Final answer:
The author of 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' was versed in chivalric customs, reflecting the cultural practices of knighthood, honor, and courtly love. Elements of chivalry, blended with the valor of Knights of the Round Table, are embedded in the poem, indicating deep familiarity with noble court life.
Step-by-step explanation:
To the translator of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, it is apparent that the author of the poem knew about chivalric customs. This knowledge is evident through the poem's depictions of knighthood, honor, and courtly love, reflecting the cultural ethos developed within noble courts. The author demonstrates familiarity with not only the general practices of chivalry, but also detailed aspects of life surrounding the legends of the Round Table knights like Gawain, Galahad, and Lancelot, all of which would have been intimately understood by contemporary audiences.
The poem's inclusion of elements such as the ethos of courtly love, the significance of gift-giving in relation to courtship or marriage, and depictions of noble characters and virtues, all point to the author's deep insight into courtly and chivalric life. Such themes were widely celebrated in the oral culture of the time, particularly in tales about valiant warriors and were eventually immortalized in written form, much like the stories of Hildebrand and the Nibelungs or King Arthur's legends which became known throughout Europe.
The tales of knights facing their fate with valor were foundational to the culture and literature of the period, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a prime example of how these traditions were woven into the fabric of medieval storytelling, intended for an audience that would appreciate the intricate portrayal of chivalric life.