The Shift of Societal Values: An Analysis of Hero's and Their Culture

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Beowulf hail from different time periods and societies. Written in Middle English and Old English respectively, the authors of both epics remain unknown. However, historians know the culture and societal values would influence the authors' accounts and tales. While written in different countries and time periods, Beowulf and Sir Gawain, as heroes, are similar in morality, yet differ in religion and the definition of civility. Therefore, in order to be heroes, one ought to follow not only what their culture dictates, but they should also be moral by following a set of rules that are universally accepted as ethical. This is important to understanding the effect of cultural influences on people and what humans value as necessary qualities to possess.

To begin, Beowulf represents the warrior culture he lives in through his quest for fame and the dilemmas he faces. For starters, he is a product of his environment. Beowulf as a warrior decides to "not cut [Grendel's] life short with a slashing sword" (679-680). His reason is that it is "too simple a business" (680). Beowulf desires the fame that will come with killing a monster with brute strength that most men could not with the help of modern technology. These are qualities that the Germanic heroic code instills in its followers. He also boasts about his encounters with sea monsters when he recounts, "Weird saves oft the man undoomed if undaunted he be," (572-3). The theme of fate in the Germanic society appears in Beowulf's speech. Similarly, he claims that he remains "undaunted" even though he faces nine sea monsters. The idea of fearlessness even in most certain death are qualities the warrior code requires. The part of the universal heroic code...

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...ne of the best his society has to offer, represents the Germanic code in all aspects of life. From the quest of gold to kingly duties, Beowulf fulfils all the warrior discipline asks without fail. On the other hand, Sir Gawain equally carries out his duties as a chivalrous knight. He follows the code to a tee and prays continually. Through their full embodiment of their society, the reader can compare and contrast to the heroes to learn about their culture. It is interesting to see that the only difference arises regarding fame and wealth. Therefore, over time cultures and societies, that are close in distance to allow for the exchange of ideas, may only see a shift in civility and religion, but not moral values such as loyalty, honesty and leadership. All in all, Beowulf and Sir Gawain represent their societies and codes through their actions, virtues, and values.