Archetypes In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

When referring to archaic writing, it is clear to see the recurring archetypes and symbols throughout plots and situations. Understandably, certain patterns involving such motifs have continued through centuries, resulting in various works based around the same monomythic template with slight variations. All the big movie titles we love, Aladdin, Shrek, even, Sharknado contain more than traces of these archetypal patterns, consisting of a hero, a mentor, a dark figure and so on. Prime examples of this archetypal plot structure, with their own unique adaptations, may be found within the two poetic narratives Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Aside from their completely disparate backgrounds and morals, both works include and follow the monomythic journey, as perceived by Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, as well as in the secondary works of others who have helped to further our understanding of this analytical method. This generalization, however, is shifted when one dissects further into these two pieces of literature. As in the majority of monomythic quest narratives, the protagonist often practices and displays the characteristics of courage, loyalty, humility

and valor while also upholding cultural values; however, the inspiration behind this behavior by the protagonist may vary from story to story. In Beowulf, the protagonist upholds these traits primarily for his pride and pleasure. On the other hand, in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the protagonist fulfills these characteristics in order to stay true to the code of chivalry, not simply to further his own ends. When looking deeper into these two poetic narratives, one finds that the shift of paradigms becomes more obvious to the reader, supporting the idea that varying backgrounds influence writings and their overall meaning.
As the standard introduction in writings based on the monomythic template, the protagonist resides in, or is aware of, a people or society that is being threatened or provoked. Here, the reader is introduced to various archetypes that initiate “the call” to action for the protagonist--the reason behind the journey. In Beowulf, the protagonist Beowulf becomes aware of an issue occurring across the North Sea in Daneland. As a notable brute in his homeland, Beowulf egotistically believes he can alleviate the dilemma that has transpired across the sea and pursues “the call”. By this point, Beowulf has encountered a plethora of archetypes seen throughout other pieces of literature, including the herald, the threshold, the threshold guardian and the devil figure. Similar to this, in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the Green Knight enters Camelot in search of a worthy knight to partake in a game originally conceived in the mind of the narrative’s devil figure, Morgain. Initially, the offer does not receive any response until Sir Gawain stands to take the place of King Arthur, thus accepting the call. As protagonists, it is almost obligatory to respond to the call however the motives behind their actions differ. As a thane domiciled in a world revolving around brute strength and Norse culture, Beowulf acts primarily for self-fulfillment and glory towards his manhood; supporting the idea that individuals from this culture often emphasized the significance of defending one’s honor and reputation, resulting in strong, boastful characters. Unlike Beowulf, residing in the romantic age of chivalry and proper edicate, Sir Gawain pursues his journey to display the high cultural values seen throughout medieval Europe.
As both poetic narratives progress further into the monomythic plot structure, the themes and conflicts become more prevalent and understandable to the audience.

Although arguably different at first glance, the conflict in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight would be the strong internal conflict that the protagonists experience throughout the entirety of each narrative. Beowulf simply disregards all advice presented to him in hopes of swaying his egotistical nature, which in turn results in his demise. Sir Gawain, on the other hand, dishonors the code of chivalry and Camelot by showcasing the true coward that lay beneath his facade. Synonymous in general, the internal conflicts the protagonists experience result in divergent resolutions and emotions for each

character.