Heroic Qualities In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight And Beowulf

Chivalry and Heroic Qualities How would define a hero? What qualities do you believe are utilized in describing heroic behavior? According to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, a hero is, “a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” Characteristics such as these are included under the Chivalric Code of Honor used in many Middle English poems such as, “The Canterbury Tales”, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, and “Beowulf”. The main characters in all of these books are heroic and possess admirable qualities. “Beowulf” is an epic poem written around 700 A.D concerning a hero named Beowulf from Geatland which is current day Sweden. Beowulf’s epic expedition was to assist the Danes in conquering a demon named Grendel and later to defeat Grendel’s mother in her attempt to get revenge. Beowulf

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight stated that, “All of his trust upon earth was in the five wounds that Christ bare on the cross.” A hero gains his power through Jesus Christ and serves God. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight stated, “Had he not been a doughty knight, enduring, and of well-proved valour, and a servant of God, doubtless he had been slain, for he was oft in danger of death.” A hero trusts in God always, no matter what feats he endeavors and no matter what will happen. A hero remains brave because he trusts in God.

Additionally, the author of Beowulf states, “Beowulf sought out the dragon, dared it into battle, but could never know what God had decreed.” Sir Gawain and the Green Knight portrays the gallant knight receiving all his power from God and placing his trust in God when he faced difficulties. Sir Gawain emulated Christ’s behavior. “ The hero used frankness and fellowship above all, purity and courtesy that never failed him, and compassion that surpasses all; and in these five virtues was that hero wrapped and