Lisa Tran

Literature and Modern Media

Mrs. Beyikian

25, January 2017

Heroic Figures: Sir Gawain and Beowulf

Throughout history, heroism played a crucial role. Society during this time was based on

a heroic code that expected individuals to exhibit attributes of an honorable warrior. The heroic

code implied a set of principles, which emphasized on the valour of an individual. An hero must

possess traits such as: immense courage, loyalty, and willingness to sacrifice themselves to save

their people. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Beowulf, there are many similarities

as well as differences between the heroic figures. Sir Gawain and Beowulf define and set the

standard for the Anglo-Saxon heroes because of their heroic traits. They are strong, brave, and

loyal.

Both Beowulf and Sir Gawain are courageous, which is seen through their actions.

Beowulf is considered a classical hero because he possesses characteristics such as physical

strength. In the text, Beowulf is depicted as the strongest of the Geats (Beowulf, pg. 46). He is

also described to have the strength of thirty men (46). He is strong and he is glorified for his

courageous deeds. For example, when Grendel continually terrorized King Hrothgars people, he

bravely journeyed to Danes to save Hrothgars people. Beowulf told Hrothgar that will will

defeat Grendel without her a sword, which shows his bravery. Moreover, Beowulf displays his

great strength when he fights a fire-breathing dragon. In his final battle, he states, Ive never

known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame
still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me (65). In the Anglo-Saxon era, death is

honorable for a warrior. A hero must be willing to die for his people to achieve glory. Beowulf

displays courage and bravery in the face death.

Gawain is considered a chivalrous hero because he possesses characteristics such as

nobility and bravery. In the beginning, the Green Knight challenges any knight in King Arthur's

court to cut off his head within twelve months. When none of the knights take up the challenge,

which made King Arthur step up out of anger. Because Sir Gawain is the only person who offers

to fight the Green Knight in place of King Arthur, this makes him seem like the greatest knight.

He is unafraid when presented with impossible odds. Furthermore, Sir Gawain seeks revenge

against Lancelot. He sought out to kill Lancelot to justify for his brothers death. This shows Sir

Gawains bravery because he challenges Lancelot, the noblest knight in King Arthurs court.

In contrast to the similarities mentioned above, there are many differences between

Beowulf and Sir Gawain. For example, Beowulf is an epic tale, hence he is portrayed as the

most noble man. In the end, Beowulfs death is honorable because he saves the people by skating

Grendel. However, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a medieval romance, therefore, Sir

Gawain cannot reach perfection. He has his flaws and eventually overcomes them. This

demonstrates the idea that perfection is unattainable.