Balon Swann

When thinking about the stories told in the Medieval Ages, many people today might picture a knight, hero, or king that represents as a role model for us people. Two books, Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel and The Once and Future King by T.H. White are two examples of stories told at completely different times, by different authors, that include hero’s. In both stories there are similarities and differences that can spotted between these character’s heroic traits. Both Beowulf and King Arthur show the heroic trait of wisdom which is essential to becoming a great leader.

Question 25: The son that is send to take out will’s archers are his second son?

To honor the Beowulf’s heroic life and battles, I’ve been assigned as one of his closest warriors to exclaim his appellation and share the stories of his battles. One of the citizen came up to me and asked, “I heard that Beowulf was an amazing guy, but I never fully knew him. Could you tell me more about him?” I was extremely excited as this man was the first person to ever ask me about Beowulf. “Beowulf was a strong leader and a great friend. Although he might not have been a very humble man, he was nowhere near being a bully. He’s the type of man that would belittle anyone who hurts the weak and innocent. Beowulf was mettlesome and was never intimidated by any menace.” The man’s eyes were already widen. “He sounds like a guy I would wanna be protected by,” the citizen said, “Can you tell me about one of his battles?” I prepared myself as I was about to begin a long lecture of how strong Beowulf was.

3. What are the challenges that Swan faces at the end of the case? What actions should she take? Should she assign an interim director?

Beowulf is a great warrior perpetually pursuing glory. He is regarded as an example to all, described on first sight to be “well born / and worthy of respect,” yet Beowulf is prime example of reckless behavior (368-9). When he hears that the demon Grendel “scorns / in his reckless way to use weapons” he decides to also

Beowulf displayed the qualities of an immature warrior during his battle with his first enemy, Grendel. Qualities like impulsiveness and inexperience in battle represent the Anglo-Saxon warriors’s eagerness to fight for glory during this time. Beowulf came Hrothgar’s aid more out of a personal desire for fame and fortune rather than out of need to fulfill an inherited obligation to a neighboring king (Kelley 141). This exhibits the immature, selfish behavior warriors during this time possessed. Warriors would partake in perilous journeys to obtain glory or riches because that was more important than trying to help someone in need.

Knights are one of the most mistaken figures of the medieval era due to fairytales and over exaggerated fiction novels. When medieval knights roamed the earth, it was known that they were only human and, like humans, had faults. These knights did not always live up to the standards designated by society. However, in The Canterbury Tales, the knight is revealed as a character that would now be considered a knight in shining armor, a perfect role model in how he acts and what he does. Modern day people see them as chivalrous figures instead of their actual role as mounted cavalry soldiers. As time passes, the idea of what a knight is changes from a simple cavalry soldier to a specific type of behavior.

Several fictional works set in Arthurian times contain numerous similar elements, whether that be in the structure of its plot or encounters with mythical beings; however, one particular element of these tales stands out among the rest, that being the knights in the stories. Both chivalrous and virtuous, knights are the very embodiment of Arthurian mythology, and are a staple in many Arthurian legends. Their courageous acts of selflessness and loyalty to their lords only add to their reputation, inspiring many authors throughout the ages to capture their likeness in various texts; however, only one author has been able to truly capture what it means to be a knight, that author being the “Gawain Poet.” Also known as the “Pearl Poet,” the “Gawain Poet” is most known for his chivalric romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The story revolves around a central conflict in which the protagonist, Sir Gawain, must fulfill an agreement with a mysterious knight. Gawain’s “debt” must be repaid exactly one year after their agreement, and if Gawain should fail to do so, his honor and reputation would be tarnished. It is through his struggles that Gawain not only grows as a character, but also shows what it means to truly be a knight. Sir Gawain is the epitome of a knight because he is not only chivalrous and virtuous, but also stays true to his word in the face of danger.

More proof of Sir Gawain’s chivalrous and courageous character is evident when he arrives at Bercilak’s court. The people are honored that their guest is Sir Gawain, the most honored of all the knights on earth, even though Gawain describes himself as young and untested. They whisper to each other that Gawain, whose “courage is ever-constant” and “custom-pure,” will demonstrate and teach them his “command of manners” and “love’s language”(SGGK l. 912, 924, 927). The conversation of the household serves to provide proof of his Gawain's fine character.

This is shown through his highly complex and wonderfully crafted tale of his fight against Breca. The story stresses the importance of Beowulf’s prowess and ability as shown through the alliteration and imagery. In the story of Beowulf’s adventures against Breca, imagery is used to add validity to the story and make it seem realistic. The imagery is created by the heavy description. An example of this description is Beowulf saying “against the sea-beasts my body-amour, hard-linked and hammered…battle shirt bright with gold, decking my breast” (550); the choice of descriptive adjectives and colors make the story seem realistic. Because of the story appearing to be valid, Beowulf has added to his image. Also, the alliteration in lines 550-552, specifically between “hard-linked” and “hammered”, is used to add to the imagery. The alliteration improves the visual imagery by stressing the beauty of his armor. Beowulf’s story exemplifies his pride and

The legends and tales of the knights of King Arthur’s Round Table have resounded for ages—vivid stories of courageous and gallant knights usurping evil while simultaneously maintaining an upstanding reputation. Through the Arthurian tales, one has the opportunity to experience heroic narratives of exemplary models of knights who clearly illustrate the chivalry and honorability one should aspire to possess. No more evidently is this theme displayed than in the 14th century epic poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight—a narrative of Sir Gawain, nephew of the legendary King Arthur, and his heroic journey against a mysterious green knight. In this heroic journey, the inherent charisma Gawain possesses and is continually praised for affirms the

The day the quest of the Seven Swords began, the day in the Year of Our Lord 1488 when the cloaked stranger came to the High King’s court, Ridmark Arban showed his youngest son how to hold a sword. It surprised him how much he enjoyed spending time with his sons. Ridmark had not been close with his own father. Leogrance Arban had been a great and noble lord of Andomhaim, a man who had done his duty and done it well, but he had spared little time for his youngest son. As Ridmark grew older and experienced losses and griefs of his own, he came to understand that Leogrance had thrown himself into his duties after Ridmark’s mother had died. By then Ridmark had been a page at Dux Gareth Licinius’s court, and Dux Gareth had raised him more than Dux

The value of nobility in the middle ages can hardly be questioned. The majority of nobles lived a life of luxury, having riches beyond the wildest dreams of commoners. When one thinks of medieval knights, nobility is often comes to mind, but did knights have to be members of the noble class? Sir Thomas Malory’s “The Tale of Sir Gareth” examines this question and presents an interesting view as to the true value of a knight. Malory uses the actions of important characters to reveal his opinion that the nobility of a knight was secondary to his integrity, courage, and benevolence.

To what extent was William Marshall’s life as a knight different from other knights of the time? Invariably it was not that much different than those of his peers until his later life. The one thing that set him apart from other knights was his fierce dedication to loyalty.

Loyalty is very necessary for a knight, and Lancelot shows it vividly. Lancelot is not in a position that he is proud of when the problem comes, but he still works for what he believes in. Lancelot is facing a public trial in Camelot. Suddenly, Camelot is surrounded by the army of Malagant. He threated King Arthur to give him the city, or everybody will die. King Arthur starts the battle with Malagant’s army, and he gets shoots in his chest four times by crossbow. Lancelot goes into the crown, and he fights with Malagant who is also really good at sword. It is a really tough fight, so both of them gets injured. He does not give up, and he kills Malagant eventually. Lancelot is not trusted by King Arthur at the time when Camelot is invaded, because he is caught kissing Guinevere. He may be killed by King Arthur, and he can just run away due to the enormous chaos in the city at that tie. But he remembers that he is a knight, and he cannot fail the people in Camelot. So he picks up a sword, and helps people to defend their city. When he is fighting with Malagant, he tries to save an old man under the brutal broadsword of a knight of Malagant. He gets injured because of this action. All Lancelot has done shows everyone that he has loyalty to the city, Camelot, and his lord, King Arthur.