Compare and contrast images of heroism in these two poems

resolution is a distinction that we seem to generate no problem identifying, skillful when asked to define what a pigboat is a myriad of answers emerge. This phenomenon is non uncommon to todays society the definition of a hoagy is approximately function that is constantly under change and debate. An example of this piece of ass be seen in two older pieces of side literature Beowulf, written circa 750-900, and Sir Gawain and the third estate Knight, written circa 1375-1400. These stories two have a principal(prenominal) character that possesses doughty qualities, soldieryy of which ar very similar.Gawains identicalness as a adept is not clearly show, but when compared with Beowulf, who is exhibit to be a hero, hiss merits earn him that title as well. merely what defines a heroic act, or a hero for that matter? very much times we dismiss the question due to its complex nature. But when confronted with an exclusive with heroic qualities we readily identify them a s a hero. So what frozen of traits makes up this amorphous definition that we call hero? I would obtain that the very definition is angiotensin converting enzyme that is dependent upon the time and society in which its context is being utilised.A person who shot somebody to however the life of another whitethorn be viewed as a hero under the scrutiny of one culture, but in a opposite time or location the very opposite may be true. Nevertheless, heroes exist and posses these ever changing heroic qualities. Beowulf is clearly demonstrated to be a hero, and we can observe the qualities he possesses to enable him to have that title. piece of music Sir Gawains heroic accomplishments are a little more debatable, I would present that he deserves the same title he exudes qualities which can be considered heroic in the context of Arthurian Legend as well as today.Although we can attribute no authorship to Beowulf or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, we can see that Beowulf was meant to be a hero and if vigour else, Gawain was portrayed as the written reports protagonist. One such way this was do was by having neither of the main characters as all powerful rulers in fact for each one Beowulf and Gawain served some sort of higher authority. Beowulf, throughout approximately 2/3 of the fable serves Hrothgar. Similarly, Gawain was not ruler of his domain but served King Arthur. It is important to distinguish that while both served other men, they were not themselves servants.Beowulf traveled from his land to dish in the destruction of Grendel, and Gawain chose to be a knight of the Round parry and indeed viewed his service to Arthur and his kingdom as an honor. By the construct of having both main characters serve others, the author has created more capacity for heroism to vex apparent. If the President of the United States were to prevent nuclear war, the people would obviously be relieved and grateful that he fulfilled his duty. If a soldier on the field accomplished the same task, he would be regarded as a true hero.Transcending ones traditional post and going above and beyond is a characteristic which helps to set heroes apart from other people. Sir Gawain goes above and beyond his role when declaring his intention to battle the Green Knight. I would come to your counsel in advance your court noble. /For I find it not fit, as in doctrine it is known, /When such a boon is begged before all these knights, /Though you be tempted thereto, to take it on yourself (lines 347-350) King Arthur at this point had already accepted the challenge, yet Gawain decided to take his place because he was aware of the insecurity and risk involved in letting the King fight.He admits just a few lines later that I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit feeblest /And the loss of my life would be least of any (lines 354-355) This indicator that is ability to fight is low makes his decision to fight that much more heroic, and this is all done in the name of Arthur. Beowulf, on the other hand, does not have an issue of inferior strength, but quite the opposite- he seems to posses a sort of superhuman strength. Even so, his level of self restraint and light prevents him from overthrowing Hrothgar despite his superior abilities.This amount of loyalty and service is a trait that helps develop his character even further as a hero. some(prenominal) Gawain and Beowulf having been in similar instances serving a higher authority have shown heroic qualities although they may have differed. While the two main characters in discussion are being portrayed as heroes, they are lock human and have fallibilities. It is the dynamic experience, the pilfer and fall of these characters which makes them real and human, that shows what they are truly made of.This insight may prove to be frustrate or disheartening for many, I find the revelation to be consoling as it reasserts that a hero isnt an idyllic state but a condition which can be human ly attained. Beowulfs rise and fall is demonstrated rather clearly throughout the progression of the level. At his peak, he kills Grendel with his supererogatory hands. In the second encounter with Grendels mother he is victorious, but requires the use of armor and the sword Hrunting. As time passes, he becomes king.He helps to off the dragon that is terrorizing the land with the assistance of Wiglaf and his men, but at the cost of his life. This reverse of his strength is foreshadowed earlier by Hrothgar, Choose dear Beowulf, the better part, / ever-living rewards. Dont give way to pride. /For a brief while your strength is in bloom/ but it fades quickly (lines 1759-1762). Beowulfs erudition, which he relies on throughout the story even diminishes as he faces the dragon, as shown when he elects to strike firstborn by himself with full knowledge that his strength is not as considerable as it used to be.Another interesting point is that while in the service is Hrothgar is hero ic qualities shown through but when he became leader, he was windlessness a hero but many of the qualities such as his wisdom and strength in this instance have decreased. Likewise to Beowulf, Gawain experiences a rise and fall. His circumstance is slightly different than Beowulfs however. Gawains worthiness to even be named a hero is a good deal put into question, and his final deeds tend to predominate the previous ones when that consideration is made.This is an unfair judgment as no one would rescind Beowulfs status as a hero because of his pride crying(a) his judgment towards the end of his life, but would still consider him a hero because of his previous heroic actions. The same is true of Sir Gawain. Near the end of the story when he thinks he will die and take a hopes when the ax is coming down(a) on his neck, hes viewed as a coward. Ill concede that it was a cowardly thing to do, but then Im forced to ask the rhetorical question, What would you do? Moments later, Gawa in recomposes himself, doesnt flinch and gets nicked.Of course, one could argue that Gawain is a coward disguised as a hero because of his protest to the Green Knight claiming his debt is paid, and that he decided to use the unripe girdle. First of all, Gawain spends the rest of his days lamenting his decision to use the girdle, so he isnt ignorant of what he as done. Secondly, there is absolutely nothing heroic about dying without a cause, which is what would have been the case had the Green Knight carried out his threat. I see no harm done in preparing oneself for an encounter such as the one he went through.We often laude heroes for their cunning in wisdom, so why should those same traits in Gawain be looked upon negatively? While there are many more facets to declaring someone a hero, these are a few that both Beowulf and Gawain share. Beowulf demonstrates that its namesake is a man who is supposed to be regarded as a hero. This same intent is not made in Sir Gawain and the Gre en Knight, but when the two are compared with each other, Sir Gawain is shown to be a hero, not a simple coward that he may initially appear to be.