'Compare and Contrast Sir Gawain and Beowulf\r'

'Heroes come in some(prenominal) forms, yet traits such(prenominal) as: courage, honor, and loyalty, re-emerge as themes throughout the personality of a adept. The characters of Beowulf and Sir Gawain each represent a interpretation of a hero, yet each comes across quite oppositely in their several(prenominal) story. A hero stick out be said to truly win if he remains constant to his noble set when put in each station that crosses his way. When measured by that criteria, Sir Gawain stands out higher up Beowulf as a true hero, repay fit to his command of both personal and spiritual power through the use of thought, as well as valiant deeds.Gawain embodies some of the characteristics of the chivalric knight and hero, among them, modesty, honesty, commitment, loyalty, and courage. Although he is or so beyond reproach, he does commit a single error, accepting the ladys common land girdle. This sets him apart(predicate) from Beowulf. Distraught with his sin, Sir Gawain, c one clock timerned with maintaining his reputation and get wind as a chivalrous knight, admits he accepted the ladys green girdle to the host. This lie, once it is revealed, becomes the means by which the mild hubris that afflicts Gawain is expose and also the means by which the hubris can be corrected.This flaw completes the character of Sir Gawain, for in his humility he becomes a invariable hero. Beowulf, is quite different in this respect, compose in a perfect un fightranted in the absence of any flaw. This exemplifies the passkey honor of Sir Gawain everywhere Beowulf, because he is able to confront his sin and gain virtue, bandage Beowulf is portrayed as void of any wrongdoing, unable to denounce any smirch in his person for lack of its existence. Beowulf is thusly an epic hero and king.What is especially provoke is that the way in which the tale is integrated and narrated permits the reader to observe two different types of valor: the heroism of youth and the he roism of an fourth-year, wiser, and much mature warrior. In his youth, the physiologic characteristics of heroism atomic number 18 emphasized. Beowulf is recalled as having performed physical feats that no other man was receptive of doing, and such feats required immense reserves of courage, such as his battle with Grendel in the hall, Herot, and his journey to Grendels mothers lair inthe glimmering crime syndicate where he fought and defeated her. In his gray-haireder age the feats of heroism argon more subtle, more abstract, and one might heading his decision to battle the dragon, which would ultimately response in his death. However, the code of the hero compelled Beowulf to underpin his people one final time; he seemed to trust that a jr. hero-warrior would rise to the occasion should death encounter him, as it did. In â€Å"Beowulf,” the hero-king is faced with challenges that are both physical and moral, both impending his life.Like Sir Gawain, Beowulf has all the requisite characteristics of a hero and like Sir Gawain, he is invested in defend his reputation, yet in this respect, Beowulf chose pride over being humble, which Sir Gawain emanates. Beowulf does non know when to collar fighting; even in old age he is still waging war against evil forces, this is a prime standard of his unselfishness, sacrificial, yet boastful personality. Sir Gawain, was also selfless when he volunteered to behead the Green gymnastic horse, sacrificial when he chose to approach the Green Knight at the end of the tale, yet he never boasted or praised himself for these accomplishments.Sir Gawain was virtuous in his deeds, adhering to the chivalric code of earning the praise of god rather than the praise of fellow peers and subjects. sure Beowulf and Sir Gawain are heroes. They hold heroic qualities such as bravery, valor and chivalry. But it is arouse to note that there greatest qualities are often their downfall. Beowulf, void of any downfall, was a great king and warrior, dying in his last feat of slaying a dragon.To the contrary, Sir Gawain fell to the sways of women by accepting the ladys green girdle, yet after he had heroically faced the Green Knight, he act to wear the girdle to display his shame. However, In considering heroes it is important to remember that for as well-knit as the values are, if they are to be considered true heroes, they must have their faults. This should not discount from their achievements, but serve to erect them. For this reason, Sir Gawain is more honorable than Beowulf.\r\n'