Hero In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

Hero. A term that has a variety of different meanings. However, what images emerge when you hear the word hero? To some, heroes look divergent according to their circumstances. In modern time, a hero might look like a sturdy man or woman who wears a cape and accomplishes an audacious act. In the Old English poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight we see a beautifully illustrated account of a hero. However, this hero looks miraculously different than that of a modern time hero. What does a true hero look like? An authentic hero displays significant amounts of courage, perseveres through gruesome battles, and always prevails.

First, a real hero demonstrates significant amounts of courage. In the poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight , the

peculiar green knight gallantly parades through the hall and quickly makes his way to the high dais. Upon his arrival, he demands that a young knight or anyone of high accompaniment deals him a blow with his own personal axe. However, whomever deals this blow must return a complete year later to receive a wallop from the Green Knight. Many of the knights sit in silence, waiting in hopes that one of their peers would have the courage to stand up and take on the challenge. In marvelous glory, Sir Gawain rises and confidently agrees to attempt the daring act. Jessie L. Weston writes of the heroic moment like this: “Gawain gripped his axe and raised it on high, the left foot he set forward on the floor, and let the blow fall lightly on the bare neck. The sharp edge of the blade sundered the bones, smote through the neck, and clove it in two, so that the edge of the steel bit on the ground, and the fair head fell to the earth that many struck it with their feet as it rolled forth (pg. 9).” As seen in the previous quote, Sir Gawain displays an extraordinary amount of heroism and courage. Sir Gawain rises in boldness and tackles the task, a characteristic of a true hero.
Secondly, a true hero perseveres through many long and gruesome battles. As stated before, Sir Gawain’s covenant included returning to the Green Knight to receive his painful blow. However, finding his arch enemy wouldn't be an easy task. The journey is described in this manner: “Many a cliff did he climb in that unknown land, where afar from his friends he rode as a stranger. Never did he come to a stream or a ford but he found a foe before him, and that one so marvelous, so foul and fell, that it behooved him to fight…. Sometimes he fought with dragons and wolves; sometimes with wild men that dwelt in the rocks; (pg. 15).” Sir Gawain toils with danger in many instances, but continues to fulfill his covenant with the Green Knight. Christopher Reeves powerfully declares, “ a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Sir Gawain is a perfect illustration of the previous quote. Sir Gawain, an authentic hero.

Finally, a true hero always prevails.

After toiling long and hard, Sir Gawain aspires for a place to stay and rest before he finally discovers the Green Knight. Suddenly, there is a castle off in the distance. The people gladly greet him. The headmaster introduces Sir Gawain to everyone in the castle, including his special lady and the older woman that watches over him. In Sir Gawain’s time spent in the castle, the headmaster strikes a deal with Sir Gawain. He proposes that the men of the castle, go out and hunt for three days, while Sir Gawain stays behind. The headmaster’s special lady tends to him and at the end of the day both men would exchange their winnings. During this time, Sir Gawain and the special lady spark a love for one another. On the third day, the special lady gives Sir Gawain a gift, a girdle. At the end of the three days, the mighty men exchange their winnings however, Sir Gawain didn't tell the complete truth and hand over all of his winnings. Finally, the time comes for Sir Gawain to go seek out the Green Knight. He finds the Green Knight, and to his surprise, he strikes him three times instead of the promised one blow. He quickly realizes that the Green Knight is the headmaster of the castle and notices that the Green Knight or the headmaster knows about the affair with the special lady. The Green Knight understood that Sir Gawain didn't exchange the girdle that was given to him by the special lady. In his repetitive spirit, Sir Gawain decides to adorn himself with the girdle as a reminder of the shame and previous bad decisions he had made. In this way, Sir Gawain overcomes and prevails over his bad decisions. He understands his mistakes and chooses to make it right. A true hero knows his wrong doing and isn't afraid to admit them. Thus, Sir Gawain is a true

hero.
An authentic hero displays significant amounts of courage, perseveres through gruesome battles, and always prevails. What does a hero mean to you now?