Definition of Hero in “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”

The word hero is a broad term and can be defined in many different ways. A hero has several qualities like courage, respect, and strength can define heroism. When it comes to heros, most people like to believe that a hero would always be there to save humanity as needed however, that is not always the case. All heroes are different, but what makes them epic is that they are formed in an epic narrative. Also their accomplishments in the narrative grants them the title epic hero.

First it is important to understand what, or who an ‘Epic Hero’ is. A epic hero is an archetypal protagonist who has impressive qualities that enable them to complete daunting tasks with odds stacked against their favor. Most epic heroes are the chosen ones by their superior, however some puts their self on the line when no one else have the courage to come forward.

Epic heroes are superior than any other man. For clarification epic heroes are bigger, faster, stronger, and wiser than anyone else in the narrative.

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In addition most of the time epic heroes plays a strong leadership role and make them an honorable figure in the narrative. Anyone can be a hero, but it takes much more to be considered an epic hero. Throughout history going back thousands of years there have been many great stories about great warriors and champions, however the one about epic heroes are the truly exceptional ones. From those exceptional ones some stands out from the rest, for example “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”.

Both texts are epic poems and they showed the formation of epic heroes. They showed epic heroes like Beowulf and Sir Gawain who went on a long journey to face and conqueror their challenges. Throughout the text they both demonstrates the qualities that an epic hero possess. They both undertake their journey to achieve something of great value and yet they maintained humanity.

Combined with all these characteristics Beowulf and Sir Gawain were formed into epic heroes. Beowulf is a prime example of an epic hero. He puts himself on the line to fight Grendel and when Grendel’s mother came to seek revenge he goes after her. He takes a journey to the lake of monsters and takes on the challenge. Throughout his life he shows the great qualities of strength and power to fight for the greater goods. Years after fighting Grendel and his mother he takes on the dragon who became a threat to his kingdom. He took pride in fighting enemies. During the fight with the dragon when everyone backed off Beowulf faced the challenge with bravery and pride never ones he had any fear of death. This showed his strength, courage and fearlessness as an epic hero should have. Beowulf fought in multiple battles and returned with victory and the the one he was defeated has more victory in it, as Beowulf lost the swimming race to Brecca, he explained that he was slowed down by nine sea monsters that he encountered on his way and kills them.

Being stronger than everyone else puts Beowulf on the path of becoming an epic hero. Beowulf was strong enough to fight Grendel with his bare hands. During his fight with Grendel he ripped off Grendel’s arm with his hand, which eventually lead to Grendel’s death. Later on when Beowulf was fighting Grendel’s mother he slashed her neck with a giant sword, which was only possible to loft by someone with great strongness. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf’s heroism and one of the fundamental pillar which formed him in to an epic hero. All of Beowulf’s action showed his willingness to help others. His action against Grendel was a prime example of that. His actions were very important to his people as it determined their faith. Beowulf had superhuman strengths which he used to fight for his people. Beowulf served as a frontier for his people. When his people were in danger he feared nothing for his own life and faced the challenge by himself.

After Beowulf served his people as King for fifty years, he faced the biggest challenge of his life as a dragon started attacking his kingdom. Knowing that this might be his last battle Beowulf goes to fight a dragon that is frightening all of his people. He defeats the dragon however it was the end of him too. He died as an epic hero fighting for his people. Beowulf is the ultimate example of an epic hero. He risked his life multiple times for the greater goods. His bravery and strengths sets up a great example for the society. His loyalty made him honorable by all, and his ability to think of himself last puts him to the highest respectable place possible in the society. His leadership skills were super. His accomplishments were so great that he was able to brag about all about it. These characteristics are what formed Beowulf as a true epic hero.

On the other hand, Sir Gawain, the protagonist of the medieval poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," also exemplifies the qualities of an epic hero, albeit in a slightly different manner. Gawain's heroism is characterized by his unwavering chivalry, loyalty, and moral integrity. Despite enduring hunger, harsh weather, and moments of desperation on his journey to the rendezvous, Gawain never wavered, showcasing his heroic determination.

One of the distinguishing features of Sir Gawain's heroism is his commitment to the code of chivalry. Chivalry was a set of ethical and moral principles that governed the behavior of knights in the medieval period. Gawain adheres to these principles with great dedication. When the Green Knight challenges the knights of King Arthur's court, Gawain steps forward to accept the challenge on behalf of his king. This act demonstrates his courage and willingness to protect his honor and that of his king.

Gawain's journey to face the Green Knight is a test of his chivalric virtues. He embarks on this quest voluntarily, fully aware of the risks involved. Throughout his journey, he encounters various trials and temptations that test his loyalty, honesty, and self-control. For instance, when he stays at the castle of the Green Knight's host, he is tempted by the host's wife, but he remains faithful to his code of conduct and resists her advances. This demonstrates Gawain's moral integrity and his commitment to honor and fidelity.

The central test in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" comes when Gawain faces the Green Knight in the climactic beheading game. Gawain is bound by his promise to meet the Green Knight's blow with his own, and he upholds this promise despite the impending danger to his life. His unwavering resolve in the face of death showcases his bravery and his determination to maintain his honor and fulfill his obligations.

Another aspect of Gawain's heroism is his humility and acknowledgment of his imperfections. When he returns to King Arthur's court after surviving the Green Knight's blow, he wears a green sash given to him by the host's wife as a symbol of his own shortcomings and a reminder of his momentary lapse in his code of chivalry. This act of humility and self-awareness sets Gawain apart as a hero who recognizes his flaws and strives to learn from his experiences.

Unlike Beowulf, who boasts of his achievements, Gawain is modest and self-reflective. He acknowledges that he is not a perfect hero but continues to uphold the values of chivalry and honor, even in the face of his own limitations. This humility makes him a relatable and admirable character, as it reflects the complexities of human nature and the constant struggle to live up to one's ideals.

In conclusion, both Beowulf and Sir Gawain exemplify the qualities of epic heroes in their respective narratives, albeit with distinct characteristics and approaches to heroism. Beowulf's heroism is defined by his physical strength, courage, and willingness to risk his life for the greater good. He embodies the traditional image of the epic warrior-hero who faces formidable foes head-on.

On the other hand, Sir Gawain's heroism is defined by his unwavering commitment to the code of chivalry, his moral integrity, and his humility. He represents a more nuanced and introspective hero who grapples with moral dilemmas and acknowledges his own imperfections. Both Beowulf and Sir Gawain serve as archetypal examples of epic heroes, reflecting the values and ideals of their respective societies and eras. Their stories continue to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the enduring appeal of heroism in literature and human culture.