this is the most succinct and well researched response to this movie. I watched the movie the other day and this helped me understand so much about the history, context and hidden meaning behind certain aspects of the film.
I think the scene of the 360 showing his skeleton was to introduce the concept that Gawain had premonitions about his future that would be shown to us on screen for a lengthy period of time. I get the feeling they wanted to set up this concept early on so as to not feel cheated when the movie does this again with his choice to flee from the green knight and is revealed to only be a possible future.
I love that this movie is almost the opposite of the hero's journey, or at least some "failed" version of it. Every time his chivalry is tested, he fails. It takes the whole movie for him to do the bare minimum and keep his word. Fantastic film.
I've been bingeing your video essays, they deserve so much more attention and I thank you for the hard work you've put in to make such illuminating content. I hope my comments go a small way to helping increase their visibility.
Or like I'm even capable of doing them! Tbh now I'm seeing peoples reactions to it I think I'll make even less effort to cut it down in future. Thanks so much!
I watch The Green Knight with my gf and choose to watch it with my language subtitle. Since "Off with you head" can't translate to have 2 meaning in others language, The localization make clear that Gawain lives. I still believe in the ambiguous ending though.
Just found you through one of your Hereditary videos, and I wanted to say I'm so excited to work through your channel. The detail and care you put into your presentation and analysis is honestly so impressive. It must take you so much time to research everything but I appreciate you putting it together so nicely. Awesome work.
Thank you, I finally saw it yesterday, unfortunately only on my laptop as it wasn't in cinemas here. Still even on a such little screen it's impressive, I hope the rumours that it will finally get theatre screenings are true, I would love to see it in the cinema. Amazing work with the analysis.
Thank you so much Nixx! Sorry I missed your comment, YT doesn't give me notifications on all of them. I would have loved to see it in the cinema too, I hadn't heard those rumours but I'll keep my fingers crossed!
I've been scouting through multiple videos explaining all of the interpretations and different meanings and details and this video is hands down the absolute best! I love how well researched your videos are and your notion that there isn't one meaning or one straight storyline presented in this movie definitely hits the nail. Amazing work! I'm really excited for your future works!
Thank you so much Soffy! I'm so happy you liked it - I am really proud of this one, there's a lot here that just isn't anywhere else online. Hopefully over time it'll start picking up views! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
This video is amazing- it's the sort of truly detailed analysis I always look for, and seldom find. Thank you so much for really digging into the details and the nuance and sharing it with us!
1:01:12 I know this is 2 years old, but after the "interlude" when hes walking next to the river, in the background you'll see a giant's ribcage being picked at by a bear. So i think the Giants at just a normal thing
Thanks so much for watching and commenting Sarah! I definitely think the film is better with the background knowledge because it puts a lot of stuff on screen that it doesn't really ever explain - I presume as a way to encourage you to go uncover Arthurian lore but clearly it fell a bit flat for a lot of people. So happy you're gonna rewatch after seeing my vid that means a lot!
I love deepdiving into symbolism and references in movies and I really liked The Green Knight in ways I couldn't quite put my finger on, but you really showed how much depth there was to pretty much every single shot and choice! This was awesome, thank you. :)
Do you have pre existing knowledge of all the lore when watching these films or do you study up just before watching them? Or after even? The amount of detail you offer is astounding. Great work!
Wow John Thankyou so much! For the most part (especially in this case) it’s pre-existing knowledge with about 10% extra research. But even the stuff I think I know I have to check anyway so there is a fair bit of research involved. That being said I do tend to approach it like an essay and only make videos that I think I can add something with. So for the most part they’re things I have a good understanding of going in. Thanks so much for the continued support!
Thank you. This is everything I read into the film during it's runtime and so much more. You helped me appreciate the absolute craftsmanship involved on every level so much more than any simple symbolism explanation could, and in doing so, earned my subscription.
I loved your midsommar video and i noticed you also had this one about one of my faovorite movies. I absolutely loved this one too. Congratulations from spain again
@@Novum_YT Your video was dope and super helpful. I had so many questions after my first viewing of The Green Knight and you pretty much answered all of them. I remember sitting in the theatre and when the movie came to an end, thinking and being excited about your breakdown video you'd eventually make on TGK. Did not disappoint
Very detailed explanation, one of the best I have seen for a movie. I definitely can't wait for more if you plan on continuing. You probably already picked up on this already, but one interesting point I saw from some comments on other videos was about the ambiguous fate of Gawain. The Green Knight uses his finger to slash his throat and points to the exit saying "off with your head" which can also mean you may leave with your head while leaving the ending still very up in the air. The rules were that a blow to the same location but instead of using an axe he used his finger.
Thanks so much Ziggy! Definitely more coming very soon on the 'complete guide' front - Hereditary/Midsommar/The Wicker Man (Original)/Something awesome to do with Frankenstein/Arcane. I love the theory about him using his finger, that honestly hadn't crossed my mind. Ultimately though I do agree with the ending being intentionally ambiguous. The smirk of TGK at the end feels very comforting, like this really has all been a game and he isn't murderous. I also think as far as the voice acting from Ralph Ineson goes that's 100% him trying to be comforting not threatening. We do have to keep in mind though that as far as the direction is concerned we are apparently supposed to feel as though Gawain is about to die. But 'feel like he's about to' and 'actually killed' are two very different things! Thanks so much for watching and commenting dude, I'm really happy with how this one turned out so very glad to see it's picking up some attention finally!
Watched this a few nights ago and really wanted to have an indepth analysis of it and this did not disappoint at all. I knew alil of arthurian myths but not alot so this was a nice breakdown. I could watch like 10 more videos just as long if they ended up being this good
I just found this companion guide so enlightening! I have loved The Green Knight since my first watch, but there are so many details I overlooked by letting myself go into the experience that is the film itself. I had zero to none context to the Arthurian Romance that was so explicit in some of the parts you helped revisit. I applaude all the dedication and brilliance of your walkthrough!
I watched this with my wife, she hated it & I liked bits of it but most of it flew over my head "But wait..." I said to her "Novum will do an explanation video we can watch together before we do a re-watch!". She said something that ended in off but I'm glad I watched this as the film now makes more sense to me, never jizz on a woman's scarf! Can't wait to watch it again now, top work my man, cheers.
Ahahaha, *NEVER* jizz on a womans scarf! Pretty solid rule for life there. I haven't been able to get my gf to watch it once yet, I think she knows if she does she'd have to then listen to an hour and a half of me droning on so she'll likely never see it! Thanks so much for the continued support Barry, hope you're well dude!
great explanations. my viewing of the film would've been more enjoyable + understandable if I atleast read the source material. Alicia Vikander playing 2 roles confused me, and i feel they script would still be able to send it's message across if they replaced the lady of the manor with a VERY similar looking actress to Alicia. my interpretation is that the king and gawain's mother planned out gawain's confrontation with the green knight and the ensuing adventure.
I can imagine the Alicia Vikander thing being quite confusing, I was honestly having a hard time with it during the trailer breakdown - more because Essel threw me off, I figured she was just playing the Lady. They definitely could have done more to ensure clarity but I think that confusion is what they're going for, even though it is...confusing. I'm right there with you on Gawain's mother + Arthur. Thanks so much for commenting dude - and for checking out my Marvel video that one really means a lot to me and barely anyone has seen it because UA-cam are terrified of conspiracy videos and think I'm ranting about jet fuel and steel beams! Cheers again dude!
One theory: Gawain surrenders without a fight to the robbers, a dishonorable result, and dies tied up. The rest of the film is the legend that they make up about him back in Camelot, leading up to his beheading at the hands of the Green Knight, a noble death worthy of poems.
@@akimbofresh8109 It's hardly a dumb theory, especially because a main theme of the movie is how legends get distorted, and are often exaggerated or untrue even in their first iterations.
@akimbofresh8109 Dumb is dismissing a valid theory without saying *why* you feel it's dumb- It's easy to be dismissive, and hard to craft a reasoned rebuttal.
Thank you for making this video! I enjoyed the movie on first watch but I also felt like I was missing a lot of context and references as I grew up on eastern European fairy tales, which have a lot of similar themes that I could recognize such as the initial mess up by the hero, the enchanted items, the trials on the journey as well as a helpful lady saint and an animal companion (there are a lot of similarities now that I list them out). Your video was a very thorough breakdown of all the mythology and subversions I missed and was much appreciated. Keep up the good work!
Just saw the film last night finally and was blown away, went looking for exactly this sort of contextualization and found it here. Thank you for your hard work on this - it really helped me understand the film within its broader historical narrative and the history of arthurian legend (which I know little about). Definite subscribe from me.
I have not seen this film yet but I am looking forward to it so much. It's layered with meaning and subtext so I'm extremely grateful to you for this well researched video. Thank you. I am definitely subscribing to this channel ❤
I haven't seen it but I've heard only incredible things. My vibe from it is that it's succeeding where Cloud Atlas failed. I'll absolutely check it out. Thanks for watching!
There's a stage-like atmosphere in the beginning scenes that make it very easy to know we're looking at an adaptation and I think I appreciate that most out of the film. Many modern directors want to do retellings to have the 'de-facto' one to replace the original in people's minds, especially when they want to make modern commentary about race and culture, but the director is honest in his intentions on this being just another way to tell a classic British tale. I think that simplicity and not wanting to 'fix' the original that came before it made it an enjoyable film
Try to count all the natural and obvious triangles throughout this film, in the laying of dress/costumes, in the blocking of shots in the woods, windows, and different camera perspectives. After noticing in the first view, and now after more than a dozen views, I’m still catching up ones that I haven’t seen before. To my mind this is one of the best films I’ve seen in a decade.
Found this video much more interesting than the film. skipped through the film at many parts. I don't expect all films to be breakneck but for me it was just so slow and plodding in places. the 2 minuet shot of Gawain's death was long for a reason and I got that on first viewing but then there were other places where shots and scenes just dragged on and on for seemingly no reason. I loved the messages but only understood them once you explained them to me. the film, FOR ME, didn't serve as a good vehicle for the message. But I enjoyed the experience of skipping through and then watching this video in full and having the gaps in my knowledge filled in. Thanks. Have a lovely day.
Such a pity that you seemed to have stopped making videos! I've just stumbled upon your channel after having seen The Green Knight and seeking answers, and this is easily the best analysis on the film!
I haven't dude don't worry. Putting my Hereditary video together now and it is levels above everything else I've done! Even been in contact with people that worked on the movie so really going the extra mile. Thankyou so much for those kind words!
Joel Edgerton did steal the movie for me. The guy brought his A-game. Thank you for making this companion video. Really helped me sort through and make sense of my interpretations.
I know I'm late but I just wanted to throw my two cents in. I don't think Gawain died at the end. For one, motive, why put Gawain through all these tests if you still planned on killing him in the end? Instead it was a metaphorical killing. Gawain saw a future where his Knightlihood and virtues were faked, the band of cowardice hiding the truth of his deeds, the false idea of manliness and honor that got him in the situation to begin with would be his downfall. If he remained stagnant, it would lead to the death of many. Instead he removes the band, removes his aspirations of greatness, he would rather die "good." The Green Knight, or Green Man, the symbol for death and rebirth, the necessity for systems and ideas to grow old and die and new ideals put in place, the Green Knight was meant to temper Gawain, mold him to be the next king, but Arthur saw the gloom and dark of his land. The knight of the round are better warriors than politicians of kings. Gawain, being his kin but not a warrior, and whose mother can help temper him, would be a great fit. Gawain's metaphorical death isn't just his own, it's the death of the outdated idea of honor and greatness that led to a land of ruin. With his heart tempered, his lessons learned, Gawain is now ready to lead England in a new era of goodness
This is the first video I watch from your channel, and oh boy this kind of content deserve millions of views! Just loved the writing style of your script! Keep up the good work.
Wow, I am gobsmacked. I have frantically analyzed this movie as it has not left my mind since I first saw it. Your close reading and comparative analysis to the original material as well as the greater context of medieval literature has enriched this movie for me even further! An absolutely beautiful analysis. Your love for the material and themes burns brightly. I really have no words but: Thank you.
The expense and commitment you’ve said you’re putting into Midsommer is unique. I saw your vid on Hereditary and was blow away. You put most other UA-camrs to shame. The bird feet on Paymon (sp?) I noticed on the hands in the diagram, first looking for the inverted hand sign and noticed it was ‘off’. The cult was active in this town including students was a surprise. You would make a fantastic crime detective. I hope there is an audio version of your novel ( reading puts me to sleep) The cannon of knowledge you’re acquiring is enviable. Can’t wait for your first screenplay to be made into a movie. You understand true horror in a way even Hitchcock didn’t delve into. Oh, yeh not even an academy nomination? She won for … the I see dead people movie anyway. Keep it up you are doing something that nobody else is, that is your dedicated and tenacious. Best to you LN
Dude thank you so much! Hopefully it'll pick up soon. I have some big videos on the way that will should pump up the numbers a bit. Thanks again Aleem!
Mister Novum dude.. Absolutely loving your videos. Appreciate all the work you've put into these. Thanks for delivering on so many of my fav movies. Wishing you all the best!
I think the fox is a way Gawain's mother watches over him. At the end of the scene, the foxes voice actually changes and it is a female voice. His mother never entended to get him killed when she made the spell because she thought that Gawain would pass the test. I think the fox changing his voice is intentional. It was trying to convince him to stop.
I think one of my favorite things about this film is the depiction of Arthur. And the clear goodness he exudes. I guess I am just tired of a tyrannical king and was pleasantly surprised to see someone who was truly kind in such a position.
Thank you, when I first watched this it was like it pulled from so many parts of everything I've read my whole life. I started digging and realized that is literally the case. It reminds me in some ways of the Alchemist.
It’s an interesting theory that he actually died in the forest and several scenes from that point on is Gawain in some kind of purgatory/Hell/underworld. I had originally interpreted the forest scene the other way you mentioned, as he sees a vision of his dead body lying there and that motivates him to escape. BTW, this video is a VERY detailed examination of this movie, excellent job!
I think Arthur’s cognizance of what was going on, even though it had never happened before, I thought was a combination of a few looks he exchanges with Merlin, and the mere fact that he’s been around magical shit ever since Merlin came into his life in the first place. Like, he knows magical fuckery is afoot because he has been party to magical fuckery enough times to see it at a glance.
i watched this movie and mostly enjoed it for how stunning it was visually, for how it took its time and was something *different* in the movie world. i think i understood what was going on well enough to follow the plot, but my knowledge of the arthurian legends and all the knights around the table are nearly non-existant as the runins i've had with this folklore were very shallow. so shallow that i think it honestly didn't really come to mind that this story was really connected to the folklore simply because it wasn't Arthur we were following. having your video explain some of the folklore and especially the historical context makes this a phenomenal and comprehensive look at the movie and story. i appreciate the movie even more now thanks to you.
Amazing video about an amazing movie. This made me fall in love with the movie even more. Keep these everything explained videos coming, I can't get enough of them
Yessss! So glad you liked it! I think it's a phenomenal film but so many people (pretty much all of my friends who saw it for sure) strongly disliked it. Which I truly don't understand, even if you found it 'confusing' or 'slow' the aesthetic is stunning and the writing is absolutely beautiful. But oh well, at least we get it! Thanks for checking out my other stuff dude!
I loved this film having watched it three times before seeing your companion guide. I love it even more now and the two together have deeply enriched my life in more ways than one. Thank you
Jon thank you so much for this, I'm a little bit overwhelmed right now I think maybe this video is getting some new attention so sorry it's taken me a while to reply. Thank you so much for your kind words and the time you've spent watching. It really means a lot to be able to add to peoples appreciation of this tremendous art in whatever small way I can. That's also my first 'super thanks' so again thank you for the validation!
A excellent analysis of a great film. I was struck by the facial similarity of the robber leader and Lord Bertilak! and as the robber says that he will become a knight, I think they are one and the same. Garwin dies while tied up and is reborn to complete his task and only once he has do so, fulfilling his oath and reclaiming his honour is he allowed to shuffle of this mortal coil. The cycle of life, death and rebirth stopped.
Great video as always Novum! It took me a while to finally watch this movie but it ended up surpassing all my expectations! I immediately watched your video since I knew you'd have a great and detailed analysis on the movie. I agree with most of your interpretations and theories but I have my own sort of interpretation of the giants scene. I feel like the giants represent the knights of the round table, and him wanting to ride on their shoulder is a metaphor for how he wants their help to teach him how to become a knight. This theory doesn't really work however since the giants are mainly women. I'm curious to know what your thoughts are on this.
Hi Alimar! Thanks so much for thinking of me after watching, really glad you enjoyed it - I thought it was a really magical film. I'd say from an emotional perspective of what these giants function as to Gawain you're right on the money. And I like the Einstein reference to "on the shoulders of giants" which is presumably the ride he was being offered but scared to accept. Very cool theory. I think them being women is just there to reference the Tuatha De Danaan (and honestly there are male members of this race in a lot of depictions, they're just referred to with generally feminine pronouns) so I think your theory absolutely works! Thanks so much for commenting dude I really enjoyed that, sorry I didn't reply sooner I was away for the weekend seeing girlfriends family!
Could it be possible that the five ladies in the movie do represent the five virtues? Essel = pure mind, lady at the castle = good manners, Lady at the lake = compassion, Gawain's mother = brotherly love, the queen: generosity?
Great video! I'm new to your channel, but I really enjoyed your thorough and comprehensive take on this great film. Thanks for that. I have thoughts regarding the runes she inserts in his sash (somewhere around the 33min mark) though.. The first rune (although hard to make out) seems to be a variant of the "Thurisaz" rune, the Anglo-Saxon "Þorn". Which in this context would stand for protection, defensive, able to resist and/or overcoming obstacles. The second rune is "Elhaz" the Anglo-Saxon "Eolhx". Meaning "Elk" and standing also for protection as well as for honor, power and nobility (virtues often associated with stags, so they can often be found on banners). Btw, "Elhaz" could also be translated into "A raven's footprint" which does symbolize the moment of birth or the moment of death and acts often as a warning not to step any further - just like later on the wise fox told Gawain, too. Lastly the third rune, it's a bit tricky. It's either "Wunjō", which stands for community under peace. Or, which I assume it rather to be, "Ræið" ("Raidō") the Anglo-Saxon "Rād", symbolizing a ride or any kind of journey. Which in this case would make sense.
Fox in Gematria = 666...There was a talking Fox in Lars Von Trier's bone chilling movie 'Antichrist' ... The voice of the Fox sounds similar in both movies!
This was incredibly comprehensive articulate and well thought out. Such love and vast knowledge that went in to it. I would like to request/suggest in future videos, you slow your speaking down a *bit*, as your rapid-fire/cut-&-paste vocal recording style is so insanely fast, I found myself constantly riding the remote to keep going back, sometimes numerous times, to hear what you spat out so swiftly. In addition to this, *please add cc captions*. It would be a great help, when you're talking at such a rapid, lightning-pace (I realize you're trying to cram in so much information here, but if we can't tell what you're saying because your delivery is that of a tobacco auctioneer, it's kind of pointless, right?) if we could see what you just said. Regardless, incredible effort. Thank you for this, it's made me appreciate this amazing film 1,000 times more. Thank you.💚
Dude I've only just seen this comment (YT stops notifying you at a certain point and I'm only just learning not to rely on that), thank you so much these are incredible compliments. The tobacco auctioneer comment made me absolutely giggle. Yes you're quite right, if I slow down the pace on a video like this I't will have an enormous extending of vid length. But I need to get better at slowing down when stuff gets complicated and always ensure I have closed captions, I have for my most recent videos - I think honestly the video after this I realized I could just copy my transcript over and it'd automate everything so this shouldn't be an issue in the future. Thanks so much again Eric and my apologies that it's taken so long to get back to you.
great work. i will be watching this many more times. if i may throw my own interpretation for the ending, "well off with your head , has the feel that it has already been done. maybe not by the axe, but by the acts. and accepting his death and removing the sash, the mental gymnastics he partakes in daily are all a thing of the past... which seems expressed through the green knight tone of voice, as if the task has been accomplish in the way it was intended, and relieved, as arthur should be in such a situation.
GREETINGS EARTH GUY: Don't know if you'll see this. One big thing you need to do to improve the experience of your vids by the audience is not to put text on the screen that competes with the audio. Your listener's brains cannot easily process hearing and reading information simultaneously. Cliff Atkinson of Beyond Bullet Points fame forever changed my understanding of why this detracts from presentation quality and content comprehension especially of conceptually dense material. IOtherwise, you rock.
I truly enjoyed this remarkable explanation of a really beautiful film. Within the film, I also tuned into the nature/pagan/propulsion towards life and death vs. modernity/"civilizing"destructive earth dominating status seeking. I love the concept of good vs great and that we are living a divine experience in our humanity in relation to our goodwill and relationships (loving kindness_recognized some buddhist undertones) The film acknowledges naturalism ( even animism the fox,the green knight) and for this I am grateful as we move through this anthropocene era. This film is a glimpse at the marriage of pre-modern and post modern thought.
What a wonderful comment Jennifer, really cheered me up this morning! Wishing I'd included something on Animism now.. Speaking of the anthropocene, I just read a wonderful (short) little non-fiction by an author I really enjoy (Roy Scranton) called 'To Live and Die in the Anthropocene'. I'm sure you could find it online for free easily enough.
This was a wonderful video, thanks for teaching so many concepts wow I am just stunned at the amount of thought and attention that went into this liked and subbed immediately
Curiosity: I've read a lot of Irish mythology from Cath Mag Tuired to Lebor Gabála Érren and can't recall anywhere that the Tuatha Dé Danann were referred to as giants. I took the giants in this movie to be the Fomorians, invaders who the Tuatha Dé fought for control of Ireland.
That final shot with the little girl is also one more nod to the witchcraft that has gone on having, by necessity (of church threat to torture and kill if discovered), to remain solitary and in the dark. She is staring at the object in her hands already understanding the cyclical nature of things, microcosmically and macrocosmically - like the feminine representations on the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral, the wise woman holding a book and looking up from it directly toward us with wide eyes of understanding (aside from other pagan influences the masons cleverly "hid" in the construction).
I really like this depiction of the green knight, he's nature's warrior, he carries peace in one hand and death in the other, he has a cool voice. "Sir, is it Christmas? is a great moment.
I love the concept that when he's tied up he'd actually died and went into another world. But since we see his dead body and time passing. Would that mean that he is late for the Christmas day or that when he comes back into the material world from death. That he gains a new body and his old body is still lying in the woods rotting into the future.
This is such an underrated video, thank you so much for making it! It has absolutely opened my eyes to so many new things about this incredible movie, and im only half way through... I know im a little late, but if you see this comment, i was wondering if theres a list of all of the sources you used in the process of making this video? Im currently doing a assignment on the book and the movie for my medieval literature course in uni and itd be really cool to get a closer look at the sources you're referencing here! Once again, absolutely insane video!!! Haven't been this entranced by a movie analysis in a while, you're amazing
Sorry I've only just seen this. I'm fairly sure where I used sources I have listed it on screen but if there's anything specific please let me know and I'll try to help. The vast majority of it is just my close reading of the film. That being said you should be able to source this video directly you just might need to discuss it with your tutor first. If they desire any discussion about the work please feel free to ask them to email me at the address on my about page. Very glad you enjoyed it and the best of luck with your studies.
Oh boy was this a long time coming. I absolutely adored this movie and for those of you that were disappointed I hope this video goes some way to fleshing out this film for you because I think there's a lot to love. Got the V/O for a few more videos done already so expect more stuff very soon. Oh and to the people who've supported me on Patreon thank you so much, it really means the world.
Thank god, I was hoping to find something like this.
The red on the floor was from the knocked over wine but it doesn’t really matter where it came from it’s what it represents
Watching this was as interesting and amazing as the actual movie. Thanks for taking the time to do it. I can see it was a labor of love and adoration for an incredible movie
@@ActualLiteralKyle Thankyou so much dude, extremely kind and motivating words. More coming soon!
@@Novum_YT dude your video was so good I watched it twice on the same day! You seriously deserve a million more subs. Looking forward to your next one!
Correct me if I'm wrong here...but aren't there actually SEVEN chivalric virtues?
@@sadlobster1 you’re right that there is such a thing as the ‘Seven knightly virtues’ or ‘seven virtues of chivalry’ but there’s also ‘the five knightly virtues’ and a fair few other renditions that are all riffs on the same idea, some with six I think. The Gawain story just happens to focus on the pentangle! It’s really just another example of how ideas evolve and transform between differing renditions.
You made a really good point about living in the now when Gawain asks, "Is this all there is?" It really paints how Gawain's living this life full of regretful actions up until this point with the idea that one day he'll magically wake up and be an honorable man. He thinks he has plenty of time and these things just happen on their own. He seems unaware that through his actions he's building the foundations for who he is as a person. He was living his life like a game that he didn't yet have to take seriously.
His realization that the present is all we're ever going to have and that our actions are what define us as individuals is the ultimate wake up call. The removal of the sash is his honorable act as he sees that it's time to start being the hero NOW.
I think the juxtaposition of Gawain physically beheading the knight without a second thought with brute strength and the knight beheading Gawain on a conceptual level over a looong period of time, ultimately replacing his head from that of a boy to that of a man, is rather poetic.
It's like saying that these things like honor can't be cheated or shortcutted.. they must be earned. And they're earned through actions taken in the present because that's where we always are.
I'm always drawn back to these videos of yours, Novum. They're so well done. I appreciate them so much. I still haven't seen this movie yet because I forget about stuff so easy but now I wanna watch it badly!
It is pretty clear that even in this version Gawain lives. "Off with your head" was said like "Leave with your head intact" and I think that's pretty clear, and if I recall, he survives in the original text too.
The thing I find most funny is people asking the question if he lives or dies or even caring. They're missing the point. Live fully without the constant fear of death. Don't dwell on it like how many do with the final scene.
The correct answer to the question of his life or death at the end is: It doesn't matter.
"What else aught there be?"
At the end, right before the Green Knight says “Off with your head”, he runs a finger across Gawain’s neck. I don’t think he literally chopped off his head.
Yep, this was honestly the impression I got too. I think ultimately it's definitely supposed to be ambigious - even that finger across the neck could be construed as threatening OR comforting OR playful, but yeah I very much got the impression that it sided more with playful/comforting!
He did chop his head off, which is a good thing, this story has very deep meanings, and it is not meant to be digested literally, even the director David Lauri said in one of his interviews, that “it was intended that the head of the hero be chopped off in the end, which is a good thing”
@@Novum_YT This take is also supported with the fact that there's a post-credits scene with what is assumed to be Gawain's child running around near the crown.
Although it can be interpreted both ways, personally I prefer to think it conceptually fulfilled both a very flawed hero's manipulation through a journey, and a cautionary tale involving what you coud ultimately lose even if you regain your honor somehow, even if the finger brush was comforting or threatening his head has aligned with a moral heart that could earn a decent living instead of just desire outsiders intervention or something more than ethics and honour.
In the original tale, the Green Knight does exactly that and doesn't chop of Gawain's head after. Because that was never the intention of the knight. The point was that Gawain showed up and faced the consequences of his actions, an aspect of the story that seems really magnified here. Then again, the original story also states that the knight was a fae sent in by Morgan Le Fey and that his original plan, on her orders, was to get his head chopped off to hopefully make Guinevere die of a heart attack, so make of that what you will.
My strongest interpretation of the ending is that the Green Knight beheads Gawain, but then revives him/reattaches his head afterwards. The movie constantly refers to decapitations, but it also constantly refers to rebirth as you pointed out, and even specifically to reattaching heads (the Green Knight's revived state, Garwain restoring Winifred's head) and Gawain's revival from skeletal remains in the forest (and/or from death in the spring). This also means the Green Knight is really giving an "equal blow" because Garwain cut off the Knight's head, but didn't actually kill him.
This walkthrough deserves so many more views. And you might be the best person for this specific movie.
Thank you so much Anna! Yeah I wish the movie in general had been more popular, we need more films like it.
this is the most succinct and well researched response to this movie. I watched the movie the other day and this helped me understand so much about the history, context and hidden meaning behind certain aspects of the film.
Thank you dude! Glad I could be of assistance!
I think the scene of the 360 showing his skeleton was to introduce the concept that Gawain had premonitions about his future that would be shown to us on screen for a lengthy period of time. I get the feeling they wanted to set up this concept early on so as to not feel cheated when the movie does this again with his choice to flee from
the green knight and is revealed to only be a possible future.
Yeah I kinda agree, I think it's him thinking about what would happen if he didn't escape and gathering the resolve to break free
Wow, it's clear that you really truly appreciate this movie and the story it's inspired by. You've definitely earned my subscription. Great job!
Thanks so much Drew! Very glad to have you on board sir.
I love that this movie is almost the opposite of the hero's journey, or at least some "failed" version of it. Every time his chivalry is tested, he fails. It takes the whole movie for him to do the bare minimum and keep his word. Fantastic film.
I can't say enough how much I love these walkthrough videos. They're so well done and I keep listening to them. This particular one is a favorite
I've been bingeing your video essays, they deserve so much more attention and I thank you for the hard work you've put in to make such illuminating content. I hope my comments go a small way to helping increase their visibility.
I think you're the first person to do this, it's appreciated :p
I love how you promise shorter videos as if that's what I want. Excellent breakdown, thank you!
Or like I'm even capable of doing them! Tbh now I'm seeing peoples reactions to it I think I'll make even less effort to cut it down in future. Thanks so much!
I watch The Green Knight with my gf and choose to watch it with my language subtitle. Since "Off with you head" can't translate to have 2 meaning in others language, The localization make clear that Gawain lives. I still believe in the ambiguous ending though.
Just found you through one of your Hereditary videos, and I wanted to say I'm so excited to work through your channel. The detail and care you put into your presentation and analysis is honestly so impressive. It must take you so much time to research everything but I appreciate you putting it together so nicely. Awesome work.
Thank you, I finally saw it yesterday, unfortunately only on my laptop as it wasn't in cinemas here. Still even on a such little screen it's impressive, I hope the rumours that it will finally get theatre screenings are true, I would love to see it in the cinema. Amazing work with the analysis.
Thank you so much Nixx! Sorry I missed your comment, YT doesn't give me notifications on all of them. I would have loved to see it in the cinema too, I hadn't heard those rumours but I'll keep my fingers crossed!
I've been scouting through multiple videos explaining all of the interpretations and different meanings and details and this video is hands down the absolute best! I love how well researched your videos are and your notion that there isn't one meaning or one straight storyline presented in this movie definitely hits the nail. Amazing work! I'm really excited for your future works!
Thank you so much Soffy! I'm so happy you liked it - I am really proud of this one, there's a lot here that just isn't anywhere else online. Hopefully over time it'll start picking up views! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
This video is amazing- it's the sort of truly detailed analysis I always look for, and seldom find. Thank you so much for really digging into the details and the nuance and sharing it with us!
Thank you so much Makaia, you made my day!
Also the pentangle is also the pagan pentacle, which draws further connections between the Christian and pagan meanings paralleled in the film
Brilliant analysis and commentary - so glad you did this for all of us.
Thank you so much Robert!
I’ve been going through some rough stuff lately, and putting on your long vids and painting all day has been keeping me sane. Thank you ❤
1:01:12 I know this is 2 years old, but after the "interlude" when hes walking next to the river, in the background you'll see a giant's ribcage being picked at by a bear. So i think the Giants at just a normal thing
A truely amazing job! You've more than earned yourself my subscription and my like.
Thanks so much dude, very glad to have you on board!
48:08
The Barry Lyndon note.
Yes! I KNEW it!! I had the same thought when I first watched it!
Wow! Thank you for your hard work! This video was comprehensive, I learned so much! I'll def re-watch Green Knight with your analyses in mind!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting Sarah! I definitely think the film is better with the background knowledge because it puts a lot of stuff on screen that it doesn't really ever explain - I presume as a way to encourage you to go uncover Arthurian lore but clearly it fell a bit flat for a lot of people. So happy you're gonna rewatch after seeing my vid that means a lot!
I love deepdiving into symbolism and references in movies and I really liked The Green Knight in ways I couldn't quite put my finger on, but you really showed how much depth there was to pretty much every single shot and choice! This was awesome, thank you. :)
Do you have pre existing knowledge of all the lore when watching these films or do you study up just before watching them? Or after even? The amount of detail you offer is astounding.
Great work!
Wow John Thankyou so much! For the most part (especially in this case) it’s pre-existing knowledge with about 10% extra research. But even the stuff I think I know I have to check anyway so there is a fair bit of research involved. That being said I do tend to approach it like an essay and only make videos that I think I can add something with. So for the most part they’re things I have a good understanding of going in. Thanks so much for the continued support!
Every one of your videos is insanely good. This is the third one I watched today. So thorough and thoughtful and stimulating, please keep it up!
Thank you. This is everything I read into the film during it's runtime and so much more. You helped me appreciate the absolute craftsmanship involved on every level so much more than any simple symbolism explanation could, and in doing so, earned my subscription.
You have no idea how happy that makes me - thank you so much and glad I could help further your reading of the movie in any way.
I loved your midsommar video and i noticed you also had this one about one of my faovorite movies. I absolutely loved this one too. Congratulations from spain again
OHHHHH what a pleasant suprise. This just made my night
Very glad to hear it! Hope you enjoy.
And thank you for the continued support, I'm awaiting your insight!
@@Novum_YT Your video was dope and super helpful. I had so many questions after my first viewing of The Green Knight and you pretty much answered all of them. I remember sitting in the theatre and when the movie came to an end, thinking and being excited about your breakdown video you'd eventually make on TGK. Did not disappoint
Very detailed explanation, one of the best I have seen for a movie. I definitely can't wait for more if you plan on continuing. You probably already picked up on this already, but one interesting point I saw from some comments on other videos was about the ambiguous fate of Gawain. The Green Knight uses his finger to slash his throat and points to the exit saying "off with your head" which can also mean you may leave with your head while leaving the ending still very up in the air. The rules were that a blow to the same location but instead of using an axe he used his finger.
Thanks so much Ziggy! Definitely more coming very soon on the 'complete guide' front - Hereditary/Midsommar/The Wicker Man (Original)/Something awesome to do with Frankenstein/Arcane.
I love the theory about him using his finger, that honestly hadn't crossed my mind. Ultimately though I do agree with the ending being intentionally ambiguous. The smirk of TGK at the end feels very comforting, like this really has all been a game and he isn't murderous. I also think as far as the voice acting from Ralph Ineson goes that's 100% him trying to be comforting not threatening. We do have to keep in mind though that as far as the direction is concerned we are apparently supposed to feel as though Gawain is about to die. But 'feel like he's about to' and 'actually killed' are two very different things!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting dude, I'm really happy with how this one turned out so very glad to see it's picking up some attention finally!
Watched this a few nights ago and really wanted to have an indepth analysis of it and this did not disappoint at all. I knew alil of arthurian myths but not alot so this was a nice breakdown. I could watch like 10 more videos just as long if they ended up being this good
Not me installing Patreon just for Novum. Another incredible video, you never fail to astound me with your level of detail and dedication. Well done 👏
Damn McNicholas, thank you so much!
I just found this companion guide so enlightening! I have loved The Green Knight since my first watch, but there are so many details I overlooked by letting myself go into the experience that is the film itself. I had zero to none context to the Arthurian Romance that was so explicit in some of the parts you helped revisit. I applaude all the dedication and brilliance of your walkthrough!
Congrats on getting out another big video, can't wait to watch it! Your UA-cam videos are God Tier 🙏
Thanks so much dude, really glad you enjoy them!
I watched this with my wife, she hated it & I liked bits of it but most of it flew over my head "But wait..." I said to her "Novum will do an explanation video we can watch together before we do a re-watch!".
She said something that ended in off but I'm glad I watched this as the film now makes more sense to me, never jizz on a woman's scarf!
Can't wait to watch it again now, top work my man, cheers.
Ahahaha, *NEVER* jizz on a womans scarf! Pretty solid rule for life there. I haven't been able to get my gf to watch it once yet, I think she knows if she does she'd have to then listen to an hour and a half of me droning on so she'll likely never see it! Thanks so much for the continued support Barry, hope you're well dude!
great explanations.
my viewing of the film would've been more enjoyable + understandable if I atleast read the source material.
Alicia Vikander playing 2 roles confused me, and i feel they script would still be able to send it's message across if they replaced the lady of the manor with a VERY similar looking actress to Alicia.
my interpretation is that the king and gawain's mother planned out gawain's confrontation with the green knight and the ensuing adventure.
I can imagine the Alicia Vikander thing being quite confusing, I was honestly having a hard time with it during the trailer breakdown - more because Essel threw me off, I figured she was just playing the Lady. They definitely could have done more to ensure clarity but I think that confusion is what they're going for, even though it is...confusing. I'm right there with you on Gawain's mother + Arthur.
Thanks so much for commenting dude - and for checking out my Marvel video that one really means a lot to me and barely anyone has seen it because UA-cam are terrified of conspiracy videos and think I'm ranting about jet fuel and steel beams!
Cheers again dude!
One theory: Gawain surrenders without a fight to the robbers, a dishonorable result, and dies tied up. The rest of the film is the legend that they make up about him back in Camelot, leading up to his beheading at the hands of the Green Knight, a noble death worthy of poems.
That’s extremely dumb.
@@akimbofresh8109 It's hardly a dumb theory, especially because a main theme of the movie is how legends get distorted, and are often exaggerated or untrue even in their first iterations.
@akimbofresh8109 Dumb is dismissing a valid theory without saying *why* you feel it's dumb- It's easy to be dismissive, and hard to craft a reasoned rebuttal.
My god, thank you very much! Keep Going Bro, it's a crazy and such a huge work.
Thanks so much dude!
Thank you for making this video! I enjoyed the movie on first watch but I also felt like I was missing a lot of context and references as I grew up on eastern European fairy tales, which have a lot of similar themes that I could recognize such as the initial mess up by the hero, the enchanted items, the trials on the journey as well as a helpful lady saint and an animal companion (there are a lot of similarities now that I list them out). Your video was a very thorough breakdown of all the mythology and subversions I missed and was much appreciated. Keep up the good work!
I was so thrilled seeing this movie. Might be my favorite movie of the last 15-20 years.
Just saw the film last night finally and was blown away, went looking for exactly this sort of contextualization and found it here. Thank you for your hard work on this - it really helped me understand the film within its broader historical narrative and the history of arthurian legend (which I know little about). Definite subscribe from me.
Omg!! I'm not going to watch this right now because I'm out with some friends but I'm sooooooo excited when I get home🥳
Good to see you back Jonny! Hope you're having a good time!
I have not seen this film yet but I am looking forward to it so much. It's layered with meaning and subtext so I'm extremely grateful to you for this well researched video. Thank you. I am definitely subscribing to this channel
❤
Thanks so much for that Jo! So happy I could help inform your viewing, really hope you enjoy the movie!
I really need you to explain the fountain to me... if anyone online can make it make sense, it's you.
I haven't seen it but I've heard only incredible things. My vibe from it is that it's succeeding where Cloud Atlas failed. I'll absolutely check it out. Thanks for watching!
This is an incredible video. Thank you so much for your hard work!
Thank you so much for watching!
I'm loving that we can send money your way now! Keep on bringing us videos please 🙏
Far too kind, I certainly shall!
There's a stage-like atmosphere in the beginning scenes that make it very easy to know we're looking at an adaptation and I think I appreciate that most out of the film. Many modern directors want to do retellings to have the 'de-facto' one to replace the original in people's minds, especially when they want to make modern commentary about race and culture, but the director is honest in his intentions on this being just another way to tell a classic British tale. I think that simplicity and not wanting to 'fix' the original that came before it made it an enjoyable film
Yes, I fell asleep while watching this.
But then I rewound it so I could finish it properly.
Your voice just knocks me out, idk why.
I’ll keep that in mind when recording the Midsommar V.O.!
Man, this video was AMAZING!!
Thanks so much Lucas!
Try to count all the natural and obvious triangles throughout this film, in the laying of dress/costumes, in the blocking of shots in the woods, windows, and different camera perspectives. After noticing in the first view, and now after more than a dozen views, I’m still catching up ones that I haven’t seen before.
To my mind this is one of the best films I’ve seen in a decade.
Found this video much more interesting than the film. skipped through the film at many parts. I don't expect all films to be breakneck but for me it was just so slow and plodding in places. the 2 minuet shot of Gawain's death was long for a reason and I got that on first viewing but then there were other places where shots and scenes just dragged on and on for seemingly no reason. I loved the messages but only understood them once you explained them to me. the film, FOR ME, didn't serve as a good vehicle for the message. But I enjoyed the experience of skipping through and then watching this video in full and having the gaps in my knowledge filled in. Thanks. Have a lovely day.
Such a pity that you seemed to have stopped making videos! I've just stumbled upon your channel after having seen The Green Knight and seeking answers, and this is easily the best analysis on the film!
I haven't dude don't worry. Putting my Hereditary video together now and it is levels above everything else I've done! Even been in contact with people that worked on the movie so really going the extra mile. Thankyou so much for those kind words!
Joel Edgerton did steal the movie for me. The guy brought his A-game.
Thank you for making this companion video. Really helped me sort through and make sense of my interpretations.
Thanks so much for watching dude, loved Edgerton in this move/most of his recent roles!
I know I'm late but I just wanted to throw my two cents in.
I don't think Gawain died at the end. For one, motive, why put Gawain through all these tests if you still planned on killing him in the end?
Instead it was a metaphorical killing. Gawain saw a future where his Knightlihood and virtues were faked, the band of cowardice hiding the truth of his deeds, the false idea of manliness and honor that got him in the situation to begin with would be his downfall. If he remained stagnant, it would lead to the death of many.
Instead he removes the band, removes his aspirations of greatness, he would rather die "good."
The Green Knight, or Green Man, the symbol for death and rebirth, the necessity for systems and ideas to grow old and die and new ideals put in place, the Green Knight was meant to temper Gawain, mold him to be the next king, but Arthur saw the gloom and dark of his land. The knight of the round are better warriors than politicians of kings. Gawain, being his kin but not a warrior, and whose mother can help temper him, would be a great fit. Gawain's metaphorical death isn't just his own, it's the death of the outdated idea of honor and greatness that led to a land of ruin. With his heart tempered, his lessons learned, Gawain is now ready to lead England in a new era of goodness
This is the first video I watch from your channel, and oh boy this kind of content deserve millions of views! Just loved the writing style of your script! Keep up the good work.
Wow, I am gobsmacked. I have frantically analyzed this movie as it has not left my mind since I first saw it.
Your close reading and comparative analysis to the original material as well as the greater context of medieval literature has enriched this movie for me even further!
An absolutely beautiful analysis. Your love for the material and themes burns brightly.
I really have no words but: Thank you.
Oh damn you nearly made me cry! Thanks so much for these kind words, they mean a great deal. More coming soon.
This is really amazing breakdown!
Thank you so much Tesis!
The expense and commitment you’ve said you’re putting into Midsommer is unique.
I saw your vid on Hereditary and was blow away. You put most other UA-camrs to shame. The bird feet on Paymon (sp?)
I noticed on the hands in the diagram, first looking for the inverted hand sign and noticed it was ‘off’. The cult was active in this town including students was a surprise. You would make a fantastic crime detective. I hope there is an audio version of your novel ( reading puts me to sleep)
The cannon of knowledge you’re acquiring is enviable.
Can’t wait for your first screenplay to be made into a movie.
You understand true horror in a way even Hitchcock didn’t delve into.
Oh, yeh not even an academy nomination? She won for …
the I see dead people movie anyway.
Keep it up you are doing something that nobody else is, that is your dedicated and tenacious.
Best to you
LN
I don’t understand how you don’t have more subs man love this video awesome breakdown
Dude thank you so much! Hopefully it'll pick up soon. I have some big videos on the way that will should pump up the numbers a bit. Thanks again Aleem!
Mister Novum dude.. Absolutely loving your videos. Appreciate all the work you've put into these. Thanks for delivering on so many of my fav movies. Wishing you all the best!
I think the fox is a way Gawain's mother watches over him. At the end of the scene, the foxes voice actually changes and it is a female voice. His mother never entended to get him killed when she made the spell because she thought that Gawain would pass the test. I think the fox changing his voice is intentional. It was trying to convince him to stop.
35:04 so you mean to tell me that Monty Python got it right with the holy hand grenade?!?!?
Oh they got so much right, I fcking adore that film. Narrowly beats Life of Brian for me.
@@Novum_YT it was my first monty Python film!! Truly a classic!
I think one of my favorite things about this film is the depiction of Arthur. And the clear goodness he exudes. I guess I am just tired of a tyrannical king and was pleasantly surprised to see someone who was truly kind in such a position.
Thank you, when I first watched this it was like it pulled from so many parts of everything I've read my whole life. I started digging and realized that is literally the case. It reminds me in some ways of the Alchemist.
It’s an interesting theory that he actually died in the forest and several scenes from that point on is Gawain in some kind of purgatory/Hell/underworld. I had originally interpreted the forest scene the other way you mentioned, as he sees a vision of his dead body lying there and that motivates him to escape. BTW, this video is a VERY detailed examination of this movie, excellent job!
I love this movie.
Awesome analysis mate, good job.
Thank you so much!
27:34 - Everyone, be like Novum. Do not refrain from swearing when it's the best word to be used in a given situation.
I think Arthur’s cognizance of what was going on, even though it had never happened before, I thought was a combination of a few looks he exchanges with Merlin, and the mere fact that he’s been around magical shit ever since Merlin came into his life in the first place. Like, he knows magical fuckery is afoot because he has been party to magical fuckery enough times to see it at a glance.
The runes she has in order is thurisaz, force or danger, algiz, protection, and raidho meaning journey or travels
i watched this movie and mostly enjoed it for how stunning it was visually, for how it took its time and was something *different* in the movie world. i think i understood what was going on well enough to follow the plot, but my knowledge of the arthurian legends and all the knights around the table are nearly non-existant as the runins i've had with this folklore were very shallow. so shallow that i think it honestly didn't really come to mind that this story was really connected to the folklore simply because it wasn't Arthur we were following.
having your video explain some of the folklore and especially the historical context makes this a phenomenal and comprehensive look at the movie and story. i appreciate the movie even more now thanks to you.
Amazing video about an amazing movie. This made me fall in love with the movie even more.
Keep these everything explained videos coming, I can't get enough of them
Yessss! So glad you liked it! I think it's a phenomenal film but so many people (pretty much all of my friends who saw it for sure) strongly disliked it. Which I truly don't understand, even if you found it 'confusing' or 'slow' the aesthetic is stunning and the writing is absolutely beautiful. But oh well, at least we get it! Thanks for checking out my other stuff dude!
I loved this film having watched it three times before seeing your companion guide. I love it even more now and the two together have deeply enriched my life in more ways than one. Thank you
Jon thank you so much for this, I'm a little bit overwhelmed right now I think maybe this video is getting some new attention so sorry it's taken me a while to reply. Thank you so much for your kind words and the time you've spent watching. It really means a lot to be able to add to peoples appreciation of this tremendous art in whatever small way I can. That's also my first 'super thanks' so again thank you for the validation!
6:07 i also think his christ is born indeed is a bit of crude joke about his morning wood lol
A excellent analysis of a great film.
I was struck by the facial similarity of the robber leader and Lord Bertilak! and as the robber says that he will become a knight, I think they are one and the same.
Garwin dies while tied up and is reborn to complete his task and only once he has do so, fulfilling his oath and reclaiming his honour is he allowed to shuffle of this mortal coil.
The cycle of life, death and rebirth stopped.
This was absolutely incredible!
I thank you.
Thank you for watching!
Great video as always Novum! It took me a while to finally watch this movie but it ended up surpassing all my expectations! I immediately watched your video since I knew you'd have a great and detailed analysis on the movie.
I agree with most of your interpretations and theories but I have my own sort of interpretation of the giants scene. I feel like the giants represent the knights of the round table, and him wanting to ride on their shoulder is a metaphor for how he wants their help to teach him how to become a knight. This theory doesn't really work however since the giants are mainly women. I'm curious to know what your thoughts are on this.
Hi Alimar! Thanks so much for thinking of me after watching, really glad you enjoyed it - I thought it was a really magical film. I'd say from an emotional perspective of what these giants function as to Gawain you're right on the money. And I like the Einstein reference to "on the shoulders of giants" which is presumably the ride he was being offered but scared to accept. Very cool theory. I think them being women is just there to reference the Tuatha De Danaan (and honestly there are male members of this race in a lot of depictions, they're just referred to with generally feminine pronouns) so I think your theory absolutely works!
Thanks so much for commenting dude I really enjoyed that, sorry I didn't reply sooner I was away for the weekend seeing girlfriends family!
Could it be possible that the five ladies in the movie do represent the five virtues? Essel = pure mind, lady at the castle = good manners, Lady at the lake = compassion, Gawain's mother = brotherly love, the queen: generosity?
I'd never thought of that but you could be onto something!
Wow, this video is super comprehensive. Thank you
Great video!
I'm new to your channel, but I really enjoyed your thorough and comprehensive take on this great film. Thanks for that.
I have thoughts regarding the runes she inserts in his sash (somewhere around the 33min mark) though..
The first rune (although hard to make out) seems to be a variant of the "Thurisaz" rune, the Anglo-Saxon "Þorn". Which in this context would stand for protection, defensive, able to resist and/or overcoming obstacles. The second rune is "Elhaz" the Anglo-Saxon "Eolhx". Meaning "Elk" and standing also for protection as well as for honor, power and nobility (virtues often associated with stags, so they can often be found on banners). Btw, "Elhaz" could also be translated into "A raven's footprint" which does symbolize the moment of birth or the moment of death and acts often as a warning not to step any further - just like later on the wise fox told Gawain, too.
Lastly the third rune, it's a bit tricky. It's either "Wunjō", which stands for community under peace. Or, which I assume it rather to be, "Ræið" ("Raidō") the Anglo-Saxon "Rād", symbolizing a ride or any kind of journey. Which in this case would make sense.
Fox in Gematria = 666...There was a talking Fox in Lars Von Trier's bone chilling movie 'Antichrist' ... The voice of the Fox sounds similar in both movies!
This was incredibly comprehensive articulate and well thought out. Such love and vast knowledge that went in to it. I would like to request/suggest in future videos, you slow your speaking down a *bit*, as your rapid-fire/cut-&-paste vocal recording style is so insanely fast, I found myself constantly riding the remote to keep going back, sometimes numerous times, to hear what you spat out so swiftly. In addition to this, *please add cc captions*. It would be a great help, when you're talking at such a rapid, lightning-pace (I realize you're trying to cram in so much information here, but if we can't tell what you're saying because your delivery is that of a tobacco auctioneer, it's kind of pointless, right?) if we could see what you just said. Regardless, incredible effort. Thank you for this, it's made me appreciate this amazing film 1,000 times more. Thank you.💚
Dude I've only just seen this comment (YT stops notifying you at a certain point and I'm only just learning not to rely on that), thank you so much these are incredible compliments. The tobacco auctioneer comment made me absolutely giggle. Yes you're quite right, if I slow down the pace on a video like this I't will have an enormous extending of vid length. But I need to get better at slowing down when stuff gets complicated and always ensure I have closed captions, I have for my most recent videos - I think honestly the video after this I realized I could just copy my transcript over and it'd automate everything so this shouldn't be an issue in the future. Thanks so much again Eric and my apologies that it's taken so long to get back to you.
great work. i will be watching this many more times. if i may throw my own interpretation for the ending, "well off with your head , has the feel that it has already been done. maybe not by the axe, but by the acts. and accepting his death and removing the sash, the mental gymnastics he partakes in daily are all a thing of the past... which seems expressed through the green knight tone of voice, as if the task has been accomplish in the way it was intended, and relieved, as arthur should be in such a situation.
GREETINGS EARTH GUY: Don't know if you'll see this. One big thing you need to do to improve the experience of your vids by the audience is not to put text on the screen that competes with the audio. Your listener's brains cannot easily process hearing and reading information simultaneously. Cliff Atkinson of Beyond Bullet Points fame forever changed my understanding of why this detracts from presentation quality and content comprehension especially of conceptually dense material. IOtherwise, you rock.
I truly enjoyed this remarkable explanation of a really beautiful film. Within the film, I also tuned into the nature/pagan/propulsion towards life and death vs. modernity/"civilizing"destructive earth dominating status seeking. I love the concept of good vs great and that we are living a divine experience in our humanity in relation to our goodwill and relationships (loving kindness_recognized some buddhist undertones) The film acknowledges naturalism ( even animism the fox,the green knight) and for this I am grateful as we move through this anthropocene era. This film is a glimpse at the marriage of pre-modern and post modern thought.
What a wonderful comment Jennifer, really cheered me up this morning! Wishing I'd included something on Animism now.. Speaking of the anthropocene, I just read a wonderful (short) little non-fiction by an author I really enjoy (Roy Scranton) called 'To Live and Die in the Anthropocene'. I'm sure you could find it online for free easily enough.
@@Novum_YT wonderful, I'll look it up.
This was a wonderful video, thanks for teaching so many concepts wow I am just stunned at the amount of thought and attention that went into this liked and subbed immediately
Excellent video. You should do the Northman or The king.
Curiosity: I've read a lot of Irish mythology from Cath Mag Tuired to Lebor Gabála Érren and can't recall anywhere that the Tuatha Dé Danann were referred to as giants. I took the giants in this movie to be the Fomorians, invaders who the Tuatha Dé fought for control of Ireland.
Another masterpiece of analysis!
1:41:00 man, that Jesus screenshot really looks like he's being played by Willem Defoe and man... What a movie that would be
Stumbled on this, I can tell 9 minutes in it deserves my full attention. I will return. Thank you.
Woah dude! Thank you so much!
I thought this film was going to be turkey when it came out but i love it! seen it half a dozen times now :-]
That final shot with the little girl is also one more nod to the witchcraft that has gone on having, by necessity (of church threat to torture and kill if discovered), to remain solitary and in the dark. She is staring at the object in her hands already understanding the cyclical nature of things, microcosmically and macrocosmically - like the feminine representations on the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral, the wise woman holding a book and looking up from it directly toward us with wide eyes of understanding (aside from other pagan influences the masons cleverly "hid" in the construction).
Wow. GREAT video! You really deserve more subs, and i'm sure your channel will grow immensely!
Thanks so much Phillip, glad you enjoyed
I really like this depiction of the green knight, he's nature's warrior, he carries peace in one hand and death in the other, he has a cool voice. "Sir, is it Christmas? is a great moment.
Waw well done!!! Thank you so much for this effort!
I love the concept that when he's tied up he'd actually died and went into another world. But since we see his dead body and time passing. Would that mean that he is late for the Christmas day or that when he comes back into the material world from death. That he gains a new body and his old body is still lying in the woods rotting into the future.
Wow! Only a few minutes in and I can already tell I’m going to love this and you. Subbed ❤
Thanks so much! Very glad to have you on board, apologies for the late reply I never got a notification for this!
This is such an underrated video, thank you so much for making it! It has absolutely opened my eyes to so many new things about this incredible movie, and im only half way through... I know im a little late, but if you see this comment, i was wondering if theres a list of all of the sources you used in the process of making this video? Im currently doing a assignment on the book and the movie for my medieval literature course in uni and itd be really cool to get a closer look at the sources you're referencing here! Once again, absolutely insane video!!! Haven't been this entranced by a movie analysis in a while, you're amazing
Sorry I've only just seen this. I'm fairly sure where I used sources I have listed it on screen but if there's anything specific please let me know and I'll try to help. The vast majority of it is just my close reading of the film. That being said you should be able to source this video directly you just might need to discuss it with your tutor first. If they desire any discussion about the work please feel free to ask them to email me at the address on my about page. Very glad you enjoyed it and the best of luck with your studies.