The green girdle that Sir Gawain receives in the poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" holds significant meaning, primarily symbolizing his fear of death and the human instinct for self-preservation. While it does have connections to loyalty and relationships, such as with Queen Guinevere, its primary significance lies in how it reflects Gawain's vulnerability and the moral complexities he grapples with throughout the story.
When Gawain accepts the girdle, he does so out of a desire to protect himself from the fate he faces in his encounter with the Green Knight. This act reveals his humanity and the natural fear of death, contrasting with the chivalric ideals of bravery and honor. Therefore, while it can be connected to loyalty and victory, its most profound representation is indeed his fear of death.