Compare And Contrast Beowulf And Sir Gawain

A hero is someone who is idealized for his courage and noble qualities. Beowulf and Sir Gawain can certainly be called heroes. Both possess very similar traits that consider them noble men, warriors, and heroes. These epics give a look at medieval heroism during two different time periods. Each is about an epic hero that embark on a long journey with many obstacles and challenges drove by some sort of motivation and goal. Sir Gawain and Beowulf have certain qualities that are exhibited more than others but both possess similar qualities that make them heroes whose actions can teach a lesson or two.
Beowulf’s perceived greatest quality as an epic hero can be considered his bravery and courage. During the time period of Beowulf men often boasted

about their true worth in society while proving their masculinity through their actions. So Beowulf new he was brave, enjoyed boasting about how brave he is, and would on to prove it. He first demonstrates this trait after the attacks of Grendel on King Hrothgar’s mead hall that killed thirty Danish warriors (Ashliman).

Once he heard about Grendel he immediately ordered a boat, announced his plan to set out for the king, and enlisted the best men he could find. Upon arrival, he addresses the Queen with “I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in the attempt, in the fiend’s clutches” (634-636). Basically saying, he is going to defend the Danes with all his might or die trying. He exhibits this kind of behavior throughout this epic, risking his life to prove himself. He even takes his bravery a step further by saying he will take on the beast that is Grendel with his bare hands giving up his sword and shield. He seems to take things to the extreme just to prove how strong and brave he is. But never the less, he defeats the beast. Sure enough, proving his strength and bravery with nothing but his bare hands. Later on, they are attacked again, this time by Grendel’s mother. But Beowulf was not around to defend them at the time. Once he heard the news, Beowulf came to the people he already once saved from further terror. He once again announces his plan to save the people by going after Grendel’s mother. He

embarks on this journey knowing a chance of death awaits him but never slowing him down from keeping his word that Grendel’s mother will not escape. Beowulf goes on to do just that, he finds the mother of Grendel and kills her. Proving his courage and securing his glory. After fifty years of rein, an attack on his home occurred, the throne room of the Geats. This attack was from a dragon, without hesitation, he planned his revenge. Even after all these years, now being old and wise, the fact of his bravery never changed. This time his attack did not go as well, they killed the dragon but Beowulf suffered. He was badly wounded and was killed by a deadly poison. Though bravery is seemed to be and is, for a few clear reasons, his greatest quality it ultimately gets him killed.
Sir Gawain’s greatest quality is perceived to be his honor and chivalry.

He prides himself on the pentangle that is painted on his shield. It is considered to be a token of loyalty, with many different meanings behind it (Morgan). One set of five meant more to him than most other men, “Friendship and fraternity with fellow men, purity and politeness that impressed at all times, and pity, which surpassed all pointedness” (652-654). Gawain displays these characteristics throughout this epic. At the beginning of this epic, at Christmas, an unexpected visitor enters King Arthur’s court. A green night that many considered to be half giant. The green night came in and gave a challenge to anyone brave enough to accept it. The game was, as the night said, “To strike me one and be struck in return” (287). The acceptor of the challenge gets a free hit on the knight with his axe in exchange, one year later, a hit in return or you are considered to be dishonorable man that does not keep his word. Sir Gawain requests to be chosen for this game, King Arthur accepts this request and gives Gawain the game. With the first strike, Gawain severs the knight’s head completely off. Seemingly far from phased, the Green Night picks up his head and mounts his horse. Before he rides out, he reminds Gawain he must keep his word and find him at the Green Chapel. So in a year’s time, he embarks on this journey. Upon arrival, he is met by the lord and master of the castle who greets him gracefully.

Unknowingly the lord of this castle is the Green Night, playing this game to test Gawain’s inner worth and honor. Each day the lord leaves to go hunting, whatever he wins in the woods will be given to Gawain, and what Gawain gains while he is gone, he gives to the lord. During the time Gawain spends in the castle the lord’s wife asks to have her way with him. He denies the request in a very honorable way to not offend the hostess. Saying he is honored that someone so worthy would take the time to accompany him. The lady realizes that he is truly honorable and noble, so she leaves him with just a kiss (Kolomeyskaya). As promised, during the exchanging of winnings, he gives the kisses to the lord his wife gave him. On the final night of exchanging winnings, the wife presents Gawain with a green girdle that is said to protect him from the Green Night. During the exchange he fails to tell the master about the girdle. He is called out on his mistake by the Green Night during the final meeting and punishes with only a slight cut on his neck. Sir Gawain was given a lesson on honor, what was perceived to be his greatest quality. Even a man as noble has him was not able to stay honorable when it came down to his life and this fault would forever be stuck in his heart.
Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Night, both contain different characters, settings, and plot. This being said, they do share very similar themes. In both epics there is a main hero that is given certain traits and skills that equip them to embrace all challenges that they face. Themes of heroism and the epic journey, as well as a seemingly never ending battle between good and evil. Also, sharing similar characteristics. Both are very noble and respected, courageous, and passionate about their personal honor (Cal State LA) No matter the circumstance both, Gawain and Beowulf, at the end of the day will risk everything for the honor of their lords and others. The characters are represented as ideal with behaviors that should be admired and somewhat mimicked to advance in society. Each epic can teach very similar lessons. One, understanding a challenge and its circumstances before taking it on or choosing your battles. For example, Beowulf, even being the age he was after his reign of so long, going in to battle with no fear of his high possibility of death. Also, Sir Gawain, accepting the challenge of a beheading game with an immortal night. Secondly, nobody is perfect, stay humble. Both of them learned this lesson the hard way. As soon as you think you’ve got everything figured out and you think failure is something not know by you, you will be humbled.