Heroes originate in the mists of time and myth. Early literature was probably based on the king who died for his people, and the warrior who defended his king of all evils. An epic hero, such as Beowulf or Sir Gawain, possessed the qualities of loyalty and honor and is usually associated with the relationship between knight and king. The hero lives in a society, where a man's 'good name' is his most prized possession and it can be distorted if loyalty was to put at risk.
             Beowulf first announced loyalty to King Hrothgar so he can have permission to fight Grendal. The defeat of Grendal not only made Beowulf a hero, his name was recognized widespread and live on through legends and myths. After the defeat of Grendal, Grendal¡¯s mother attacked the Heorot again. Here Beowulf¡¯s reputation can be at risk if Beowulf has not taken up arms. Loyalty to king mean that Beowulf would have to defend Heorot for the second time. To break that loyalty can cause the breakdown of his name and reputation, which Beowulf have try to achieve.
             The virtue of Sir Gawain¡¯s loyalty, loiautee, is more intricate and more significant. The chivalric hero sets out to find a test or an adventure in which he can prove himself. Sir Gawain¡¯s adventure is more spiritual rather than physical. Gawain must pass all the requirement of the ideal chivalric knight in order to triumph. Even thought Gawain fails - he lacks in loyalty, says the Green Knight - he does in sense get exalted. Gawain¡¯s understanding and acceptance of his flawed nature, he confessed to the Green Knight.
             Beowulf¡¯s and Sir Gawain¡¯s loyalty does have its different, but both heroes must follow an honorable heroic code. Heroes must always accept their failure and winning.
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