Since the time of great antiquity, heroes emerge in both history and literature across the global arena. Historically, a hero will surface immediately to counteract disputes and clashes without any adjournment. In Persian and English medieval literature, too, the presence of heroes is inevitable. Heroes (e.g. Beowulf, Sir Gawain, Rostam, Sohrab, Sekander, etc.), both, historical and literary, share common features, such as selflessness and compassion for their people. Outsiders, however, are not considered to be a hero despite their self-made strengths and skills. The medieval world depended on royal lineage to accept a leader, because they are believed to be descendants of the mighty gods; this type of preference signifies the heavy influence
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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Similar to Beowulf, this 14th-century middle English literary work tells the story about adventures of a heroic figure, Gawain. Sir Gawain after having done the beheading game with the Green Knight, departs for an audacious journey. It was during this journey that Gawain have proved his exceptional bravery and his heart of courage. The contrast between the Arthurian bloodline and commoners (despite their status as high-ranking knights) is seen clearly the arrival of the Green Knight. The knights “were like statues in their seats, / left speechless and rigid, not risking a response./ The hall fell hushed, as if all who were present/ had slipped into sleep or some trancelike state.” (Sir Gawaina and the Green Knight, 732). The so-called “honorable” knights expresses their cowardliness and does not have any will to respond to the difficult circumstances. King Arthur and Gawain, on the contrary, reacted to the peaceful invader. The two characters are part of the same royal blood line, in which Gawain is Arthur’s nephew; during the Green Knight’s arrival, he says “were I not your nephew my life would mean nothing;/ to be born your blood is my body’s only claim.” (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, 734). Gawain plainly has a trait that is similar to the renowned Arthur. Evidently, only Arthur and his nephew were the one with enough bravery to stand
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Similar to Beowulf, this 14th-century middle English literary work tells the story about adventures of a heroic figure, Gawain. Sir Gawain after having done the beheading game with the Green Knight, departs for an audacious journey. It was during this journey that Gawain have proved his exceptional bravery and his heart of courage. The contrast between the Arthurian bloodline and commoners (despite their status as high-ranking knights) is seen clearly the arrival of the Green Knight. The knights “were like statues in their seats, / left speechless and rigid, not risking a response./ The hall fell hushed, as if all who were present/ had slipped into sleep or some trancelike state.” (Sir Gawaina and the Green Knight, 732). The so-called “honorable” knights expresses their cowardliness and does not have any will to respond to the difficult circumstances. King Arthur and Gawain, on the contrary, reacted to the peaceful invader. The two characters are part of the same royal blood line, in which Gawain is Arthur’s nephew; during the Green Knight’s arrival, he says “were I not your nephew my life would mean nothing;/ to be born your blood is my body’s only claim.” (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, 734). Gawain plainly has a trait that is similar to the renowned Arthur. Evidently, only Arthur and his nephew were the one with enough bravery to stand