Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Prompt #4 Back in the early medieval times, there were many different tales of heroes from all around the world. Both Sir Gawain and Beowulf are different heroes in their own stories, but does one stand out more than the other? I believe that the answer is clear. Beowulf is more developed and more honorable than Sir Gawain. First, Beowulf is noticeably more honorable than Sir Gawain was. While staying at the Lord’s castle, Sir Gawain says to him that he “will give ye all I have earned.” This of course was a lie, breaking the covenant he had made with the lord. The Lady of the castle gave him a magical girdle to protect him and he told the lord he hadn’t received anything; this is not the works of an honorable knight. Also, Gawain “swerved aside as the axe came gliding down to slay him.” When his turn comes to be hit by the Greek Knight, he dodges the axe, which is breaking the agreement. Sir Gawain is too worried about staying alive then actually trying to be a true knight. On the contrary, Beowulf is told to complete multiple life threatening tasks and he does what he is told. He does everything asked of him and saves the town from the evil Grendel, and the Dragon. Beowulf is extremely honorable because he fought for the people of the town and died protecting a town that was not his own. Last, “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain the Green Knight” (SGGK) clearly separate Beowulf as the more developed hero. Beowulf states that “no man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine.” The tales of Beowulf’s doings have spread all around and people know who he is and know of his strength. He has gone through and won many battles and he is a respected warrior. On the other hand, Sir Gawain stands up for himself to “let this venture be mine.” King Arthur is about to play the “beheading game” with the Green Knight and Sir Gawain steps up to take his place in the game. He knows that he is not respected and if his life should be lost, it would not be a burden to the knights. Many different heroes come from different backgrounds and have to perform different tasks. When talking about Beowulf and Sir Gawain, it is evident that Beowulf is the all around superior hero. When it comes to the dynamics and honor of the heroes, Beowulf blows Sir Gawain out of the water.