The seasons change—winter, spring, and summer—until fall arrives. Gawain begins to think of leaving. The king holds a feast for him on All Saints’ Day. The court makes merry, but they are sad, thinking of Gawain’s fate. The next day, he dresses in his armor and goes to Mass. Gawain’s shield bears the emblem of a pentangle; the poet explains how this figure symbolizes Gawain’s virtues. The court bids him a sad farewell, and Gawain sets off on his journey. He wanders through the wilderness, fighting many strange enemies and the bitter winter weather. On Christmas Eve, he prays to the Virgin Mary to aid him, fearing he will not be able to hear Mass on Christmas.
