Sir Gawain: The Ideal Anglo-Saxon Hero

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Patrick Oakley English 5B 10-28-14 Gawain embodies many of the ideals and qualities that would be expected of an Arthurian knight. He is described as to be very modest, honest, committed and courageous. He also engages in the activities that define heroes: a journey, a challenge, and the proof of his worth. Although he is considered a good and honorable knight, he does tell a single lie that leads to much worse things. Because Sir Gawain is so concerned with maintaining his reputation and image as a good knight, he tells a lie by not informing his host that he has received his wives green scarf. This lie, once it is revealed that the host knew all along, becomes the basis of the story. Gawain never loses his appeal to Arthur however; in fact while the lie is not really serious, he is devoted to repent for it, even asking the green knight to finish the job and behead him.…show more content…
What is quite different about Beowulf though is that he exhibited the traits of both a fiery, young hero but the wisdom and experience of someone much older. Beowulf showed inhuman strength from his younger life all the way to his elder years. But with this age he also showed that he had matured in his decision making and started looking out for other instead of just his own reputation. However, the code of ancient Anglo-Saxon ‘death before dishonor’, compelled Beowulf to defend his people one final time; he seemed to trust that a younger warrior would rise to the occasion should he be killed, in which one
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