A knight was nothing if he wasn't seen as brave, and Sir Gawain shows this to readers from the moment he is introduced. Starting in line 343, Gawain begins to tell the king how it would be an even braver act if he stayed, and Gawain accepts the challenge instead. This was at best an act of courage and selflessness, rather than pride. He states that if he were not a relative within the patriarchy, he would be nothing. Making a statement like this only made the situation humiliating for a fraction of a moment, all because he had accepted his position. Two stanzas down, in line 370, Gawain is knighted and receives "the blessing of God." Having reached the height of the Green Knight, the poet makes it known that "no man was afraid". Yes, this could be seen as pride, but it could also be seen as courage. Gawain did not have to defend his king, but he did so because he was grateful that he was allowed into the patriarchy, despite being related. His nobility showed that he politely rejected the lady. Instead of being rude, he disowned her in a righteous way, just like her, which made the Madama admire and desire him even more. In lines 1268-1275 she describes what she would do to be with him again, leaving Gawain in another seemingly rough position. Although, throughout this encounter, he maintains a chivalrous composure and treats the Madama with kindness