Comparing The Hero In Beowulf And Sir Gawain

What is a Hero?

What is a hero? Merriam Webster defines a hero as being a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities. What are those noble qualities? They are bravery, selflessness, and strength. Two heroes, Beowulf and Sir Gawain, exemplify these traits while the "hero" Arcita fails to do so.

First is the hero Beowulf. In his time, he served as a valiant hero and, eventually, king. He heard tell of a monster that appeared in the night and caused much sorrow for all the deaths he wrought. Despite the fact that this monster terrorized a kingdom far from his, Beowulf quickly ordered a strong ship built and set sail for this other kingdom. He then waited for the monster, at the risk of his own life, in a great hall. Even though he may die, he still is willing to try and defeat the monster. Beowulf exemplifies incredible bravery as well, by attempting to defeat the monster with only his bare hands. Later, he even goes after the beast's mother, who lives in the

murky depths. Beowulf also displayed wondrous moral strength. As a hero, he never performed heroic deeds out of greed but out of the kindness of his heart, with no thought of reward. As a king, he never allowed himself to be corrupted by gold or greed. Beowulf clearly portrays the traits of a hero.
Second is the hero Sir Gawain. His selflessness revealed itself when he volunteered to take King Arthur's place and challenge the Green Knight. Gawain's bravery showed itself many times, first, in accepting the Green Knight's challenge, second, embarking on a dangerous journey, and finally being willing to complete his end of the bargain with the Green Knight. Gawain's strength also showed itself several times. Sir Gawain displayed mighty moral strength. Three times the Green Knight's wife tried to seduce the Arthur's nephew, and three times Gawain stood his ground. Then, also, he kept his covenant with the Green Knight and confessed readily and humbly when caught lying. Sir Gawain perfectly displays the traits of a hero.
Last is the "hero" Arcita.

Arcita first portrayed his lacked of selflessness by attempting to kill his friend in a forest sword fight. Also, his selflessness resulted in a great battle for a princess in which many gained injuries. Bravery is another trait Arcita lacked. Instead of confessing love for the princess and asking forgiveness from Theseus, Arcita disguised himself, lied about his name, and gained a job close to the princess. While Arcita may have possessed some physical strength he held no moral strength, willing to kill his friend for a girl and lying to get close to her. Arcita certainly does not portray the aspects of a hero.

Beowulf and Sir Gawain exemplify the true characteristics of a hero, bravery, selflessness, and strength, while Arcita possesses none of these. In today's world the definition of a hero has become twisted and sometimes corrupt. It is important to realize how a true hero acts, what he does and does not do. Heroes should be more like Gawain and less like

Arcita.