Beowulf and Sir Gawain as True Heroes

Literature often evolves over the course of time. But one common aspect of literature comes when a writer tries to define his hero though his writing. A universal definition of hero has come into existence, where a hero is defined as a person with heroic characteristics and courage, as well as someone who exhibits heroic conduct and behavior. While that may sound vague, it is easy to find examples of heroes throughout literature. In the anonymously written poems Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the protagonists Beowulf and Sir Gawain exemplify the characteristics of a hero, even thought the texts were both written more than six hundred years ago. The actions of the two ancient characters are looked at by many as acts of bravery and honor throughout much of their respective stories. When compared and contrasted, the two characters portray the qualities of a true hero in their own unique way.

One could look at Beowulf in numerous ways when trying to decipher if he is a hero. Of the obvious qualities that make him a hero to those around him is his amazing physical strength. Beowulf fought numerous battles, emerging victorious time after time. Beowulf was strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, after having terrorized the Danes for twelve years. With his bear hands Beowulf ripped the arm off Grendel. In the ensuing battle with Grendel's mother, Beowulf again shows great strength by using the sword of a giant to slash Grendel's mother's throat. It would have taken a man of superior strength and power to have used or even lifted a sword of that degree. Once Beowulf sliced off the creature's head, he carried it out of the of the ocean depths for all to see and admire. It took four men to lift the enormous head and carry it back to Herot's mead-hall. These examples of super-human strength by Beowulf are a major component of his heroism.

Another aspect of Beowulf's heroism is his ability to put the welfare and concern for others before his own. Before going into battle, Beowulf's uncle, the King of the Geats, sends several soldiers to help Beowulf battle Grendel. But Beowulf, knowing the dangers and perils of war and battle does not allow any of the soldiers to help him. After having conquered the ample beast, Beowulf is named king for fifty years. Towards the end of his lengthy rein as king, he goes into battle one last time. Beowulf, now in an elderly state, fights a dragon that has been frightening all his people. In this battle, Beowulf is now showing signs of being old and tired. This battle ultimately killed the hero but Beowulf managed to slay the dragon too. The double death is for protection of his people. Even while dying, Beowulf is thinking about his people and the security of his people. His wishes are granted and a lighthouse is built in order to help the people maneuver their way back to Herot.

By putting the welfare of his people before his own and displaying super-human physical strength and courage Beowulf shows the traits of heroism. Beowulf will do anything to better his community of which he is the ruler, and with every beast he encountered he never fears the threat of death. His leadership is superb, often leading by example, and then he boasts of his abilities and accomplishments to the other warriors. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life several times for immortal glory and for the good of others.

The most heroic trait of Beowulf is that he is not afraid to die. Beowulf always lists his wishes before going into battle should fate catch up to him. Early in the epic, Beowulf explains, "I hereby renounce sword and shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death fight with the fiend. Whichever one death fells must deem it a just judgment by God" (Beowulf, 436-41). Here Beowulf is willing to accept whatever fate God has in store for him. Beowulf is also aware of the heroic paradox, that regardless of the outcome of his battles, he knows he that he will achieve immortality and ultimate glory by continuing to go to battle. Another example within the text where Beowulf shows his heroism is when he addressed Wealhtheow and proclaimed "I had a fixed purpose when I put to sea. As I sat in the boat with my band of men, I meant to perform the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in the attempt, in the fiend's clutches" (Beowulf, 636-38). Even with the enormous amount of confidence that Beowulf has, he understands that fate ultimately decide the outcome of his battles. He knows he could be killed at any point, but faces that reality by showing no fear and preparing for any possible outcome. Beowulf's awareness of the chance of death and his acceptance of the possibility gives him a quality which is that of a hero.

Sir Gawain from the epic Sir Gawain and the Green Knight