Examples Of Heroic Archetype In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

However, There are several traditional examples of a heroic archetype like the Pearl Poet's literary work, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which is a good example because he is the closest example of a virtuous hero. In this medieval piece of literature, Sir Gawain is challenged by a Green Knight to cut off his head and to cut off his own as well. This absurd challenge starts off when the Green Knight challenges King Author’s court to take part in his challenge: "You've nothing but beardless babes about this bench!/...You haven't a man that could match me, your might is so feeble/... If any man holds himself, here in this house, so hardy,/ So bold in his blood–and so brainless in his head– /That he dares to stoutly exchange one stroke for another"(l. 62, 64, 67-69).
Consequently, No one in Arthur's court is brave enough to accept the challenge except Sir Gawain. …show more content…
Even before the actual challenge, Sir Gawain shows his bravery and ignorance when he accepts this challenge. Sir Gawain didn't even know why the Green Knight was challenging the court in the first place. When Sir Gawain did accept the challenge, this demonstrated his foolishness to boldly accept the challenge, which is probably why no other knight in King Arthur's court accepted the challenge. However, this Green Knight also barged into King Arthur's castle uninvited, and he even insults Arthur's knights by comparing them to children. Considering the Green Knight challenged Arthur's court and honor, Gawain demonstrates his loyalty and bravery by accepting his challenge when no one else would. On the other hand, sometimes the bravest actions aren't always the smartest because Sir Gawain would eventually realize the error in his ways when the Green Knight survives having his head severed. This ultimately scares Sir Gawain because he has to then take a blow from the Green Knight's axe. Like Joseph Campbell's