Introduction: A hero is an individual willing to risk his own life for the greater good. Background: In the poem Beowulf, the main protagonist, Beowulf himself, demonstrated the qualities that make a great epic hero. On the other hand, Sir Gawain, the main protagonist of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, exhibits traits that hail a chivalrous hero. These poems reflect the heroism of the character through the rich culture that their society possesses, as shown in the progression of their respective stories. Thesis Statement: Both poems begin with the need to face a very strong and powerful opponent and through their virtues they are able to defeat him in both extraordinary ways. Although “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” have different notions of the hero, both Beowulf and Sir Gawain possess multiple similarities in their virtues that refine and encourage their characters to overcome the challenges they encounter. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Topic Sentence: Beowulf is presented with respect and high esteem. Evidence and Citation: The narrator introduces Beowulf as a “noble and mighty” warrior (Beowulf 198), indicating that his legacy deserves praise. As a hero, loyalty is one of the virtues that affirms that of an individual. This is a trait that Beowulf definitely displays during his first meeting with Hrothgar and thus, he proves that such virtue cannot be measured even by blood relations. Beowulf assures Hrothgar that he “will have to fight against the demon and fight for life, enemy against enemy” (Beowulf 439-40). Comment: His promise shows a deep commitment, to the point of claiming someone else's enemy as his own. This loyalty becomes a moral support between him and Hrothgar, reinforced by an unbreakable loyalty as strong as kinship itself. Pledging allegiance to the king shows that Beowulf is showing selflessness in order to complete the promised task. Topic Sentence: Like Beowulf, Sir Gawain shows that it takes sincere loyalty to be able to put one's own life on the line to protect one's king. As a knight from the famous Round Table, Sir Gawain is proud to be a member and lives by the code of a chivalrous hero. His loyalty is tested when the Green Knight visits their party and mocks Arthur's house to strike a blow (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 309-15). As king, Arthur has a duty to protect his people. Evidence and Quote: Sir Gawain recognizes the immediate danger their kingdom finds itself in, for if Arthur's life is endangered, so are those of his people. Sir Gawain offers his own life for Arthur saying that "many brave men sit in their places around you." . . of unrivaled and unrivaled temperament as warriors on the battlefield. I am the weakest of them, I know, and the most dull of spirit, so my death would be the least loss” (Beowulf 343-61). Commentary: In his speech, he states that since his life is not as important as the king's and he welcomes the consequences he might face as he takes on the responsibility of confronting the Green Knight. His speech also demonstrates his humility, a trait that is also evident throughout the poem. He recognizes that he does not deserve any special attention simply because he is related to the king by blood; therefore being considered a knight ready to sacrifice his life for the good of his people. Topic Sentence: The loyalty of these two heroes guided them and set a moral standard for their characters. A promise is a contract concluded like insuranceof the delivery of a certain act which must be accomplished. In Beowulf, the hero boasts of his successes and swears his ability to fight his adversaries. In an age where oral contracts are considered as important as the reputation of the man himself, Beowulf never lets his followers down, no matter when he declares his intention.Evidence and Quote: Before fighting Grendel with his allegiance to Hrothgar, he promised that he would "fulfill the wishes of your [Hrothgar's] people, or be slain" (Beowulf 634-35). He declares that he is ready to give his best in this battle, even at the risk of his own life. This promise, if not kept, will, however, tarnish his name and honor even if he manages to live, like Unferth's attempt to humiliate and discourage him by recounting Beowulf's "loss" to competition from Breca (Beowulf 449-528). Nevertheless, Beowulf demonstrates loyalty and reliability by killing the enemies who terrorize the Danes. Commentary: Although Beowulf could be seen as bragging, he is truly creating an oral contract between himself and his followers. He reassures them that he has the strength and combat experience to keep his promise. Evidence and Citation: Sir Gawain also emphasizes the importance of honoring verbal contracts. After his fateful encounter with the Green Knight, the rest of the year passed quickly, especially for him. The tension grows not only within himself but also with the people around him as the match gets closer day by day. Despite the pressure, he showed the other knights that the promise he had made was something he had to face "whether it be kind or harsh/A man's fate must be judged" (Sire Gawain and the Green Knight 564-65). Commentary: He recognizes that even when he is about to face death, it is a knight's duty to fulfill his promise. He commits to his duty to represent the Round Table, affirms their reputation, and serves as a role model to display the ideal qualities of a brave knight. Topic Sentence: Courage is persistent throughout the stories. This gives heroes the strength to face challenges in all forms. Beowulf's adventures begin with a willingness to face uncertainty with great confidence that he will have a chance. Evidence and Quote: Without courage, Beowulf would not be considered a hero because to be a hero is to be selfless, regardless of the consequences. Towards the end of Beowulf, the hero's abilities are tested again. As king, Beowulf promises that he will “seek a quarrel and do a glorious deed” (Beowulf 2513-14) toward his people. Comment: He shows courage despite his great age and willingly goes to fight the dragon himself. Thus, he always seeks the best for his people. When Sir Gawain comes to Arthur's defense, he already shows great courage. Evidence and Quote: Throughout the poem, Sir Gawain's virtues are tested, particularly his courage. Because he gives in to the temptation to use the belt to protect himself from the ax blow, his courage and bravery are severely tested. In the end, what got him over his loss was the courage to admit his wrongs and confess his deceit. He admitted that "the fear of your blow taught me cowardice." . . now I am false and unworthy. . . let me regain your trust” (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 2379-88). He shows remorse for his act and cowardice which caused him to lose his faith and his honor. Commentary: His ability to gather strength despite his circumstances is inspiring in that courage motivates an individual to find the honesty and humility within themselves to overcome the challenges they face,..