Can one hero be better than another? A hero does more than just save lives and fight the bad guys; it is about the journey of finding oneself during that process and defeating the evil found within. A hero needs good character, strong morals, and the ability to resist temptations. Beowulf and Sir Gawain are both literary heroes. The epic poem “Beowulf” shows a brave knight going on a journey to defeat his long time enemy, Grendel. The poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” takes the audience on a journey with a knight named Sir Gawain, who also defeats his enemy, which turns out to be himself. So, which hero is better? Although there are many similarities and differences between Beowulf and Sir Gawain that set them apart, such as their character
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Beowulf deals with an external conflict, Grendel and Grendel’s Mother. Grendel is a demon who prowls in King Hrothgar 's palace, destroying and killing many. Beowulf makes it his mission to fight and kill Grendel and Grendel’s Mother. The author writes, “Grendel was the name of this grim demon, haunting the marches, marauding round the heath and the desolate fens; he had dwelt for a long time in misery among the banished monsters…” (Beowulf 102-104). Although fighting and killing an external conflict, as Beowulf succeeds in doing, is rather tough, the internal conflicts that Sir Gawain faces and destroys are much more challenging. Sir Gawain goes through many internal conflicts with himself in the castle that he must overcome by staying loyal and true to the knightly code while staying loyal to himself. The Lady in the castle often tempts Sir Gawain, to which he always declines her. Although he does kiss the Lady to appease her, he never gives in to her tricks or mind-games. The author writes, “She came near thereupon and caught him in her arms, and down daintily bending dearly she kissed him… Without more ado through the door she withdrew and departed, and he to rise up in haste made ready at once” (“Sir Gawain” 52). It would have been so easy for Sir Gawain to give in the the Lady’s temptations and then lie about what he had done to the lord. The deal that the lord made with Sir Gawain …show more content…
His character progression slowly but surely takes place for the better along his journey to find the Green Knight. Sir Gawain defeats all of his internal conflicts, even though they can be the hardest to face, and he goes to the Lord in times of need and thanks Him constantly, showing the qualities of a true hero. Sure, Beowulf defeats Grendel and gets glorified for it, but Sir Gawain accomplishes so much more and does not need praise, although he receives it. A true hero does not need glory, but a true hero
Beowulf deals with an external conflict, Grendel and Grendel’s Mother. Grendel is a demon who prowls in King Hrothgar 's palace, destroying and killing many. Beowulf makes it his mission to fight and kill Grendel and Grendel’s Mother. The author writes, “Grendel was the name of this grim demon, haunting the marches, marauding round the heath and the desolate fens; he had dwelt for a long time in misery among the banished monsters…” (Beowulf 102-104). Although fighting and killing an external conflict, as Beowulf succeeds in doing, is rather tough, the internal conflicts that Sir Gawain faces and destroys are much more challenging. Sir Gawain goes through many internal conflicts with himself in the castle that he must overcome by staying loyal and true to the knightly code while staying loyal to himself. The Lady in the castle often tempts Sir Gawain, to which he always declines her. Although he does kiss the Lady to appease her, he never gives in to her tricks or mind-games. The author writes, “She came near thereupon and caught him in her arms, and down daintily bending dearly she kissed him… Without more ado through the door she withdrew and departed, and he to rise up in haste made ready at once” (“Sir Gawain” 52). It would have been so easy for Sir Gawain to give in the the Lady’s temptations and then lie about what he had done to the lord. The deal that the lord made with Sir Gawain …show more content…
His character progression slowly but surely takes place for the better along his journey to find the Green Knight. Sir Gawain defeats all of his internal conflicts, even though they can be the hardest to face, and he goes to the Lord in times of need and thanks Him constantly, showing the qualities of a true hero. Sure, Beowulf defeats Grendel and gets glorified for it, but Sir Gawain accomplishes so much more and does not need praise, although he receives it. A true hero does not need glory, but a true hero