Essay Comparing Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

Chivalrous knights, noble kings, fierce dragons, and helpless maidens commonly symbolize medieval heroism. The epic poem, Beowulf, named after the hero, relates the tale of an extraordinary Geat, who destroys monsters, battles a dragon, and protects his people. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain, the protagonist, humbly offers his services and valiantly embarks on a perilous quest, determined to keep his word. Written by Geoffrey Chaucer, The Knight’s Tale, part of the frame-narrative, The Canterbury Tales, follows the love story of two knights, who yearn for one fair maiden. In all three stories, the characters portray heroic qualities, such as sacrifice, bravery, and perseverance, but also suffer from pride, dishonesty, and foolishness.

Although not necessarily for identical reasons, all heroes act sacrificially.

For example, Beowulf, a Geat, travelled to a foreign country, Denmark, in order to help the terrified people and further his personal fame. Upon his party’s arrival, Beowulf single-handedly slayed Grendel and later, Grendel’s mother. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, valiant Sir Gawain, unwilling to allow King Arthur to harm himself, stepped forward and proclaimed, “This foolish business fits my station, not yours: let me play this green man’s game.” Duke Theseus, from The Knight’s Tale, offered himself to avenge weeping women, whom he stumbled across. “He swore upon his honour as a knight, he would put forth the utmost of his might, so to avenge them on the tyrant Creon.” While Beowulf presented himself to promote his glory, Sir Gawain and Duke Theseus offered their services out of selfless

sacrifice.
Customarily, true heroes are perceived as brave figures. Bravery is certainly a defining characteristic of Beowulf, who, lacking no self-esteem, boldly asserted, “Let me live in greatness and courage, or here in this hall welcome my death!” On another occasion, the Danes were commanded, by their queen, to, “Celebrate his courage.” Along Sir Gawain’s perilous journey, “His faith saved him, and his courage, and his faith in God.” Facing a challenger, whose head could be severed and reattached, required extraordinary courage on the part of Sir Gawain. Additionally, Duke Theseus is described as a knight of “Generalship and Bravery.” Clearly, all three men display the heroic trait of courage.
As each hero’s journey progressed, their perseverance only seemed to increase.

Describing a previous challenge, Beowulf claimed, “What man, anywhere under Heaven’s high arch, has fought in such darkness, endured more misery or been harder pressed? Yet I survived the sea.” Throughout the poem, Beowulf is typified by the same perseverance. Sir Gawain’s quest to locate the Green Knight, definitely tested his endurance. Still, “In danger and hardship Gawain stayed alone, riding until Christmas Eve.” Although not the heroes in The Knight’s Tale, two predominant characters, Palamon and Arcita, exhibited the heroic quality of perseverance through their fierce and constant battle for the beautiful maiden, Emily. Regardless of their purpose, characters in each tale displayed heroic

perseverance.
The individuals from Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and the Knight’s Tale all displayed various heroic qualities, including sacrifice, bravery, and perseverance. Despite their positive attributes, these heroes also possessed fatal flaws. For example, Beowulf’s pride eventually led to his demise. Additionally, Sir Gawain’s dishonesty undermined his nobility and overall heroism. Beowulf’s superhuman strength, Sir Gawain’s magic girdle, and Duke Theseus’ chivalrous actions offered only limited protection. Pride in their autonomy and personal merit practically assured their downfall. Although not superhuman like Beowulf, a knight like Gawain, or a Duke like Theseus, heroic qualities should be desired and prideful downfalls discouraged by all.