In the medieval poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," the protagonist Sir Gawain receives three kisses from a mysterious lady. The kisses are part of a test of Gawain's chivalry, as he had previously agreed to exchange whatever he gains during his stay at the castle of the Green Knight with the host, who is revealed to be the lady's husband.
Gawain receives the first kiss as a token of the lady's affection and hospitality, but he fails to keep his promise to the host and keeps the kiss to himself. The second kiss he receives as a result of his desire to keep his own neck from being cut by the Green Knight. The third kiss, which he receives on New Year's Day, is part of a deal in which he exchanges his girdle for the lady's own girdle, which she claims has magical powers to protect the wearer from harm.
Thus, in total, Sir Gawain receives three kisses from the mysterious lady, each of which represents a different aspect of his moral character and serves to challenge his chivalry and integrity. These kisses serve as a reminder of the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of upholding one's word, even in the face of temptation.
In conclusion, the three kisses that Sir Gawain receives in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" serve as a crucial element in the poem's exploration of the themes of honesty, loyalty, and temptation. They provide a means by which the poem's author can reflect on the values and virtues that were considered important in medieval society and continue to be relevant even today.