After making the sign of the cross three times, Gawain sees a great castle nearby, where he is welcomed as a guest by the lord of the house. After the Christmas Eve feast, the court goes to the evening Mass, and Gawain encounters the beautiful lady of the castle, who walks hand in hand with an ugly old hag. At the Christmas Day feast, Gawain sits next to the beautiful lady. The feasting continues for three days. The host asks Gawain what has brought him so far, and Gawain replies that he must find the Green Chapel by New Year’s Day. The host says that the Green Chapel is close by, and insists that Gawain stay with him until New Year’s. Gawain thanks him and promises to do whatever his host requests. Hearing this, the host proposes a bargain: Gawain will rest at the castle and be entertained by the host’s wife while the host will go out hunting; at the end of each day, they will exchange whatever they have gained. Gawain happily agrees.
