The Green Knight is a character in the film Franklin and the Green Knight. He is the hero of the storybook The Quest of the Green Knight.
History[]
In the story, the Green Knight learns of the plight of a village that been trapped in a long winter. Accompanied by his Squire, he sets out to do what many others could not: to bring spring to the village. Along the way, the two defeat a Griffin, rescuing a Goblin in the process and receiving his aid. The Knight, however, is not properly appreciative of his Squire and shows signs of undertaking his quest more for glory than to actually help others.
The two arrive at a cherry tree, where the two are confronted by the guardian of the tree, Lynx, who chastises the Knight as unworthy for pursuing his quest for selfish motivations after defeating a dragon. The Green Knight, humbled, admits the truth of Lynx's words and kneels before the tree, laying down his sword. Seeing and hearing this, Lynx tells the Knight that he has proven himself worthy. He grants the Knight leave to take the cherry blossoms from the tree to bring spring to the village. The Knight then scatters the blossoms to the wind with the words "Farewell, winter. We bid thee welcome, spring!" As the blossoms settle on the ground, the snow covering it instantly begins to disappear and plant life blooms all around. The Knight beams with joy, his Squire lounging nearby, as the two enjoy the sights and sounds of spring in a meadow of flowers.
Franklin dressed as the Green Knight
Upon hearing this tale from his mother, Franklin is inspired. He suggests the story as the subject of the upcoming school play and is himself cast in the role of the Green Knight. When it begins to seem that spring is coming very late to Woodland, he personally undertakes his own quest that reflects the Green Knight's journey, taking Snail as his squire.
Appearance[]
The Green Knight is a tall talking frog, to date the only anthropomorphic frog seen within the Franklin franchise. Like all frogs, he has webbed feet and like many frogs, he is green in color. He has no teeth. He wears a purplish-blue cape fastened with a gold medallion, armor, and bracers on his knees. He carries a silver sword with a gold hilt.
Trivia[]
- The Green Knight seems to be named after the Green Knight of Arthurian legend, who similarly faced a test of character.