Compare And Contrast Beowulf And Sir Gawain

A hero is someone who is idealized for his courage and noble qualities. Beowulf and Sir Gawain can certainly be called heroes. Both possess very similar traits that consider them noble men, warriors, and heroes. These epics give a look at medieval heroism during two different time periods. Each is about an epic hero that embark on a long journey with many obstacles and challenges drove by some sort of motivation and goal. Sir Gawain and Beowulf have certain qualities that are exhibited more than others but both possess similar qualities that make them heroes whose actions can teach a lesson or two. Beowulf’s perceived greatest quality as an epic hero can be considered his bravery and courage. During the time period of Beowulf men often boasted

Once he heard about Grendel he immediately ordered a boat, announced his plan to set out for the king, and enlisted the best men he could find. Upon arrival, he addresses the Queen with “I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in the attempt, in the fiend’s clutches” (634-636). Basically saying, he is going to defend the Danes with all his might or die trying. He exhibits this kind of behavior throughout this epic, risking his life to prove himself. He even takes his bravery a step further by saying he will take on the beast that is Grendel with his bare hands giving up his sword and shield. He seems to take things to the extreme just to prove how strong and brave he is. But never the less, he defeats the beast. Sure enough, proving his strength and bravery with nothing but his bare hands. Later on, they are attacked again, this time by Grendel’s mother. But Beowulf was not around to defend them at the time. Once he heard the news, Beowulf came to the people he already once saved from further terror. He once again announces his plan to save the people by going after Grendel’s mother. He

He prides himself on the pentangle that is painted on his shield. It is considered to be a token of loyalty, with many different meanings behind it (Morgan). One set of five meant more to him than most other men, “Friendship and fraternity with fellow men, purity and politeness that impressed at all times, and pity, which surpassed all pointedness” (652-654). Gawain displays these characteristics throughout this epic. At the beginning of this epic, at Christmas, an unexpected visitor enters King Arthur’s court. A green night that many considered to be half giant. The green night came in and gave a challenge to anyone brave enough to accept it. The game was, as the night said, “To strike me one and be struck in return” (287). The acceptor of the challenge gets a free hit on the knight with his axe in exchange, one year later, a hit in return or you are considered to be dishonorable man that does not keep his word. Sir Gawain requests to be chosen for this game, King Arthur accepts this request and gives Gawain the game. With the first strike, Gawain severs the knight’s head completely off. Seemingly far from phased, the Green Night picks up his head and mounts his horse. Before he rides out, he reminds Gawain he must keep his word and find him at the Green Chapel. So in a year’s time, he embarks on this journey. Upon arrival, he is met by the lord and master of the castle who greets him gracefully.