Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Beowulf
“My body, but for your blood, is barren of worth; And tis I have asked for this folly not fit for a King.”
These are the words of a true hero. One who is willing to sacrifice his own existence for the life of another. These are the words and actions of Sir Gawain, a character from the beloved British tale, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Beowulf, another character from an ancient British epic entitled, Beowulf, is also portrayed as a
“hero.” But Beowulf’s heroism factor does not even compare to Sir Gawain’s. The difference between Beowulf and Sir Gawain, is that Sir Gawain is a real hero, and
Beowulf just thinks he is.
The two heroes can be compared in many ways. A major
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But Sir Gawain, along with his muscular build, contains a strong and stable heart.
Sir Gawain and Beowulf’s morals and values can not be compared so easily, though. The two heroes’ ethics contrast each other greatly. Beowulf seems to have little morals that he lives by. His pride in himself and loyalty to his country are surely characteristics of a hero, but it seems throughout the whole epic poem he boasts about how wonderful he is, which was one of the main reasons I did not like him. Sir Gawain never shows a sign of arrogance, only selflessness, honesty, and his loyalty to the code of Chivalry. Beowulf almost seems barbaric, going out to conquer the monster so he can add to his list of over-exaggerated achievements. Sir Gawain sticks to his word, and seeks out the Green Knight as promised, like a true hero would.
There is no doubt that Beowulf has the history and accomplishments of a hero. He
“drove five giants into chains,” and defeated the man-eating swamp creature, Grendel. But in Beowulf’s story there is not one line in which he shows the strengths of his own heart.
Of course we can argue this against Sir Gawain, saying that he did not give the green girdle to his host as he promised. But Sir Gawain did refuse to accept the host’s wife, and he does give the dagger to his host also. Sir Gawain also kept true to his vow to find the Green Knight and receive his beheading. Both Sir Gawain and
The inconsistencies in Sir Gawain’s identity become blatantly clear when contextualized within the literary tradition that established Gawain as fundamentally chivalrous.
I think that Sir Gawain was quick to agree. I think he made many decisions before he thought them out. He made a promise to the Green Chapel that he would seek him out in a year that way the Green Chapel could take the same blow. It was good that Sir Gawain wanted to step in for his King, but there is no way that he could have known if he would be able to keep his promise. When he met the other man, he made promises to him that he actually couldn’t keep. After allowing Sir Gawain to stay with them, he asks Sir Gawain "You have sworn to serve me, whatever I instruct. Will you hold to that oath right here and now?" (Page 160, line 1089-90). He tells this guy that he will do anything for him. The man asks him to give him all rewards that he gets,
Beowulf’s cruelty is never seen as such (except by Grendel’s mother), and that leads him to become an undefeated hero in the eyes of the people
Every epic hero possesses certain heroic characteristics. The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is the hero. He shows that he is a great man by always putting other things before his own needs. He is important and needed by his people and is known by many as a strong, courageous and a helpful person. He shows all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses.
The most heroic of traits within Beowulf is that he is not afraid to die. He always explains his death wishes before going into battle and requests to have any assets delivered to his people. “…and if death takes me…send to Hyglac the best of war clothes that protects my breasts, finest of male shirts. It is a legacy of Hrethel, the works of Weland. Fate always goes as it must.” He is aware of the heroic paradox; he will be glorified in life or death for his actions. He knows that when he fights an enemy like Grendel or Grendel’s mother he will achieve immortality as the victor or the loser. “I resolved when I sat down in the sea-boat with my men, that I should fulfill the will of your people or else fall in slaughter. I shall achieve a dead of manly
Sir Gawain could be the noblest knight in all the land and he still made a mistake. When it came time to face the Green Knight, what was ultimately offered was mercy. Gawain received a nick on his neck for making the mistake of not giving the Lord the green girdle he received, breaking the deal they had, and still walking away with his life. Gawain was extremely hard on himself for breaking his word, as a knight he is expected to be honorable at all times. Because of this reputation it was hard for Sir Gawain to accept that he made a mistake. Because of this, he took the green girdle to wear as a symbol of his fault and was honored by his fellow knights because of
Sacrifice is a quality that many people choose to ignore. But Sir Gawain magnified this virtue to its extent, even to the brink of death. When the Green Knight challenged the knights of King Arthur for a game, and King Arthur volunteered, it was Sir Gawain who stepped in. Gawain takes on the Green Knight game and goes for the blow. Gawain chops off the Green Knight’s head, but in shocking disbelief, the Green Knight picks up his head and gives a speech. The Green Knight then instructs Gawain to get his way to the Green Chapel to receive his blow in return. Lines (347-350) states, “For I find it
In 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. Sir Gawain is also willing to rise during moments of trouble within his court but lacks the altruism that is inherent in Beowulf's leadership. Although there are many pursuable comparisons within the two tales, the most apparent between the two heroes are that of faith, the men who encouraged them, bravery and the
Gawain knows that he has become unloyal and never wants to forget to be unloyal ever again. This shows that Gawain's
Despite the guide’s convincing statements, Gawain continues on. Here, Gawain values honor more than his life. This is one side of Gawain; the side that believes the importance of duty surpasses that of one’s life. On the other side is a frightened Gawain that believes the gift of life is greater in value to the honor one may receive. A known example of this is when he accepts the girdle from Lady Bertilak, believing it may offer him protection. Knowing how Gawain thinks, he still would have gone on had he not taken an extra precaution. However, an opportunity to save his life is too good to pass, especially when he is close to death, and he snatches it up.
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
Beowulf exhibits many obvious heroic qualities, such as his strength and confidence in battle. These along with more subtle diplomatic actions serve to define him as both a great warrior and leader.
You really have to look back to grasp what exactly Gawain was putting at risk when he stood up to the challenge to save King Arthur. Not only was his pride and reputation at stake here, but his life as well. And he was the only one of Arthur's court who stood up. He could have just as easily been content to let Arthur have his go, but he showed such vidality and courage by coming forward. ( King Arthur had to since he was the King and had to stand up for his court or be put to shame.)
Although Gawain and Beowulf share many similarities, their characters are almost complete opposites. Both aim for some sort of fame, one more than the other; differing in the way they attempt to achieve this success. Gawain remains true and looks to humility to guide him, whereas Beowulf is very prideful and selfish, loving nothing more than boasting about his virtues. Regardless, both go through tremendous changes throughout their quests, dealing with repercussions, and many challenging obstacles along the way.
As Sir Gawain presses on in his search for the Green Chapel, he faces numerous physical challenges. Yet he overcomes them all to the point that "to tell but the tenth part would tax my wits" (1719) as he has countless battles with serpents, wolves, and the like. The true challenges come after he arrives at Bercilak's castle. There, he is tempted three times by Lady Bercilak's advances--yet he does not give in to her advances, nor spurn her completely in an uncourtly manner. Further, he does not accept her gift of the ring which she offers as a remembrance. However, when she offers her green girdle, proclaiming its properties of protection: