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King Arthur, Sir Gawain And Beowulf: The Germanic Heroic Code

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The Germanic Heroic Code valued strength, courage, and loyalty in warriors; hospitality, generosity, and political skill in Kings; ceremoniousness in women, and good reputation in all people. Three men, King Arthur, Sir Gawain, and Beowulf, all from the time between 1000 and 1500 A.D. manifested their parts of these requirements. King Arthur, Sir Gawain, and Beowulf all fulfilled, or didn’t fulfill the requirements for the Germanic Heroic code in different ways.
King Arthur satisfied his duty in the Germanic Heroic Code. King Arthur shows hospitality and generosity in the beginning of the book, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, by holding a long feast for all the noblemen and ladies at Christmas time and New Year’s. He prepared much food and drink, and did not take part of the food up until all his guests had been served. King Arthur also maintained much political skill. His well-ordered palace, round table, and mighty Knights at Camelot indicated his ability to be prepared for battle whenever any country or dominion might declare war. The author of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight plainly stated that “it were hard now to name so valiant a hero”. …show more content…

He always manifested strength, courage, and loyalty the good part of the time. When the Green Knight challenged the court at Camelot, Sir Gawain readily agreed to the contest after the King attempted. The task at hand was fearful, and courageous Gawain rose to the test. Later, as he was completing the task, he traveled over large distances in cold and wind, showing his great strength. While Sir Gawain maintained these aspects, at the end of the story, he failed in loyalty to the Green Knight by shying away from the duty at hand. Eventually, in the end he succeeded in his task, but with humiliation and

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