Beowulf vs. Sir Gawain
What is noble and honorable is not an eternal principle common to every time and culture. Just as there are differences in the type of food prevalent in a culture three will likewise be differences in the qualities that make up a noble and honorable man. So that a man noble in his own culture may be considered disgraceful in another. An example of such cultural differences may be seen in the epic poem Beowulf and the Arthurian romance Sir Gawain and the Green knight. Although, there are no drastic differences in the perception of honor in the two works the values placed on certain qualities that make up a noble man such as strength and humility differ altogether. In the epic poem Beowulf strength is emphasized as a necessary trait while in Sir Gawain and the Green knight no mention is made to the physical abilities of any of the knights of the round table. Throughout th
Beowulf and Sir Gawain are exemplary characters who through strength and mettle of spirit won the respect of their people, both are noble and honorable, there is no way to decide which of these characters is more worthy of praise. e course of the epic poem Beowulf is praised numerous times for his ability to perform amazing physical feats of strength, proud of his talent Beowulf takes time to recall his amazing swimming match with Breka where recalling his enormous strength, endurance, and bravery on the high seas. Sir Gawain takes challenges the green knight to replace king's Arthur's place knowing he may possibly die. Beowulf bravely faces three unholy creatures Grendel, Grendel's mother and a great dragon. Beowulf is loved and cherished in the land of the Danes, but he never forget that he is a Jute and makes sure some of his booty goes to the king of his land. Valor is a trait that both Beowulf and Sir Gawain posses in great amounts. While the epic poem is centered around the retelling of great deeds the Arthurian romance seems to favor modesty and humility, Sir Gawain instead of bragging about his bravery, acts modest and says that his death would be the smallest loss so that is why he should go. The last trait is unselfishness, when Beowulf hears of the plight of the Danes he immediately comes to their rescue, having no obligation to h!elp the Danes, he still volunteers his skills and his life as he begins his journey to fight Grendel. Although, some qualities have different value in different lands the same basic characteristics are common to all noble and honorable people, these characteristics include loyalty, valor, and unselfishness. Sir Gawain proves his valor and bravery by keeping his promise to the green knight as well as his journey to find Bursulak. An action of such modesty would not invoke respect among the Danes who cherished self-esteem and pride in once self and one's accomplishments, on the contrary the only feeling such modesty may invoke is pity. Both Beowulf and Sir Gawain are entirely loyal to their lands and their people. They are both legendary heroes who revered by their peers. Sir Gawain and Beowulf were both the epitomes of honorable people in their times and their lands. Beowulf's motives for battling evil would seem impure because of the gracious rewards he receives.
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