The symbols used in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are very profound in their effect. This is a time when men were held to a set of standards that were also known as; the age of chivalry. Sir Gawain, as a member of King Author's court, was expected to have extraordinary bravery in battle, remain loyal to his king, and uphold his Christianity, which were important values to Sir Gawain. The many symbols used throughout this literary masterpiece are remarkable, and each one of these symbols that are used refers back to Sir Gawain's values and the code of chivalry.
             The most important symbol that mirrors Sir Gawain's beliefs and the code of chivalry is a pentangle; this is a five-pointed star, which is formed by five lines drawn out without lifting the pen. The pentangle was located on Sir Gawain's shield and his baldric. Enclosed in a circle, the pentangle is suppose to have mystical significance, It is considered to be a sign by Solomon, devised to be a token of truth, by it's title of old. It is a figure formed of five points, with each line linked and locked with the next, so it is never ending, also known as the endless knot. The shield had a red background, with the pentangle itself shown in the purest gold.
             Also representing symbols were the five points on the pentangle, they are; faultless in his five senses, nor found ever to fail in his five fingers, all his fealty was fixed upon the five wounds inflicted upon Christ, his force was founded on the five joys that the Virgin May had in her child, (Sir Gawain has a picture of the Virgin Mary portrayed on the inside of his shield so that when he looked on it he will gain courage.) and the last point was the five fives, which also has five meanings. The five meanings are; beneficence boundless, brotherly love, pure mind, pure manners, and compassion. It seems the fifth point symbolizes the five points on the pentangle, which also symbolize Si
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