Question

What is Gawain’s secret weakness in combat?

Answer 1

Fear of death

Step-by-step explanation:

Gawain's toughest battle is not with the monsters in the wilderness, but with his lovely and refined hostess; he fights with words, not weapons. He is defeated not by superior strength but by his own inner weakness — fear of death, most of all.

Answer 2

His fear.

Step-by-step explanation:

As stated by the Green Knight, Gawain's secret weakness (his fear) has come to the surface. After being berated by the Green Knight, Gawain replies: "I shrank once, but so will I no more, though an my head fall on the stones I cannot replace it.