The forbidden fruit in Holy Feast and Holy Fast and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight The forbidden fruit, its properties and effects have vast ramifications on inside the ethics of women in the Holy Feast and in the Holy Fast. as well as those of the characters portrayed in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 2. Perhaps the connection with Gawain is less obvious. One must realize that this story contains multi-layered metaphors that approach modern literature in their complexity. It will be argued that Gawain betrays an isomorphism with the tale of Eden. The author's attitude towards the fruit and perhaps towards fasting will be evident. Bynum's incisive argument was extremely helpful in this analysis of Gawain; but, compared to medieval women, she has surprisingly little to say about Eve and the Tree. While this negligence is deplorable, it is not fatal. This article will tend to support the main theses of Holy Fasting. The people described by these authors did not dwell excessively on any essential weakness of women. Hopefully, this refocus on the forbidden fruit will help us see their perspectives more clearly. Gawain's isomorphism with the Eden story can only be demonstrated after the stage is set. It might be helpful to think of this isomorphism as a kind of image or reflection. This places it squarely in the realm of Neoplatonic forms. Medieval nobility, often well-versed in Neoplatonic thought, would be quick to point out that Arthur, the king, is a lesser image of God and that his court is a reflection of the heavenly host. This claim is not without textual support. The happiest of mortals King the noblest of will Now you would go far to find such a hardy host on a hill. (2) Currently, the Green Knight arrives. He mirrors Lucifer in the court of God, and more; It is full of slander (7:315). He is described in titanic imagery (4:140, 9:390), commonly attributed to the antichrist. The Round Table cannot bear this affront to the king so Gawain, with Guinevere's permission, steps in to intercede. Here Gawain is like Christ or Michael, going out to fight the dragon. He cuts off his head. Gawain is full of reversals and reversals. This is consistent with the Neoplatonic model since Arthur's court is a minor image. We will next present Bynum's view on this point.