Goods and Good Deeds
How does each society define a hero? How do these characters measure up to expectations? Do they have similar flaws and virtues? How might we understand each culture by looking at these stories of valor and honor?
In the Anglo-Saxon community, where Beowulf comes from, a hero is someone reliable, had the courage, and was an intellectual (Tolkien,2016). Beowulf is a warrior who protects society from attacks from other kingdoms. Warriors in the Anglo Saxon were expected to be loyal, courageous, and intelligent while in the war. While the definition of a hero, according to the Society where Sir Gawain came from, a hero was someone brave, admirable to all, and most importantly, a noble person (Burrow,2019)). In Sir Gawain’s time, the green knight challenges his uncle to a fight. Gawain steps up and fights on behalf of his uncle King Arthur. Beowulf fights sea monsters, and his strength is likened to that of 30 men. Sir Gawain is portrayed as strong and intelligent despite accepting the green sash. He remains a hero to his people for his acts of courage.
He is humble and has honored even rejects the kingship given to him. Beowulf goes in pursuit of the dragon all by himself, and this proves his courage and braveness. Sir Gawain has proved to be brave by standing up and fighting against the invaders of the castle. Sir Gawain is a man of honor. He still goes in search of the enemy (Green Chapel) even after knowing he had been tricked. This shows that he was very courageous. He treats situations with honor and doesn’t disrespect anyone (Putter,2014). The two heroes have similar virtues, as they both prove that they are humble and brave. In terms of flaws, Sir Gawain is seen to put his trust in God aside and believe in the green sash given to him by the lady from the castle for protection. Beowulf is seen to be having a flaw of being self-oriented in that he wants to fight alone against the monsters. He is critiqued by many for wanting to have his way in wars. He is also greedy for treasure and dies, gazing on the wealth he had attained (Tolkien,2016). We can understand that culture shapes the heroes we become. Heroes are described by their actions in the communities they stay in or kingdoms they fight for.
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References
Burrow, J. A. (2019). A reading of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Vol. 5). Routledge.
Putter, A. (2014). An Introduction to the Gawain-poet. Routledge.
Tolkien, J. R. R. (2016). Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics. London.