Essay about A Comparison of Beowulf and Sir Gawain

A Comparison of 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. They both have many qualities that are expected of heroic knights and warriors. They are both brave, gallant, and skilled men, but are they the perfect heroes their people believe them to be? While they are portrayed as perfect heroes and they possess many heroic qualities, Beowulf and Sir Gawain are far from perfect. Beowulf and Gawain are shown as great leaders. Sir Gawain is liked by most people he has met. Beowulf has many loyal followers by his side. Beowulf and Sir Gawain are both brave and loyal. They attempt to honor their kings and kingdoms. Those are all†¦show more content†¦Sir Gawain is reluctant to accept the Green Knight’s challenge. He fears for his life. In the end he only accepts the challenge to protect King Arthur’s life and honor. He knows it is his duty to protect King Arthur, but only volunteers to do so at the last second. Sir Gawain also breaks his oath to the Lord of the castle he is staying in. He broke their vow to trade whatever they had earned during the day when he keeps a sash the Lady of the castle gives him because he believes it will protect him during his battle with the Green Knight. Sir Gawain also uses the sash in a an attempt to cheat in his battle with the Green Knight. He does not plan to take a fair blow from the Knight like the Knight took from him. He plans to cheat by using the magical power of the sash to save his life. Gawain believed that he probably would not have to take the blow from the Green Knight because he would kill the Knight with his blow. When he realized he would have to finish the challenge, he attempted to use a magical sash to best the Green Knight. Gawain is said to be skilled in fighting, but does not boast about his battles and accomplishments like Beowulf does. This might be because he has not fought as many epic battles as Beowulf or because he is more humble about his deeds, though his reluctance to accept the Green Knight’s challenge would suggest that the former is more likely. Sir Gawain is very respectful of women asShow MoreRelatedBeowulf and Sir Gawain: a Comparison of Two Heroes Essay1066 Words   |  5 PagesIn Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight there are two heroes that help the present day reader gain insight into what the hero of the Middle Ages would have held as ideals and necessary triumphs. Beowulf and Sir Gawain each fill a different role within their unique societies. Beowulf is a leader and a savior in times of need, willing to go to any length to help another group of people as well as his own kingdom. 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