This entry investigates the symbolism of the Pentangle and the concept of the five fives. Essentially, the Pentangle represents truth. It was in Sir Gawain’s shield to represent moral Christian values and chivalry. In Gawain’s case, the symbol represented the virtues of generosity, courtesy, chastity, piety, and friendship. Many people use the Pentangle as a way of developing essential virtues of their lives. The Pentangle’s truth goes beyond the difference between falsehood and honesty. It signifies faithfulness, goodness, Christian faith, purity, and honor. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight places a large emphasis on number five. The five fives are essential attributes of chivalry, and they aspired knights.
symbolism of the Pentangle and the five fives
SIR GAWAIN AND THE FIVE FIVES
The five fives are five groups of the Pentangle that add to twenty-five attributes for knights. The first group represents the five senses. Gawain was faultless in his five senses. Therefore, he always saw the ‘real’ in the world. The five fingers are the second group in the symbolism of the Pentangle. Hands are crucial to knights because they serve as instruments and represent ‘the hand of God.’ The third group is the five wounds of Christ during the Crucifixion. As Christ died on the cross, so should knights in preserving chivalry and righteousness. A lot of people use this symbolism when developing essential virtues. Annunciation, Nativity, Resurrection, Ascension, and Assumption are joys that form the fourth group.
Sir Gawain and the five fives
SYMBOLISM OF THE PENTANGLE, ETHICS AND DEVELOPING ESSENTIAL VIRTUES
Many people use symbols, values, and traditions in developing essential virtues. Ancient Greeks were masters of ethics and considered wisdom to be the master virtue. It enables us to make informed decisions for the good of all. The second virtue is justice, which works to respect the rights of all people. It has numerous interpersonal virtues represented in the five fives. Respect for others entails honesty, responsibility, respect, and the tolerance of other people’s freedom. The Greeks’ third virtue is fortitude. It enables us to do the right thing in difficult situations. There are many aspects of fortitude in the symbolism of the Pentangle as well. Courage, patience, resilience, perseverance, self-confidence, and endurance are all aspects of fortitude.
ethics and developing essential virtues
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