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It's been about two years since I read Chrétien's Grail romance, and I don't remember that particular detail, but I've got an explanation that I think is serviceable:

The identification of Arthur's sword is not something that was established; originally, it was called Caliburn, after all, and his spear and shield also had names. Chrétien, who was (probably) at least moderately familiar with the Welsh and the other British source material, may have just wanted to give Gawain's sword a name. He then (again, probably) checked his sources and found the name "Excalibur" for a sword - sounds good enough and he then took it.

Alternately, as Arthur's nephew and best knight, it may have been that Gawain had been loaned the sword for the mission at hand.

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12y ago
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1mo ago

In Chrétien de Troyes's Grail romance, Gawain wields Excalibur because he is portrayed as a prestigious and powerful knight, traditionally associated with King Arthur's court. The sword symbolizes Gawain's noble lineage and his prowess in battle, highlighting his heroic qualities in the story.

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Q: Why does Gawain have Excalibur in Chretien's Grail romance?
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