On his journey to find Arthur, the Green Knight does not feel it is necessary to carry his armor or shield for protection, for his only purpose is to come in peace and get Arthur to accept his challenge: "Where is," he said, "The captain of this crowd? Keenly I wish To see that sire with sight, and to himself say my say" (163). The Green Knight's physical appearance is surprising and stirs curiosity among the onlookers in Arthur's court: "There were stares on all sides as the stranger spoke" (163). The men in the court struggle to understand how a man and his horse could be of the same color. Never did they ever see a knight of such physical appearance. As stunned as they became, the men experience a state of shock that makes them silent and dumbfounded. Nevertheless, the Green Knight's request is granted and Arthur comes to greet the Green Knight by saying: "Fellow, in faith you have found fair welcome; The head of this hostelry Arthur am I; Leap lightly down, and linger, I pray, And the tale of your intent you shall tell us after" (163).
The Green Knight only carries a bob described in the passage as "goodliest in green when groves are bare," and a big ax described as "well shaped to shear as a sharp razor." These are the essential instruments the Green Knight believes are the only ones needed for such a journey. The Green Knight makes it known to Arthur that he comes not to fight, but to be granted the game or challenge he asks for: "But as I willed no war, I wore no metal. But if you be so bold as all men believe, You will graciously grant the game that I ask by right" (164). He only comes in search of a grant on behalf of Arthur. The Green Knight in trying to obtain this grant tells of how much Arthur and his knights are known throughout for their great deeds and their great boldness and courteousness.
Arthur when proposed with this grant by the Green Knight analyzes it and responds back to it saying: "Sir courteous knight, If contest bare you crave, You shall not fail to fight" (164). He did not know what he was being asked to do or offer. The Green Knight had not yet made it clear to him. Arthur was not going to back down from such a challenge for it was not a knightly thing to do, especially not after hearing what great things the Green Knight says about Arthur and his men. The Green Knight's honesty and confidence places quite an impression on Arthur and his men.