In many medieval tales, women play seemingly minor roles. Most are virgins, mothers, and subordinates to other male heroes. Readers and historians understand that medieval women were controlled by and limited to their husbands. However, there are few roles where the feminine characteristics consist of supernatural/magical powers. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the Pearl Poet covertly conceals Lady Bercelak's vital role; her illustrious beauty, seductiveness and deceptive nature make Lady Bercelak the most powerful character in this Arthurian legend. When Sir Gawain first meets Lady Bercelak, his recognition of her beauty is evident. There are many women throughout society who have attractive features, but Lady Bercelak's beauty cannot be defined perfectly. Sir Gawain explains that "the queen herself excels" (2.945). Transcending Queen Guinevere's beauty is unheard of, which makes Lady Bercelak already a curious character. Women with striking charm are usually not the ones who keep it to themselves, but instead attract more men. These women yearn to seek the ultimate recognition for something so meager: surrendering to beauty. Its splendor not only attracts all the men of the kingdom, but especially Sir Gawain. Lady Bercelak is a fascinating and surprising character, and she undoubtedly knows it. Without modest consideration, Lady Bercelak exposes her "glowing throat and her breasts beautiful to look at" (2.955). She is proud of her appearance and this pride represents her lust and seductiveness. Hidden behind the cute, innocent, blushing face, there is a meaning in her beauty that is gradually decoded throughout the poem; these interpretations develop her crucial power, in... middle of paper... no one can outsmart Lady Bercelak. In conclusion, Lady Bercelak knows above all. The Green Knight seems to know everything; however, what is on his wife's mind is hidden from her. With her beauty, seductiveness and deception, Lady Bercelak represents a triple threat to anyone who enters her bubble, even her husband. His power is indispensable to what he can accomplish and demonstrates that without his character, the magical/supernatural element of the poem would be tenuous. After analyzing the text of the Arthurian poem, the reader recognizes that there is always something devilish and fascinating behind the beautiful face of Lady Bercelak. Works Cited “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” The Poet Gawain: Complete Works: Patience, Cleanliness, Pearl, Saint Erkenwald, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Trans. Maria Borroff. New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 2011. 201-264. Press