Before dawn, the hunting party prepares to leave. The lord hears Mass, and then sets off with his hounds and men. The lord hunts deer in the forest all day long, with great joy.
In the castle, Gawain is in bed. The host’s wife comes and sits on his bed, saying she will keep him captive. Gawain answers that he should get up and dress, but the lady refuses to let him go. The lady compliments Gawain on his fame and his courtesy; he protests his unworthiness. Finally, she insists that if he is really the famously courteous Gawain, he will not let a lady leave without a kiss. Gawain consents, and the lady kisses him and leaves. Gawain dresses, goes to Mass, and is then entertained by the two ladies of the castle.
Meanwhile, the lord has killed many deer, and they are butchered in the field for carrying home. Everyone gathers in the castle’s great hall, and the lord offers Gawain his catch of venison. In exchange, Gawain kisses the lord, but he will not say where he won his prize. They agree to the same arrangement for the next day.
