Beowulf and Sir Gawain a Comparison of Two Heroes Essay

In Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight there are two heroes that help the present day reader gain insight into what the hero of the Middle Ages would have held as ideals and necessary triumphs. Beowulf and Sir Gawain each fill a different role within their unique societies. Beowulf is a leader and a savior in times of need, willing to go to any length to help another group of people as well as his own kingdom. Sir Gawain is also willing to rise during moments of trouble within his court but lacks the altruism that is inherent in Beowulfs leadership. Although there are many pursuable comparisons within the two tales, the most apparent between the two heroes are that of faith, the men who encouraged them, bravery and the†¦show more content†¦Beowulf affirms this belief when someone got close to the dragon but didnt die; saying So may a man not marked by fate easily escape exile and woe by the grace of God (81). This idea of fate is carried through as Beowulf fight s the dragon and dies. That final day was the first time when Beowulf fought and fate denied him glory in battle again attributing all his previous successes and his ultimate collapse to the power of God. Faith is also a prominent figure within Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Gawains faith in God is shown when he is regularly praying to God for protection and forgiveness before his trip or his challenge with the Green Knight. Sir Gawain is perpetually referencing to God, saying, as God allows, by the Lords decree, and in Gods own name to give the impression that he truly relies on God for guidance and strength (199-201). Gawain starts to reference to God much more the closer he gets to his face-off with the Green Knight. Finally turning over his fate to God, Gawain prays that I shall not give way to weeping; Gods will be done, amen! I commend me to his keeping (202). Gawain and Beowulf both reflect the idea that the fate God has chosen for you is an inescapable certainty, no doubt reflecting the beliefs of their time. Beowulf and Gawain both had key figures within their tale that influenced the struggles they faced. Beowulf wasShow MoreRelatedThe Cultural Values And The Archetypal Patterns Of The Novel Hero With A Thousand Faces 1331 Words   |  6 Pages Throughout the world of literature, heroes or protagonists are often characters created by culture. Through these characters, we discover the faults and the virtuous qualities that this time period had to offer. As the heroes make their way through the journey, the reader learns the culture through the character’s actions and mistakes. 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